The Pahrump Baseball Organization (PBO) Trojans took to the diamond on Saturday, July 5, 2025, for a home doubleheader against the Tigers from Las Vegas, showcasing their development, determination, and team chemistry in two competitive matchups. While both games ultimately ended in losses, the evening was filled with standout plays, teachable moments, and glimpses of the bright future ahead for this young and hungry club team.
PBO was founded by Coach Mark Willinsky, a former Milwaukee Brewers minor league player, Division I collegiate athlete, and Puma High School All-American. Driven by a desire to give Pahrump youth the kind of access to competitive training and baseball that previously required long commutes to Las Vegas, Willinsky started the organization to build a strong baseball culture right in the heart of the Pahrump Valley. With 8U and 9U teams currently active, the PBO Trojans are setting their sights on tournament play, including a trip to Cedar City, Utah on July 18-19, and possibly another event in Beaver, Utah this August. They also hope to host more Las Vegas-area teams in Pahrump throughout the fall season.
The Trojans’ roster includes Emitt Cuellar, Alex Daun, Jack Geronsin, Javier Nogales, Galen Johnson, Paxton Larsen, River Magallanes, Jose Michel, Liam Olson, Carson Ozman, Kamden Smith, Sebastian “Bash” Tillery, Oliver Trudeau, and Nolan Willinsky. Despite the heat and high stakes of Saturday’s games, these players stepped up with energy, teamwork, and no shortage of heart.
Game One:
The opening game was a wild ride from the very first inning. The Tigers jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead, taking advantage of walks, stolen bases, and a few defensive miscues. PBO responded with a roar in the bottom of the first. Jack Geronsin led off, followed by a sharp hit to center by Alex Daun. Carson Ozman then showed off his base-running instincts, stealing second, third, and finally home to put the Trojans on the board. Liam Olson followed up with a single to right, and River Magallanes brought him home with a booming triple. Magallanes then scored himself on a steal, and Javier Nogales capitalized on an overthrow to score after advancing on his own steal. By the end of the inning, the Trojans had evened the score at 5-5.
In the second inning, the Tigers continued to apply pressure, scoring five more runs on a combination of overthrows and aggressive base running. PBO’s defense eventually settled in with Nolan Willinsky taking over on the mound and delivering two key strikeouts to limit the damage.
PBO’s offense remained relentless. Kamden Smith earned a walk and stole his way to third, and Emitt Cuellar worked a tough at-bat before a strikeout. Geronsin stepped up with a clutch bouncer to the outfield, scoring Smith. Daun followed with a grounder that brought another run home, bringing the Trojans back within striking distance at 10-7.
Defensively, the Trojans made critical stops in the top of the third, including a notable diving catch in foul territory by Geronsin. PBO pushed back with a final run in the bottom half of the inning thanks to an RBI hit by Daun, but the Tigers held on for the 11-8 win. Despite the loss, it was an impressive effort that highlighted the Trojans’ grit and their ability to rally under pressure.
Game Two:
In the second game, PBO again found themselves in a tough spot early. The Tigers capitalized on defensive overthrows and timely hits to jump out to what appeared to be a 4-0 lead in the top of the first. But Pahrump didn’t flinch. Jack Geronsin led off with an in-the-park home run, igniting the crowd and his teammates with a jolt of momentum. Though the inning ended with three quick outs, that spark lit the Trojans’ determination for the rest of the game.
Pitcher Javier Nogales and catcher Carson Ozman worked to limit the Tigers’ offense early, but PBO rotated through pitchers to manage the rising score. Jose Michel and later Geronsin came in to help control the game. Still, the Tigers continued to press, bringing the score to 12-1 by the end of the second inning.
Once again, the Trojans dug deep. In the bottom of the second, Alex Daun drew a walk, and Nogales reached on a dropped third strike. Sebastian Tillery then delivered a highlight-reel hit down the third-base line—a triple that cleared the bases and brought the score to 12-3. Willinsky walked and Tillery scored on a heads-up steal of home, tightening the score to 12-4.
The third inning saw more challenges for the Trojans. Despite some solid pitching from Geronsin and a great tag effort at home that narrowly missed an out due to a dropped ball, the Tigers tacked on more runs, pushing the score to 17-4.
Still, the Trojans didn’t lose their spirit. They battled until the last out, determined to make every play count. While the score reflected a steep climb, the growth and competitive mindset of the young Pahrump team was undeniable.
With plans to take their talents on the road to Utah in the coming weeks, the PBO Trojans are only just beginning their journey. The doubleheader against the Tigers may not have ended with a win, but the experience, lessons, and camaraderie gained were victories in their own right. As these players continue to train under the guidance of a seasoned pro like Willinsky and push themselves with each game, one thing is clear: the future of baseball in Pahrump is bright.
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