After coming off a hot season, making it all the way to the championship in just their second year in the Cal Ripken League, head coach Scott Middleton and the Southern Maryland Senators are ready to pick up right where they left off.
In last year’s postseason, the Senators shocked many. They won their first playoff game against the Olney Cropdusters after losing to them on the same stage in 2023. After that, they swept the South Division winner, the Alexandria Aces, winning the first game 4-3 and the second 9-0. The Senators went on to face Bethesda Big Train in the championship, ultimately losing the series. Just in their second season, the Senators placed 2nd overall in the Cal Ripken League.
This year, the Senators have eight returning players coming back to their roster. The main two headlining the team are outfielders Nathan Brewer (Middle Tennessee) and Carter Groen (UConn).
“It feels good to be back. I’m looking forward to winning games and having a lot of fun this summer with a new group of guys,” said Groen in regards to the upcoming 2025 season.
Last season, Groen and Big Train outfielder Andrew Williamson led the league in home runs with nine in the regular season. Groen also led the team in RBIs with 26 and runs with 29. Meanwhile, Brewer led in hits with 45 and stolen bases with 14.
“I’m really excited to meet all the new guys and play for Scott Middleton again. I think it’ll be a really great time with a great group of guys,” said Brewer.
Other returners include utility player Ky Queen (Norfolk State), outfielder Logan Tribble (Wofford), and pitchers Mark Loubier (FAU), Jacob Seek (Frederick CC), Griffin Seibel (Quinnipiac), and Dawson Wetherald (Mount Aloysius). Also returning is right-handed pitcher Allen Miller (Shepherd) from the Senators' first year in the league in 2023.
“I’m really looking to elevate my outings this year and put our team in the best position to win,” said Loubier. “After losing to Big Train in the championship and now having a few college teammates playing for them this year, I’m super eager to play them and hopefully get a chance to face them on that same stage.”
Against a fierce Big Train team in Game 1 of the championship, Loubier pitched 5.1 innings, giving up only four hits and one earned run.
Not only is Middleton excited about the return of more players, but also about the arrival of new ones. He is especially excited about infielder Nick Flores (VCU), catcher Jax Nichols (Motlow State), and outfielder Adam Troch (Duke) joining the team. Middleton expects them to have a big influence on the field.
“The new players have already fit in great with the returners, and they are going to make a huge impact,” said Middleton.
The Senators start their season on Tuesday against the Metro South County Braves and play their home opener at Regency Furniture Stadium on Wednesday, June 4, against the Gaithersburg Giants.
