Sad day in Hamilton

Senior catcher Matt Sadin's absence from the Hillsborough High School lineup wasn't the reason the Raiders lost to Steinert 5-0 in the Central Jersey Group IV final today. But it didn't help. His leadership, defense and offense were missed.

Sadin had to sit out since he was disciplined for having his cel phone on in class, Raider coach Norm Hewitt said. Hillsborough Athletic Director Mike Fannizzi called the Hillsborough bus as it headed to the game Friday afternoon to tell Hewitt that the decision was final.

Sophomore Matt Mosko was quickly told that he would be stepping in for Sadin. Mosko made his first varsity start May 22 against Franklin. But a state sectional final is a bit different than a regular season game with Franklin.

Mosko had some tough plays and one Steinert run scored when he overthrew third baseman Sean MacDonald. Mosko won't forget this day and he'll be a better player for it.

Hewitt told us after the game that he will sit out this Wednesday's season-finale game at Watchung Hills.

Hewitt and head softball coach Cheryl Iaione were suspended a game because their teams practiced May 17 -- the day after a student made a terrorist threat at the high school -- on a field off the Hillsborough High campus. Hillsborough has three games left -- Watchung Hills Tueday at home; at Immaculata at HealthQuest Wednesday and Thursday at Watchung Hills.

Home plate umpire Dave Vivino did a great job in keeping things in order in Hamilton. The Spartans public address announcer pushed the envelope with the entertainment. A couple of times, Vivino briefly stopped the game to scold the kid when the music continued as the Raiders or Spartans batted. Vivino informed the kid with the microphone that either the music stopped or there would be no public address activities.