Pahrump Valley Little League’s Little League Division All-Star team, the Bananas, closed out its postseason with two competitive games in the Division 4 tournament, falling to Cheyenne 11-10 on Friday, July 10, before dropping a 15-2 decision to Summerlin North on Sunday, July 12. Despite the results, the Bananas showed plenty of fight throughout the weekend, highlighted by a dramatic late comeback in the tournament opener.
Pahrump jumped out to an early lead against Cheyenne behind starting pitcher Kamryn Banuelos, who stranded a runner at third after working through the opening inning with two groundouts and a strikeout.
The Bananas answered immediately in the bottom of the first when Banuelos led off with a double and later scored on Nicholas Jones’ ground ball to make it 1-0.
Cheyenne tied the game in the second, but Pahrump threatened to regain the lead after Nathan Zaragoza and Champ Colon each doubled. Although the Bananas couldn’t capitalize, they continued to apply pressure early.
Cheyenne broke the game open with a six-run third inning before adding another run in the fourth. Pahrump responded with its own rally in the bottom of the fourth as Jones reached base, Landen Dickerson singled and Cody Fowels delivered a two-run double to center field, cutting the deficit to 7-3.
After Joseph Shull entered in relief and struck out two batters during a scoreless fifth inning, the Bananas added another run when Carson Fowels doubled and Fernando Montoya brought home Carter Lovejoy with a groundout.
Trailing 11-4 entering the bottom of the sixth, Pahrump nearly completed an incredible comeback. Banuelos and Jones reached base before consecutive walks forced in two runs. Colon then provided the biggest moment of the game, racing around the bases for an inside-the-park grand slam that brought the Bananas within one run at 11-10.
The rally came up just short as Cheyenne recorded the final out to secure the victory.
Colon finished with four RBIs, including the grand slam, while Cody Fowels added two RBIs. Jones collected two hits, Banuelos scored twice and Carson Fowels added a double. Banuelos struck out five batters over four innings before Shull recorded four strikeouts in relief.
Facing Summerlin North two days later, Carson Fowels got the start on the mound. Although Summerlin North built an early lead, Pahrump continued to battle.
Jones collected a first-inning single before Greyson Shearer drove him home with an RBI single to put the Bananas on the scoreboard. Defensively, Jones made several solid plays in right field while Dickerson and Shearer helped turn away multiple ground balls around the infield.
Summerlin North gradually extended its advantage, with Nathan Zaragoza taking over in relief during the third inning and Dickerson recording the final out on the mound in the fourth.
The Bananas continued to compete offensively until the end. Dickerson doubled in the fourth before Shearer delivered another RBI single to score him. Colon also contributed a hit, while Lovejoy, Montoya and Zaragoza each reached base with walks.
Shearer led Pahrump with two hits and two RBIs, while Dickerson finished with a double and a run scored.
While the tournament ended earlier than the Bananas had hoped, the experience provided the players an opportunity to compete against some of Southern Nevada’s top all star talent. Along the way, they showcased timely hitting, solid defensive play and the determination to battle until the final out, giving Pahrump Valley Little League plenty to be proud of.
*These photos are from the Summerlin North game. These and more are available for purchase at pvcnphotos.com.
