Curaçao has claimed the Little League World Series title in dominant fashion, securing an emphatic 11-2 victory over Nevada in the championship game on Sunday. Driven by stellar performances from both the mound and the batter’s box, the squad from Willemstad captured the island nation’s second-ever tournament crown and its first in 22 years, following a previous championship win in 2004 as reported by NBC Los Angeles.
For two weeks, the young athletes from Pariba Little League maintained strict discipline regarding their sleep schedules, nutrition, and practice routines as they navigated youth baseball’s biggest tournament, according to NBC Los Angeles. That rigorous focus paid off on Sunday afternoon, where the Caribbean champions erased an early deficit to overwhelm the U.S. champion team from Henderson, Nevada.
“Every kid (will eat) McDonald’s,” Curaçao coach Railison Gijsbertha said, smiling ear-to-ear alongside three beaming players who were eager to bring the championship hardware back home, NBC Los Angeles reported.
Early Nevada Threat Answered by Curaçao Bats
Nevada entered the title matchup as the first U.S. team to advance to the championship game without hitting a home run in the tournament, relying instead on small ball and disciplined play. That strategy appeared to work early on when a bunt by Michael Kleiner set up Maddox Bryan, whose single to center field drove in two runs and staked Nevada to an early lead, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Curaçao quickly answered. Shardijon De Lanoi tied the game at 2-2 by lining a ball off the glove of a diving Kleiner at second base for a two-run single. The international champions seized the lead for good in the fourth inning when Jaymiëll Martina smacked a two-run double, NBC Los Angeles noted.
The offensive explosion continued in the fifth when Juriënsly De Windt cleared the bases with a double that brought the vocal Curaçao supporters to their feet. De Windt and De Lanoi ultimately combined to drive in six runs over the course of the game, cementing a comprehensive victory, per NBC Los Angeles.
Pitching Dominance and Historic Significance
On the mound, De Windt started the game and surrendered two runs—just one earned—across three innings of work. Relief pitchers Giendry Ryan and Steven Felix slammed the door shut, combining for four strikeouts over the final three frames to secure the win, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Felix forced Nevada’s final batter to hit a popup to center field, caught safely by Ryan. The moment the ball settled into the glove, the team erupted. Ryan tossed his glove into the air as teammates swarmed the outfield, while infielders drenched one another with water near the third-base dugout, NBC Los Angeles reported.
The victory marks a historic milestone for the island. Curaçao previously won the tournament in 2004 and reached the international finals in 2005, 2019, 2022, and 2023, but this marks their first time taking home the ultimate trophy in over two decades, noted NBC Los Angeles.
Looking Back at a Memorable Run
Nevada finished as the tournament runner-up last year, following a loss to Taiwan in the championship game. Despite the defeat, Nevada coach Cory Edwards praised his players’ resilience, according to NBC Los Angeles.
“When they look back and kind of realize what they’ve accomplished and what they’ve gained from here on out, I hope they shoot me a text or give me a call and just remember that it was a hell of a ride,” Edwards said, via NBC Los Angeles.
As the international champions prepare for their triumphant return to Curaçao alongside their well-deserved fast-food treats, the community celebration serves as a fitting end to a remarkable two-week showcase of youth baseball excellence. We want to hear your thoughts on this thrilling final—leave a comment below and share this article with fellow sports fans.
