The Portsmouth High School baseball team entered the Division I state tournament as the 15th seed, a position that suggested a short run. Yet the Clippers have turned that expectation on its head, advancing to the semifinals with a chance to reach the championship game for the first time since 2018.
Their resurgence began with a pair of decisive victories in the final week of the regular season. Wins over Keene and Salem not only secured a playoff berth but also demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
Underdog Spirit Drives the Clippers
Head coach Tim Hopley attributes the turnaround to relentless work ethic and a belief that every player can make a difference. “The early work we put in has translated on the field,” he said, noting the team’s unity and resilience.
The pitching staff, anchored by Zavier Lampert, Jake Poulin and Cam Stacy, has been a cornerstone of the surge. Their ability to limit opponents while the offense consistently produces at least five runs has kept the team competitive in every close game.
On June 10, Portsmouth will meet No. 6 Londonderry at Holman Stadium in Nashua. A victory would set up a championship clash that the program, which has captured seven titles since 2008, has not seen in nearly a decade.
The journey from a sluggish start to the brink of a state title underscores what many call the special character of this group. Their story is not just about wins, but about perseverance, camaraderie, and the hope that a new generation of players will add their names to the school’s storied legacy.