The Pahrump Valley Little League All-Star team (12s) took the field with pride and determination in the District Tournament, playing hard through two tough matchups that highlighted their grit, talent, and teamwork. Though the road ended earlier than they hoped, the players gave it their all and represented Pahrump with heart.
In their opening game on Sunday, June 26, Pahrump faced a strong Cheyenne squad. While Cheyenne put up early runs, Pahrump Valley’s players didn’t back down. A third-inning rally gave fans something to cheer for, with Luis Montoya reaching base, followed by a walk from Kody Osterhaut that brought in a run. Alan Rodriguez then delivered a key grounder that helped plate two more, closing the gap to 7-3.
On the mound, Alan and later Caleb Morales kept battling against Cheyenne’s heavy hitters. Despite Cheyenne extending their lead with multiple triples and a home run, the Pahrump boys stayed composed and kept working to the final out. The game ended in a 13-3 loss, but the team walked away ready to regroup and fight on.
That fighting spirit was on full display during Game 2 against Western on Tuesday, July 1.
Kasen Smith started on the mound and threw a phenomenal game, striking out batter after batter and working his way out of several jams with the bases loaded. Smith’s command and composure helped keep the game scoreless through three tense innings.
In the bottom of the fourth, Pahrump found its spark. Nathan Zaragoza drew a walk, and Kody Osterhaut followed with a well-placed double to right. Alan Rodriguez’s flyout allowed Zaragoza to tag up and score, tying the game 1-1. Then Smith crushed a double off the center field fence to bring Osterhaut home, giving Pahrump a 2-1 lead that brought the dugout to life.
Kaiser Pormanes took the mound next and kept the pressure on Western, escaping the fifth inning with the bases loaded and no runs allowed. But Western broke through in the sixth, stringing together clutch hits to pull ahead 5-2. Pahrump threatened in the bottom half, with Alan smashing a double to center and advancing to third on Smith’s groundout, but they were unable to bring him in.
Though the 5-2 loss marked the end of their tournament run, the Pahrump Valley Little League left it all on the field.
Team members Jaxon Englebright, Lane Howard, Nicholas Jones, Luis Montoya, Caleb Morales, Kody Osterhaut, Kaiser Pormanes, Alan Rodriguez, Greyson Shearer, Kasen Smith, Levi Tracy, and Nathan Zaragoza showcased their growth, talent, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. With strong pitching, key defensive plays, and timely hits, the group showed that they are a team with a bright future.
Their effort, attitude, and unity were a proud reflection of Pahrump’s Little League community.
*Photos are available for sale at pvcnphotos.com
