Johnston All-Stars Play In Regionals Tonight

Johnston's is scheduled to play their first game in the Regional tournament tonight at 7 p.m. in Freehold, N.J.

Reached by phone at about 1:15 p.m. on August 5, Manager Ed Bedrosian said the team had just reached New Jersey and were looking forward to their first contest against Davidsonville, Md.

"They're ready to go — they're more relaxed this year," Bedrosian said. "Half of the team has been here before, since they won the states last year. Winning the state title this year was nice, but they're focusing more on winning the regionals — we were so close last year."

Bedrosian said he planned to start pitcher Joe Bongiovanni in Johnston's first-round game. The lefty — who also won state championship titles with the Johnston High School varsity and junior varsity teams — has been instrumental on both sides of the ball for Johnston on its way to the regional tournament.

"'When in doubt, give the ball to Joe B' is our motto," Bedrosian explained.

Asked how the team could prepare for facing a team from another state that it's never seen before, Bedrosian said that's not really a consideration.

"It's going to be their first game, too," Bedrosian explained. "You can't worry about the other team — you just worry about your team and try to do your best and see where it goes from there."

The tournament is a double-elimination format, with 10 teams representing states in the Eastern region.

"We're just going to work at staying in the winners' bracket," Bedrosian said.