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Henderson Little League will become the second team from Nevada to play in the famed Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. They beat Utah, 10-0, in the Mountain Regional championship on Aug. 11, 2023.
Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 | 4:02 p.m.
For Nolan Gifford, it’s all about keeping his composure on the mound. And on Friday, he sure looked composed on national television.
The Henderson Little League pitcher was dominant in the championship game of the Mountain Regional against Utah in San Bernardino, Calif. He struck out 11 batters and threw a four-inning no-hitter for a 10-0 victory and spot in next week’s World Series.
Henderson on Wednesday will be the second team from Nevada to play in Williamsport, Pa. Mountain Ridge Little League played in 2013.
Gifford told ESPN that the key to his dominating performance was “keeping my composure and not thinking about it so much; going up and throwing strikes.”
Gifford followed that mantra in the regional opener earlier in the week, when he recorded 16 strikeouts in a 6-1 victory against Montana.
His efforts were pivotal in leading the team of children ages 11-13 to the famed series, which has gained notoriety since ESPN began televising all games.
The Henderson team has received a lot of encouragement from the community.
Mayor Michelle Romero reached out with words of encouragement ahead of today’s game. Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson, who got his start in the league, sent a video message to the children.
“It has been crazy, dude,” Gifford told ESPN. “It's a dream come true.”
Henderson Little League has been in existence for 36 years. This is the first time the league has won the Nevada championship.
And now, Gifford told ESPN, “let’s go win in Williamsport.”
