Returning Tri-Valley League All-Star Nick Pedroli, shown in action from last season, is one of the keys to a talented Hillers lineup. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

In his third season as the baseball coach at Hopkinton High School, Matt Anderson said this year’s roster is without a doubt the most talented he has seen. The Hillers are good, but they are young, meaning that they will have to gain experience quickly if they are going to hit their potential.

The Hillers showed an ability to handle big spots early in the season, winning two games over Dedham and Westwood in walk-off fashion while being walked off by King Philip in between.

“It was a wild week,” Anderson said, “but we are playing well.”

Hopkinton has three captains who are leading the way: Dylan Ruff, Mitch Simulis and Nick Pedroli.

Ruff hits in the third spot in the order and is the team’s starting shortstop. He also gets some time on the mound despite not pitching much in the years prior. The team’s gold glove winner a season ago, Ruff is a “valuable” member of the roster, according to Anderson.

Simulis was the team’s top hitter two years ago, and Anderson is hoping the senior will see significant time despite an ongoing elbow injury.

Pedroli is a returning Tri-Valley League All-Star in center field and the team’s top returning hitter.

“All three of them are good leaders and great kids,” Anderson said.

Hopkinton boasts a huge sophomore class, and many of those players are expected to be major factors this spring. Michael Sullivan is a starting first baseman who hits cleanup and is among the team’s top pitchers. Another sophomore, Cal Mahon, is the starting catcher and bats sixth in most games. Gabe Cafazzo, who pitched four shutout innings against King Phillip, infielder/pitcher Travis Rych and hard-throwing pitcher Noah Krammes are among the sophomores excited to be a big part of the 2025 team. Sophomore Landon Fitzgibbon is a go-to option as a relief pitcher. Yet another sophomore, Andrew Beauchemin, had a huge hit to tie the Westwood game before his classmate, Sullivan, picked up the winner in extra innings.

“I think we have some tough kids who are built for these moments,” Anderson said.

Zach Stacey and Christian Wheeler are both seniors who are going to see time in the outfield after playing in reserve roles last spring. Anderson also had high praise for juniors James Hayward and Ryan Lang.

“James is a kid who just finds ways to compete, he battles at the plate, makes the plays in the field and works his tail off,” Anderson said. “And Ryan played shortstop last year and, the moment he stepped into the lineup, we won 15 straight games. That was not by accident.”

Hopkinton also will look to freshman Matt Pedroli, Nick’s younger brother, who comes into the year after an all-league campaign with the hockey team.

“He has one of the most explosive bats I have ever seen as a freshman, he’s hit some of the longest balls I have seen in some of our practices and scrimmages,” Anderson said. “He also has a fastball in the low-to-mid-80s, but he is dealing with an arm injury.”

After the team won 19 games last year, Anderson said this year’s squad has the potential to be even better.

“My goal is always to be as good as we can possibly be,” he said. “This team, in terms of talent, could compete for the league, and could compete for the state.”