Bangor, Maine or bust!
That’s the scenario for the Johnston Little League’s Senior Division All-Star team that last week swept a best-of-three series vs. Elmwood and last night began a bid for the state championship and berth in the annual Eastern Regionals in Bangor, Maine.
Weather permitting, Johnston was set to play Burrillville, the District 4 champ, last night at famed Renaud Field in Woonsocket in Game 1 of the double elimination state finals with Game 2 tonight. If victorious, Manager Gary Rianna’s talented squad would then face the Pineview-South Kingstown winner for the state title and berth in the prestigious regionals.
The Johnston Senior League All-Stars are made up of players ages 15-16 and combined superb pitching and errorless defense and beat Elmwood in two games, 3-2 and 2-1, via walk off fashion to lock up a second straight district title.
Said Rianna: “The boys played hard from top to bottom, and I am very proud of this team and how they don’t get down on themselves and play unselfishly; it’s impressive how they support each other on-and-off the field.”
Winning titles, though, is nothing new for the Johnston Junior/Senior League All-Stars who have won five district titles and two state championships in the past six seasons.
“I’ve been fortunate to have great players with supportive parents,” Rianna, who has been part of four district title teams and two state championships, wanted it known. “I’ve also been associated with dedicated coaches who help put this all together … we don’t have this kind of success without all of them.”
Johnston won Game One, 3-2, in eight innings.
Manny Rios had a strong pitching performance going 5 1/3 innings while Jacob Petit came in relief and hurled 2 2/3 scoreless innings.
The offense was limited for both teams throughout the game with Johnston jumping out to a 2-0 lead only to have Elmwood bounce back in the fifth to not the score at 2-2.
In the bottom of the eighth Johnston loaded the bases and Nick Testa hit a chopper to shortstop that enabled Nick D’Qilla to take off from third base and thus beat the throw to home for the game winning run.
Meanwhile, Rianna said later: “Our kids played great defense. We preached to them from Day One that defense wins games. I’m proud of the way they played tonight.”
In Game Two, Elmwood led 1-0 through four innings but Johnston tied it a 1-1 when Ronnie Vento came racing on after tagging up from third courtesy of Matt Clements’ sacrifice fly to center field.
After a rain delay, key defense by Jaylin Adams and catcher Dean Paris prevented an Elmwood score. Later with two outs and Adamo at second base, Paris slapped a screaming down the right field line that sent Adamo racing home with another game-winning fun and the District Championship.
Many Rios once again provided a strong pitching performance through 7 2/3 innings while Logan Martins came in for relief for 1 1/3 innings of what Rianna called “tremendous relief that also led to the win.”
The players who hope to bring the state title home are Loan Martins, Paul Scorpio, Domenic Corona, Dean Paris, Matt Clements, Nick D’Aquila, Brandon Simonelli, Manny Rios, Nick Testa, Anthony Vendetti, Matt Jones, Ron Vento,
Jacob Petit and Jaylin Adams.
Rianna’s coaching staff includes Johnston Town Councilman Bob Civetti, Erik Martins and Chris Civetti.
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