Local Little Leagues two tourney wins away from making history

Sterling Saltz of Paseo Verde celebrates their win against Henderson by jumping up on his uncle Jonathan Smith after the District 2 championship of the Little League Majors Division at Arroyo Grande Sports Complex in Henderson Thursday, July 8, 2010. Paseo Verde will advance to the state tournament in Carson City.

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Friday, July 23, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Paseo Verde Little League

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The Mountain Ridge and Paseo Verde Little League all-star teams of Southern Nevada on Sunday will begin play in the Majors Division state tournament in Carson City with hopes of advancing one step closer to Little League's ultimate prize.

The winner of the four-team state event advances to the Western Regional in San Bernadino, Calif., with the regional champion earning a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

The teams, comprised children ages 11 to 13, are looking to become the first Nevada team to play in Williamsport.

"The goal of every kid playing Little League is to get to Williamsport," Mountain Ridge coach Larry Quaney Jr. said. "It is starting to sink in for the kids that their time is here. They realize that it is now, or they won't get another chance in the rest of their lives."

Three Nevada teams have reached the regional finals since 2001, with Paseo Verde of Henderson falling one game short of the World Series two summers ago when it was upset by Hawaii.

Paseo Verde went 5-1 in capturing the District 2 tournament, winning their final five games by a combined score of 90-14. A majority of the squad has played together the last three summers, including winning the 11-year-old state title last year.

Another state title would put the league back in the national spotlight, as part of the regional is televised by ESPN.

"A lot these boys (on both teams) play baseball all year-round," Paseo Verde coach Andy Klein said. "They know how to compete and approach the game the right way. But we don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves. You have to take baby steps. We won district, and now we have to win state."

Both coaches say pitching will be a strength. Each has multiple pitchers who throw 70 mph or faster.

Mountain Ridge's two pitching aces — right-handers Larry Quaney III and Sam Pastrone — are two of the top pitchers in the tournament. Left-handed pitcher Jeff Griffiph doubles at first base and bats leadoff, and Cody Deltoro is one of their top hitters. The Mountain Ridge league is located in the Northwest valley.

"We have the talent. We just need to put it all together in one tournament," Quaney Jr. said.

Paseo Verde has a deep pitching staff with six players — Jacob Klein, Trevor Mullaney, Spencer Cofer, Justin Lutes, Sterling Saltz and Jack Weisenburger — all expected to receive innings.

"Those kids are my six horses," coach Klein said. "Our depth is one advantage we feel we have over the other teams."

Paseo Verde opens Sunday against Washoe County of Northern Nevada. Mountain Ridge plays Elko.