Washington Township Senators 35+

The Washington Township Senators 38+ club will begin its title defense at Clearview Regional High School against an old nemesis, the Sewell Sharks, who extended the champs to three games in their 2006 playoff matchup. Let the games begin! "I think the guys are ready to go," said skipper Nick Frese. "I know we had some trouble with Ed Brown last year -- the guy can pitch -- but I'm hoping we'll get off to a good start." John DiPietro is expected to have the baseball on opening day, but Frese expects to use his entire pitching staff in the early going. "John is a horse, and he loves to throw innings," Frese said, "But we don't need to get anyone hurt in the early going. If I can get five innings tops out of John, depending upon pitch count, that will be plenty. I'd like to get Chris Lawrence and Frank Rose out there, too, and it wouldn't hurt to see Ken Bevenour toss an inning, either. The Senators start the season with two key hurlers on the shelf. Rookie Doug Crowe was expected to be a big contributor on the hill, but multiple physical setbacks have kept the righthander off the field, and he is unlikely to return before mid-season at best. And second-year lefty Rich Kulikowski is in a similar situation. "I'd love to see both guys back in there tomorrow," Frese said, "but realistically, we are looking at June or July at best. I just hope both of the guys can make it back to 100% health. That's much more important than baseball." Additionally, the Senators are still waiting for word on Pat Dewechter and Dan Barbara as far as their status for the upcoming season. Both would be huge additions to an already solid, veteran ballclub. Looking ahead, the Senators will have their usual doubleheader at Patty Bowker Field (June 24), and have the Medford Angels for a home twin-bill on May 20. "I say the same thing every year," Frese said. "So I'll say it again. I like our chances."