The Sens returned to action Sunday by hosting the red hot Jersey Devils at Washington Twp. HS Varsity on an overcast morning. The clouds were a foreshadowing of what the team was about to face as the NJIBL website coverboy took the hill against the common foil in Senators Ace, Brandon Christy. In the last 3 seasons the two prototypical starting pitchers locked up and have split the series 1-1 so far with today being the rubber match.
It initially didn't look too promising for Frank as he gave up a run in each of the first two innings while racking up 5 K's. after that it was smooth sailing for the next 8 innings where he only surrendered 5 hits and tacked on another 7 strikeouts on his way to his 2nd win of the season. On the other side of the coin was Brandon Christy who went a solid 8 surrendering 2 runs (1 earned) and did not factor into the decision.
Sunday also marked the return of Gary Barbara to the line up as he notched a single, a double and an RBI. Another friendly face to Washington Township as Devils RF Ray Jobson returned. Ray was part of the Senators team that reached the finals of the old South Jersey league in 2007 and was a major contributor then too. He played a major factor as he laced a 2 run double in the 10th to give the Devils some cushion in their win.
The Sens will look to get back on track as the travel to North Cumberland to face a divisional foe in the Victus Sports team. They will face another familiar face from that 2007 team in Frank Chandler who is now patrolling the outfield for Jason Washbourne's team.
NOTES: John Mader and Gary Shears kept 3 game hitting streaks in tact in the loss while Jeff Vance swiped 3 bags on the day tying him for the team lead with Tony Frese.
The 2012 Washington Township Senators started the new season off on the right foot by defeating the Philadelphia Yankees 15-1 at Bob Kenney Field in Riverside this past Sunday. Senators Ace, Brandon Christy went a solid 5 shutout innings to earn his first win of the season. The new additions to the club made their presence felt in the field and at the plate as the Hoffman brothers (Corey & Kevin) hit for the cycle while scoring 4 runs & 4 RBI's while Johnny Gonzalez picked up a 2B and pitched 2 shutout innings. Several Sens had their hitting boots on as the resident 40+ Club members Jeff Vance and Gary Shears both picked up 3 hits and the reigning MVP John Mader didn't miss a beat from last year as he and SS Ethan Witte knocked in 3 RBI's a peice. The highlight of the day came from Sens DH Joe Fortunato who belted a moon shot blast in the top of the 9th which travelled an estimated 380+ feet over the left field fence at the cavernous Hooker Street field.
The Senators will host the 0-1 Moorestown Phillies for their home opener at Washington Twp. Varsity this coming Sunday morning at 9:00 am.
