In a decisive showdown on Sunday, the Pariba Little League team from Willemstad, Curaçao, secured its second Little League World Series championship by defeating the U.S. champion from Henderson, Nevada, 11-2. The victory ends a 22‑year wait for the tiny island nation, which previously won the title in 2004.
Key Performances Lead to Victory
Offensive firepower came from Juriënsly De Windt and Shardijon De Lanoi, each driving in three runs. De Windt also started on the mound, allowing just two runs—one earned—over three innings. Relievers Giendry Ryan and Steven Felix were nearly flawless, combining for four strikeouts in the final three innings.
Defensive highlights included a spectacular catch by Ryan in center field that ended Nevada’s last at‑bat, and a water‑shower celebration by Curaçao’s infielders after the win. Fans in the stands waved the Curaçao flag, and many U.S. spectators began wearing the team’s navy‑blue and yellow caps, some requesting autographs.
Coach Gijsbertha Praises Team Discipline
Coach Railison Gijsbertha credited the team’s focus on nutrition, sleep, and practice for the triumph. “Every kid (will eat) McDonald’s,” he joked, smiling ear‑to‑ear as the players prepared to bring the trophy home.
Gijsbertha also noted the growing support beyond the island. “When we went to the shop, we saw people from the States buying our stuff. Our team is a good team, a great team, and when they ask us to sign a ball, we do that,” he said.
Nevada’s Strong Effort
Nevada entered the final as the first U.S. team to reach the championship without a home run. Their offense sparked early, with a bunt by Michael Kleiner and a single by Maddox Bryan that drove in two runs. The team also featured Carsynn Meyer, the first girl to play for the U.S. in a championship game, who recorded a hit in the previous round but went 0‑for‑2 against Curaçao.
Despite a solid effort, Nevada could not overcome Curaçao’s two‑run double by Jaymiëll Martina in the fourth inning and a bases‑clearing double by De Windt in the fifth, which sealed the win.
Historical Context
Curaçao’s path to the title included international titles in 2005, 2019, 2022, and 2023, and an unbeaten run through the double‑elimination tournament. Nevada, the runner‑up last year after losing to Taiwan, showed resilience but fell short this time.
“When they look back and kind of realize what they’ve accomplished and what they’ve gained from here on out,” Nevada coach Cory Edwards said, “I hope they shoot me a text or give me a call and just remember that it was a hell of a ride.”
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
