EDITORIAL: Paseo Verde Little League thrills with US Championship

Paseo Verde Little League captured the United States championship at the Little League World Series on Saturday, defeating Hamilton, Ohio, of the Great Lakes Region 12‑2. Starting pitcher Owen Guzman worked 3 ⅓ innings, striking out none while going 3‑for‑3 at the plate with an RBI. Catcher Maddox Bryan drove in the first run with a two‑run single and later added another RBI single in the bottom of the fifth that ended the game under the mercy rule; Bryan finished the tournament with eight RBIs in Williamsport. The celebration was short‑lived. On Sunday, Paseo Verde fell to Curaçao 11‑2 in the title game, marking the second consecutive year a Southern Nevada squad has won the U.S. banner only to lose the World Series final. In 2025, Summerlin South followed the same pattern, winning the U.S. championship before succumbing to Chinese Taipei. Prior to the World Series, Paseo Verde posted a perfect 14‑0 record in district, state and regional tournaments and won four games in Williamsport. The team’s opening contest, a weather‑delayed rematch against Hamilton, saw them trail 5‑2 before rallying on timely hits from outfielder Michael Kleiner and Bryan. Paseo Verde then won its next two games by scores of 5‑0 and 14‑6 to secure the U.S. title. Throughout the tournament the squad did not hit a home run, but its defense compiled a Little League World Series record six double plays, a testament to strong pitching and cohesive coaching. Head coach Cory Edwards, assisted by Lynn Cowley and veteran aide Bill Senne—who capped a 25‑year Little League career with the run—guided the team. Edwards, noting the players’ ages, remarked, “They’re 12,” he said. “I hope it’s not the pinnacle acquisition of their lives, but I’m definite it’s going to be Top 10 or up there.” He added, “I hope they take with them that they can conquer and do anything.” Parents and supporters received acknowledgment for their behind‑the‑scenes efforts, underscoring that the athletes are amateurs whose families played a vital role in the team’s success. The performance made Southern Nevada proud, regardless of the final outcome.