The Greater Lynn Babe Ruth 15/16-year-old All-Stars have already delivered with a strong summer, but the never-satisfied program looks to make some noise in Augusta, Maine this weekend.
Yes, it’s time for the Regional Tournament.
Manager Sam Ohannesian’s squad came out on top against Plymouth, 8-3, to capture the state championship – and the Regional ticket was punched.
“The team is feeling really good,” Ohannesian said. “It’s been a hard-fought pool play and tournament. There are a lot of good teams coming out of eastern Massachusetts. We’re feeling good coming out of states, especially after that Plymouth game.”
In the win against Plymouth, Ohannesian touched upon a few paths to victory, including his players’ discipline at the plate.
“We tallied up 11 hits and, I believe, nine walks. That just shows a good testament to the quality – and skill – of the batter at the plate,” he said. “Our pitching and defense was also great.”
Although Lynn’s quest begins Friday, Ohannesian says he’s not doing anything new in practice, rather, he wants his team to recharge while maintaining consistency.
“Right now, we’re just focusing on fine-tuning. We want to make sure the boys have the opportunity to get a little bit of rest in. We want to shut down the motor – not all the way – because we want some of the juice to keep flowing,” he said. “We want to make sure our momentum carries into the next round. Nothing really changes.”
Although the team and coaching staff are in high spirits, Ohannesian knows there’s plenty of baseball to be played.
“The job’s not done. That’s been our motto,” he said. “It’s a business trip, and we have some work left to do. We’re going to enjoy the experience. I know, for me, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so I’m definitely looking forward to that opportunity and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Although the ultimate goal is to win Regionals, Ohannesian wants his players to “relish” the opportunity in front of them.
“These young men, coaches, and families are all going to go down in history, but, particularly, the players,” he said. “These young men are the ones on the field working day in and day out. They’re earning an opportunity to go down in history – the opportunity to take it all in, smile, and enjoy it.”
“We want to go up there and win. The goal is to come out and continue on with an eye on the World Series in Missouri,” Ohannesian added. “We just need to make sure we’re mentally and physically prepared.”
Ohannesian is expecting a talent-filled weekend, and wants to see his guys be a part of it with “top-quality baseball.”
“We want to continue the trend of dominant play,” he said. “That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Lynn’s first game is Friday at 10 a.m. against Greater Sanford Maine.
PLAYERS
Maxwell Parent
Riley Driscoll
Brayden Curley
Braeden Ohannesian
Devin Duval
Kalen Huddle
Hunter (Boo) DiSaia
Jack Spates
Sam Morris
Gilbert Peralta
Gavin Collins
Jake Peterson
Elijah Morin
Brennan Malloy
Jared Burke
Mark Walsh
Rowan Merryman
Collin Hart
MANAGER
Sam Ohannesian
COACHES
John Peterson
Bill Morin
Joe Driscoll
