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(NewsDakota.com) The Oakes High School baseball team plays their first game in one week’s time, and the 2016 season certainly will have some changes.

Larry Engel returns as the manager, and the team remains in Class B Region I, but for the most part, that’s where the similarities from last season end, especially defensively.

The Tornadoes finished last year with a 4-5 regional mark, and were one-and-done at the Class B Region I Tournament, losing to Central Cass.

This season sees Oakes in need of a viable pitching rotation, as no one returns to this year’s squad that made a Region I start. Senior Michael Kelly, who did make a non-region start in 2015, is expected to be the opening day starter Monday at Fargo Oak Grove, provided his lingering shoulder issues can be put under control, according to Engel.

Oakes will play the newest team in Region I, the Grovers of Fargo Oak Grove on Monday, April 4. Coverage on KDDR-AM 1220/95.9 FM and NewsDakota.com will start at 4:45 p.m., with first pitch at 5.