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The Little League World Series is heading toward a historic championship finale after Nevada defeated Ohio 12-2 on Saturday at Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The victory sent Nevada into Sunday’s title game against international champion Curaçao.
At the center of the moment was Carsynn Meyer, who continued to break new ground on baseball’s biggest youth stage. Meyer became the first girl to play in a U.S. championship game and delivered an RBI single during Nevada’s decisive second inning.
Historic Little League World Series Win Sends Nevada to the Final
Meyer stepped into the batter’s box with the bases loaded in the second inning as nearly 20,000 fans watched. With Nevada already building momentum, she lined a single up the middle to extend the team’s lead to three runs.
The hit produced a loud ovation and gave Meyer another memorable entry in the Little League World Series record book. Her appearance was already historic, but the timely hit made the moment even more significant for Nevada and young baseball players watching across the country.
“It’s awesome, especially getting a hit,” Meyer said, according to the Associated Press. “So, like, the first girl to get a hit in the U.S. championship? Awesome.”
Nevada’s Explosive Offense and Brilliant Defense
Nevada’s victory was powered by a balanced performance from its offense, pitching staff and defense. Starting pitcher Owen Guzman recorded three hits, scored twice and worked 3⅔ solid innings before Payton Hinsen came in as the relief pitcher.
Guzman immediately set the tone by opening the game with a triple and scoring shortly afterward. Nevada then broke the contest open in the second inning, scoring five runs on four singles, two walks and a hit batter. Guzman added another important hit, sending a ground ball up the middle to bring Michael Guerrero home.
The Henderson, Nevada, team also made history in the field. Its defense turned three double plays, tying a Little League World Series record and repeatedly ending Ohio rallies before they could develop.
“I’m super proud of the pace that they work with,” Nevada manager Cory Edwards said. “We work on that all the time, infield, outfield every day. I know we’re a pitching and defense team.”
Nevada added two more runs in the fifth inning. Three batters after Guzman reached on an infield single, Brooks McFarland doubled to left field and scored Guzman. The result triggered the 10-run rule and ended the game after five innings.
Ohio Runs Out of Momentum After Tough Road
Ohio, the Great Lakes regional champion from Hamilton, entered the semifinal after playing three extra games during its tournament run. The team had outscored its previous opponents by a combined 44-12, but Nevada’s aggressive approach and sharp defense proved difficult to overcome.
Bob Frazier led Ohio with two hits and an RBI. However, Ohio manager Timothy Nichting acknowledged that his team appeared to lose some energy and velocity as the game progressed.
“Maybe my team needed to play yesterday,” Nichting said. “We were kind of on a roll and then they outhit us, they put the ball in play, they moved the ball, and three double plays didn’t help us either.”
Ohio will now face Japan in Sunday morning’s consolation game. The matchup gives the team one more opportunity to finish its Little League World Series journey with a victory.
What’s Next in the Little League World Series Championship?
Nevada will meet Curaçao in Sunday’s championship game after Curaçao earned its place in the final with a victory over Japan. The Nevada players will be seeking the U.S. title, while Curaçao will try to complete an international championship run on the sport’s grandest youth platform.
It is the second consecutive year that a Nevada team has reached the U.S. championship game. A Las Vegas team won the U.S. title last year before losing in the overall final. This year’s Henderson squad now has a chance to finish the job.
For Edwards, the achievement became real when fans began chanting his name after the semifinal win. For Meyer, the possibility of reaching the final had been clear since June, when she left Nevada temporarily to play in an all-girls tournament at Lamade Stadium.
“I definitely thought we could get here,” Meyer said. “During the practices we had before I left for Williamsport, I just knew that we were a special group of players and we could make it very far.”
The championship game will carry major stakes for Nevada, but Meyer’s performance has already created a lasting moment. Her presence and RBI hit underline the growing opportunities for girls in baseball while adding an inspiring chapter to the Little League World Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Nevada defeat to reach the final?
Nevada defeated Ohio 12-2 in the U.S. championship game semifinal on Saturday.
What historic achievement did Carsynn Meyer record?
Carsynn Meyer became the first girl to play in a U.S. championship game and the first girl to record an RBI hit in that game.
Who will Nevada play in the championship?
Nevada will face Curaçao, the international champion, in Sunday’s Little League World Series final.
How did Nevada win the semifinal?
Nevada combined strong hitting, effective pitching and three double plays. The team scored five runs in the second inning and finished the game under the 10-run rule in five innings.
