Williamsport, PA—-The United States has its representative in the 2026 Little League World Series championship game.
Nevada, representing the Mountain region, delivered a dominant performance Saturday, Aug. 29, defeating Ohio 12-2 in the U.S. championship game and earning the right to play for the overall title.
Paseo Verde Little League of Henderson overwhelmed West Side Little League of Hamilton, Ohio, with a combination of timely hitting and sharp defense. The victory sends Nevada into Sunday’s championship matchup against Curaçao, the international champion.
Ohio had reached the U.S. final after an impressive run through the tournament. West Side Little League defeated Davenport Northwest of Iowa 7-1 to advance, following an 11-2 victory over Alabama in which Ohio eliminated standout player Kinley Rasmus and her team.
Nevada had already shown its offensive firepower earlier in the tournament, beating Iowa 14-6. The loss was Iowa’s first of the event. Nevada also benefited from an additional day of rest while Ohio and Iowa battled in an elimination game.
Despite its offensive production throughout the tournament, Nevada reached the U.S. final without hitting a home run.
The game also marked a milestone for Carsynn Meyer. The Nevada player is the only girl remaining in the 2026 tournament and became the first girl to compete in a Little League World Series U.S. championship game. Meyer and Rasmus were part of the fourth pair of girls to participate in the same Little League World Series.
Now, Nevada turns its attention to the biggest game of the tournament.
Curaçao secured the international championship earlier Saturday with a 4-0 shutout of Japan. The two champions will meet Sunday, Aug. 30, with the Little League World Series title on the line.
