Hewitt’s club faces busy, competitive slate
By: John E. Powers
By the end of last week, the Hillsborough High School baseball team had a right to sit back and take a collective sigh. So much is ahead, in so short a time.
The games on the field resulted in a 1-2 week a 3-0 loss to Edison a week ago Saturday, followed by a dramatic 9-8 win over Warren Hills followed by a 11-9 loss to Franklin last Thursday. The annual Diamond Classic Tournament was canceled because of Saturday’s steady rains.
That allowed the Raiders to heal.
The Raiders learned that their ace, Eric Eden, would be out for an uncertain amount of time with a shoulder injury and freshman righty Rob Kumbatovic, the team’s No. 2 pitcher, would also be out for an indefinite amount of time after being hit by a line drive and suffering bruised ribs.
This week, the Raiders were scheduled to play host to Watchung Hills and Bridgewater-Raritan, travel to unbeaten and four-time defending Skyland Conference Delaware Division champ North Hunterdon Thursday and finish the week Saturday in the first round of the Somerset County Tournament at home against Somerville.
HHS head coach Norm Hewitt said he’s hoping to get past the county game, advance, buy some time and get back to having one of his two top pitchers back for the tournament quarterfinals, which would be on the road against third-seeded Montgomery May 10.
"We were told by the orthopedic doctor to let Eric rest, but there’s no damage in the rotator cuff, and that is so critical," Hewitt said. "The trainer did approve letting him play and he had five hits in the next two games. But I don’t know if either one of them will be back for the country game. Somebody has got to step up."
Junior righty Will Miska is a possibility. Hewitt used four pitchers in the loss to Franklin.
"Franklin just exploded," Hewitt said. "I really think that they’ll get some wins before the end of the year. Vinnie (Rettino) has done a very good job over there."
The win over Warren Hills was a stirring one. Junior pinch hitter John Pogorzelski, junior third baseman Jason Scala and senior first baseman Kyle McKenna each singled in runs in the bottom of seventh to lift the Raiders to the win.
"It was one of the better comebacks I’ve ever been involved in," Hewitt said.
Freshman left fielder Tim Fedroff went 3-for-4 with a double, homer, two RBI and three runs scored.
"I think he’s the best freshman hitter I’ve ever coached. The only one I can think I’ve had like him was Bobby Collins (who Hewitt coached when he was at Bridgewater-Raritan West)," Hewitt said. "For a freshman this kid is on another level. Not only does he hit with patience, but he doesn’t strike out, hits to all fields and he’s got an amazing eye at the plate."
Fedroff also got the win on the mound against Warren Hills. Fedroff, who was a middle infielder before being moved to the outfield, hits left-handed and throws righty.
"He’s coming along as a pitcher," Hewitt said.
Pitchers like Fedroff, Miska and others will have to fill the void until the two injured starters return.
"Right now we’re looking at two sophomores, a freshman and two juniors," Hewitt said. "We’ve been hitting the ball well, playing good defense and now we’ve got to weather this storm. I think we’ll be OK."

