Paseo Verde using ‘frustrating’ 6th inning as teaching moment

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Paseo Verde celebrated a 14‑6 victory over Davenport Northwest of Iowa at Lamade Stadium on Wednesday, securing the Mountain Region title and earning a spot on the ESPN bracket displayed outside the venue. The win came after a dominant offensive burst in the top of the sixth inning, when the team plated nine runs to build a 14‑0 lead. The celebration was tempered by what happened in the bottom of the same frame. With two outs already recorded, Paseo Verde surrendered six runs, each scored with two outs, narrowing the final margin to 14‑6. Manager Cory Edwards acknowledged the frustration, saying, “Obviously, there’s some frustrations.” The inning’s early dominance began with starting pitcher Cooper Thissen, who struck out ten batters over 3.2 innings while throwing a no‑hitter before being removed from the game. His performance set the stage for the early run surge. Later, Logan Edwards, Cory’s son, entered the game in relief aiming to preserve a shutout. He recorded one out before yielding four runs on four hits, ending his bid for a complete‑game shutout. Cory Edwards used the moment to reinforce his pitching philosophy: “I think it just speaks to what we’ve always taught. When you’re on the mound and you can’t have command, then you’re no good. It doesn’t matter how hard you throw or what else you got. You have to be able to pitch. You’re not a thrower. It’s something we preach and talk about all the time.” Logan’s outing marked the first earned run he had allowed all tournament, despite having pitched stellar relief in the team’s first two games. Cory Edwards added, “I think, given the score, maybe (Logan) thought he was going to get by the 10, 11, 12 (hitters). There’s no gifts here. I think it’s a great teaching moment. That’s what I’m going to discuss, not just him, but anybody else who wants to look.” The experience will serve as a lesson as Paseo Verde prepares to face a Nevada squad on Saturday, attempting to repeat its appearance in the championship game for a second consecutive year. The team remains focused on refining command and execution, aware that a lead is safe only until the final out is recorded.