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After their first three games were either cancelled or postponed, Washington has reeled off four straight wins to begin the season.

They have registered wins against Bridge Creek (7-0), Lindsay (14-8), Crossings Christian (14-2) and Lexington (25-0).

“I like what we’re doing so far,” head coach Jeff Kulbeth said. “I’m anxious to see where things go.”

Washington returns six seniors for their 2021 campaign after losing six from last year’s ball club.

Gone from last year are Blaine Martin, Hayden Whitaker, Devin Orr, Nick Andrews, Oliver Wilson and Gabe Williams.

Returning seniors this year are Bobby Reese, Colin Pelton, Aden Hyde, Jax Brewer, Emitt Wilk and Luke Keltner.

Losing most of last year’s baseball schedule to the pandemic has created an interesting dynamic on the team.

“Even though we have six seniors only one of them has played in meaningful innings and that’s Bobby Reese,” Kulbeth said. “With the year off these guys haven’t had the opportunity for competition but they’ve worked really hard this winter and spring.”

Wilk will handle the majority of the catching duties behind the plate. Sam Hegeman and Kane Springer will be able to spell Wilk behind the dish or if he’s pitching.

Pelton will man first base with Dax McCaskill also getting time there.

The middle infield for the Warriors will be among the most solid anywhere.

University of Tennessee commit Camden Bates will play at shortstop with Reese at second base. Brewer will fill into either position to round out the rotation.

Hyde will man third base and Hegeman will provide depth at the position after he recovers from some soreness in his arm.

In the meantime, Hegeman has been the designated hitter for the Warriors.

Kulbeth is looking at a four-man rotation in the outfield with Springer, Reese Stephens and Kingston Dode settling in so far. Wilk could be another option as well.

“Our guys are so multiple in where they can play and guys can move around,” Kulbeth said. “The best part about it is when they’re asked to move around they don’t bat an eye.”

Kulbeth, who enters his fourth season as the skipper of the Warriors, will have options at pitcher as the season progresses.

Reese, Bates, Keltner, Pelton, Hegeman, Brewer and Hyde will all take the mound this season. Freshmen Easton Berglan and McCaskill will also get in some work on the bump as the season goes on.

Despite the physical talent possessed in the clubhouse, Kulbeth thinks the strength of the team is more of an intangible quality.

“Their ability to care for one another is our biggest strength,” he said. “We make it a big deal to take care of each other and to be team-first. This team will see the benefits of that.

“Guys are buying in. We want to have a culture of caring for each other and that’s our standard.”

After only four games, one of the biggest needs of improvement on his team is their inability to get hits when there are base runners with two outs.

“We’re having too many strikeouts with guys in scoring position,” he said.

The Warriors host Plainview today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. before leaving next week for Gulf Shores, Ala. and the Gulf Coast Classic.

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