The Johnston Little League Senior fall ball baseball team entered a state-wide tournament hosted by District 4 Cumberland and would take first place. Other teams included were Lincoln, Smithfield, North Smithfield, two Woonsocket teams and two Cumberland teams.
Johnston went unbeaten in the playoffs, beating Cumberland 1, Woonsocket 1 and Cumberland 2. Johnston’s overall record this season was 18-1, finishing by beating Cumberland 11-0 in the championship game.
“It was a long season but this was a great group of young men which made it a lot of fun” said Johnston manager Gary Rianna.
The team consisted of primarily 14 and 15-year-old players.
Many players played for Rianna at Johnston High School this season, some others will also be suiting up for the Panthers this coming season. To call it a long year is an understatement, as many of these players started their season in December of 2023 at Northeast Baseball Facility in Johnston, training in preparation for the 2024 baseball calendar.
Johnston lost its final game of the regular season, ending its bid for the perfect year.
“I hate losing, however that one was necessary. (We) needed a reality check,” Rianna said.
The Johnston team was deep in pitching with Ethan Bracey, Jake Rankin, Jordan Caperelli, Luca Schroer and Owen Polofsky. Offense was always generated at the top of the order with Alex Amaral leading the way and the line continued down the order.
The younger players contributed this season, however none more than catcher Josh Porrazzo.
“Josh is a tough kid. Never backed down, he played hurt, tired … never refused,” said Rianna.
Johnston’s most memorable game this season came late in the year, finding itself down 9-3 with only one at bat remaining. Not quitting, Johnston went into attack mode to score seven runs in the final frame for a dramatic walk-off win. All seven runs were scored without recording a single out.
“I want to thank Ed Ragano of Cumberland Little League District 4 for inviting us to join this league. I’ve known Ed for awhile now and he is a true gentleman and what this sport needs more of,” Rianna said. “I also want to thank coaches, John Amaral, Joe Porrazzo, Joseph Tavares and Ant Vendetti. It was an absolute pleasure. I also want to mostly thank the players for their continued effort and commitment.”
The Johnston Senior team included players: Alex Amaral, Josh Porrazzo, Jake Rankin, Ethan Bracey, Jordan Caparelli, Luca Schroer, Owen Polofsky, Gavin Polofsky, Cooper Ferranti, Gio Tonucci, Gio Gauther, and Jose Gonzalez. Coaches were: Manager Gary Rianna and Coaches, John Amaral, Joe Porrazzo, Joseph Tavares, and Anthony Vendetti.
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