Sweetwater Valley one win from LLWS

By Ramon Scott
Updated: August 12, 2026

SWEETWATER VALLEY FOLLOWING THE WIN ON TUESDAY. / STEVE WOOD

2026 LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL

SWEETWATER VALLEY IN WEST REGION CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER RAMIREZ AGUIRRE SHUTOUT

Sweetwater Valley 6, Kawaihau 0

By Ramon Scott

SAN BERNARDINO — Sweetwater Valley Little League reached the doorstep of Williamsport behind an offense that had spent the summer overwhelming opponents.

Isaac Ramirez Aguirre carried Southern California the rest of the way Tuesday night.

Ramirez Aguirre threw a complete-game one-hitter, Sweetwater Valley played errorless defense behind him and the Bonita-based club shut out Kawaihau Community Little League of Hawaii, 6-0, in the West Region winners’ bracket game at Al Houghton Stadium.

Sweetwater Valley advances directly to Friday night’s regional championship, where one more victory would secure the league’s first trip to the Little League Baseball World Series since 2015.

Southern California will face the winner of Wednesday’s elimination rematch between Hawaii and Chandler National Little League of Arizona.

Sweetwater Valley is 2-0 in San Bernardino and has outscored Northern California and Hawaii by a combined 22-4. Its opening 16-4 victory over San Ramon Valley established the lineup’s explosive potential.

Tuesday revealed another dimension.

Ramirez Aguirre retired Hawaii in order in the first inning, protected a one-run advantage through the middle portion of the game and finished the shutout with a called third strike.

The right-hander allowed only one hit, a single by Daeshaan Kuhaulua, and prevented a Kawaihau lineup that scored seven runs against nationally top-ranked Chandler from creating any sustained pressure.

Southern California did not need another 16-run performance.

One run was enough until the offense created separation.

SWEETWATER SCORES FIRST

Sweetwater Valley loaded the bases with nobody out in the second inning, but Hawaii nearly escaped without allowing a run.

Colton DeMilly entered on the mound and responded with consecutive strikeouts, turning a potentially damaging inning into a two-out test for Southern California.

Sweetwater remained patient.

Asher Giglio drew a bases-loaded walk, forcing home Ramirez Aguirre with the opening run.

Hawaii limited Sweetwater Valley to one run in the inning, but Ramirez Aguirre ensured the missed opportunity did not become costly.

Kawaihau starter Rush Pegeder allowed one hit and one run over the first inning, striking out two and walking three.

RAMIREZ AGUIRRE TAKES OVER

The 1-0 lead remained intact because Hawaii could not solve Sweetwater’s starter.

Ramirez Aguirre attacked above the hitting zone when ahead in counts and generated several late swings beneath elevated fastballs. He recorded consecutive strikeouts during one sequence and consistently avoided the walks that might have allowed Kawaihau to build an inning without multiple hits.

Hawaii put other balls in play, but Southern California converted them into outs.

The infield handled its responsibilities cleanly, with Jesus Cuadra recording a team-high six defensive putouts at first base. Sweetwater Valley did not commit an error.

That combination—Ramirez Aguirre filling the strike zone and the defense completing routine plays—left Hawaii without a pathway back into the game.

The performance also changed the developing evaluation of Sweetwater Valley.

Noah Kirk arrived at the regional as Southern California’s most established pitcher. The right-hander worked five innings and drove in four runs during the opening victory over San Ramon Valley.

Ramirez Aguirre’s response against Hawaii demonstrated that Sweetwater’s pursuit does not rest upon Kirk alone.

The second frontline performance in as many games gives Southern California a deeper foundation than the offense initially suggested.

SVLL OFFENSE HITTING .373 THIS WEEK

Sweetwater Valley eventually expanded the lead behind the middle of its lineup.

Kirk drove a pitch toward straightaway center field and off the wall for a one-out double. Southern California continued applying pressure before a looping ball fell in center and brought home another run as the lead grew to 5-0.

Sweetwater finished with 10 hits.

Ramirez Aguirre, Leo Gonzalez and Kirk collected two hits apiece. Giglio drove in two runs, while the lineup continued forcing Hawaii to pitch with runners aboard.

The offense did not produce the six-run innings that buried San Ramon Valley in the opener. It did not need them.

Sweetwater Valley scored gradually, defended the lead and allowed Ramirez Aguirre to control the evening.

The final strike completed Southern California’s first regional shutout and sent the Sweetwater players onto the field to celebrate a place in Friday’s championship.

DISTRICT 42 RETURNS TO THE DOORSTEP

Sweetwater Valley’s run carries significance throughout San Diego’s South County baseball community.

District 42 has produced some of the most memorable Little League teams in San Diego history.

Park View Little League won the 2009 Little League World Series. Eastlake Little League reached the international championship game in 2013. Sweetwater Valley advanced to Williamsport in 2015 and finished third in the United States bracket. Park View returned to Williamsport in 2016.

No District 42 league has reached the Little League Baseball World Series since.

Sweetwater Valley came close in 2019 before its run ended at the West Region. Seven years later, the league is back in the same stadium and one victory from finishing the trip.

The support extends beyond the players and families in San Bernardino.

Younger Sweetwater Valley players and supporters from other District 42 leagues gathered in the South Bay to watch Tuesday’s game together. The regional run has become a shared event for a baseball community accustomed to following its teams deep into the summer.

This Sweetwater group has given that community a compelling team to follow.

Southern California lost only once before arriving in San Bernardino. Sweetwater then overcame an early deficit to defeat San Ramon Valley and followed with its most complete pitching performance against Hawaii.

The lineup has power and depth. The defense has remained dependable. Kirk and Ramirez Aguirre have now provided consecutive strong starts.

Most importantly, Sweetwater Valley has demonstrated that it can win different kinds of games.

Its opener became a 16-run offensive showcase. Tuesday became a pitching-and-defense victory in which a 1-0 lead held until the bats added insurance.

That versatility matters in a winner-take-all championship.

FRIDAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP

Sweetwater Valley receives two days away from competition before playing for the West Region title Friday at 6 p.m.

Hawaii and Arizona meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. in an elimination game on ESPN2.

Either result will produce a rematch.

Kawaihau stunned Chandler 7-3 in the opening round by scoring six runs in the sixth inning. Hawaii then encountered Ramirez Aguirre and was held to one hit Tuesday.

Chandler survived its first elimination game by defeating San Ramon Valley 7-5. Arizona entered the regional ranked No. 1 nationally after scoring 125 runs and allowing only 11 during an undefeated state run, but its first two games in San Bernardino exposed pitching and defensive concerns.

A Hawaii victory would give Kawaihau another opportunity to solve Sweetwater’s pitching. An Arizona victory would create the championship matchup many expected before the tournament began.

Sweetwater Valley does not need to choose.

Southern California can rest, evaluate its pitching availability and watch both potential opponents expend another arm in an elimination game.

Ramirez Aguirre’s availability Friday will be determined by his official pitch total (82) and Little League’s mandatory-rest requirements. Sweetwater’s staff must organize the remaining eligible pitching for one game that could extend the league’s season to Williamsport.

Arizona champion Chandler National has a pitcher in Mason Mueller who can dominate with a fastball that reaches 80-plus miles per hour. He would be available to pitch on Friday should Chandler beat Kawaihau on Wednesday, but the rest of the staff has looked vulnerable.

Hawaii has a solid team ERA of 2.72 in two games at the tournament. Arizona has a team ERA of 4.50.

The Southern California champions enter that game having established themselves as the West Region’s most complete team through the first two rounds.

Sweetwater Valley has scored 22 runs, collected 21 hits, received two strong starts and committed no errors against Hawaii.

The lineup that arrived with enormous expectations is now exactly one victory from fulfilling them.

WEST REGION SCHEDULE

Wednesday, August 12 — 6 p.m.
Chandler National Little League, Arizona, vs. Kawaihau Community Little League, Hawaii
Elimination game, ESPN2

Friday, August 14 — 6 p.m.
Sweetwater Valley Little League, Southern California, vs. Arizona–Hawaii winner
West Region championship

The championship winner advances to the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

SCHOETTLER SHUTS DOWN CHANDLER, KAWAIHAU ADVANCES TO WEST FINAL

Hawaii erases an early deficit, defeats Arizona 5-2 and earns a championship matchup with Sweetwater Valley

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Kawaihau Community Little League responded to an early deficit with patience at the plate, flawless defense and one of the West Region tournament’s strongest relief appearances.

Shane Schoettler threw 5⅓ scoreless innings out of the bullpen as Hawaii defeated Chandler National Little League of Arizona 5-2 Wednesday in the West Region elimination semifinal at Al Houghton Stadium.

Arizona scored twice in the first inning, but Schoettler allowed only two hits after entering in relief. Hawaii eventually tied the game before scoring three runs in the fourth to take control.

Daeshaan Kuhaulua and Nahoa Carvalho Brede collected two hits apiece, while five different Hawaii players drove in one run.

Kawaihau advances to Friday’s West Region championship against Sweetwater Valley Little League, the Southern California champion. Chandler National’s regional run ends one victory short of the title game.

ARIZONA STRIKES FIRST

Chandler placed Hawaii under immediate elimination pressure in the bottom of the first.

Camden Burke lined a single into center field to bring home the opening run. Alex Yu followed with a run-scoring groundout, extending Arizona’s advantage to 2-0.

Kuhaulua started for Kawaihau and recorded two strikeouts, but two walks and one hit forced Hawaii to make an early pitching change. He was charged with two runs over two-thirds of an inning.

The move brought Schoettler into the game much earlier than anticipated.

Rather than allowing the sudden entrance to disrupt him, Schoettler immediately stabilized Hawaii’s season.

KAWAIHAU PULLS EVEN

Hawaii began working its way back through contact and aggressive baserunning.

Kuhaulua helped ignite the response with a single through the middle. Kholten Panui came around to score as Hawaii tied the game 2-2, with an errant throw allowing the runners to advance after the play at the plate.

The sequence shifted pressure back toward Arizona.

Burke had given Chandler a strong start on the mound, but Hawaii continued extending plate appearances and forcing him to work. Kawaihau drew six walks, creating traffic even when its seven hits did not produce immediate runs.

With Schoettler holding Arizona scoreless, Hawaii no longer needed one overwhelming swing. It needed only to continue creating opportunities.

FOURTH INNING CHANGES THE GAME

Kawaihau seized control in the top of the fourth.

Kuhaulua singled into center field to bring home the go-ahead run. Hawaii continued applying pressure after moving in front.

Waika Doctolero drew a bases-loaded walk. Rush Pegeder was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing home another run. Schoettler also walked with the bases full to complete the scoring.

Kawaihau had transformed a 2-2 game into a 5-2 lead through one RBI single, two walks and a hit batter.

The inning illustrated the balance that separated Hawaii from Arizona. Kawaihau did not depend upon the top of its lineup or wait for a home run. It worked counts throughout the order and accepted each opportunity Chandler provided.

Burke completed three innings for Arizona, allowing five runs on five hits. He struck out five and walked three.

SCHOETTLER TAKES OVER

Once Hawaii moved ahead, Schoettler ensured the lead never came under serious threat.

The right-hander completed 5⅓ scoreless relief innings, allowing only two hits while striking out six and walking one.

Arizona had scored twice before Schoettler entered. It managed only two hits against him for the remainder of the game.

Schoettler attacked the strike zone and allowed Kawaihau’s defense to work behind him. Hawaii did not commit an error, preventing Chandler from receiving the additional opportunities that often decide elimination games.

Panui delivered the defensive highlight at shortstop, ranging toward the middle, gloving a difficult ground ball and completing the throw to first.

Hawaii also received a running catch in right field during Arizona’s final attempt to create traffic.

Schoettler combined his pitching dominance with an RBI walk. His performance rescued Kawaihau after the difficult opening inning and sent Hawaii into the regional final.

BALANCED LINEUP COMPLETES THE VICTORY

Kuhaulua and Carvalho Brede batted consecutively and finished with two hits apiece.

Schoettler, Pegeder, Kuhaulua, Ka’ano’i Rita and Doctolero each drove in one run. The five RBIs came from five different spots in the lineup, reinforcing Hawaii’s offensive balance.

Kawaihau also drew six walks and played errorless defense. Panui handled a team-high seven defensive chances.

Arizona finished with three hits. Burke, Barrett Shaughnessy and Gabe Jones collected one apiece, while Burke recorded Chandler’s only hit that produced a run.

After scoring twice in the first, Arizona was held scoreless over the final five innings.

TOURNAMENT IMPACT

Kawaihau has transformed an opening-round loss into a trip to the regional final.

Hawaii lost to Chandler National on Sunday, forcing Kawaihau into the elimination bracket immediately. It survived Monday and then earned another opportunity against the team that had sent it there.

Wednesday’s rematch demonstrated Hawaii’s two greatest strengths.

Schoettler provided the superior available pitching depth, while five different hitters drove in runs for a balanced lineup. Kawaihau overcame a 2-0 deficit without a home run and allowed Arizona only two hits after the first inning.

Hawaii now stands one victory from Williamsport, although the win carried a pitching cost. Schoettler worked 5⅓ innings, and his official pitch count will determine his mandatory rest for the championship.

CHAMPIONSHIP LOOK-AHEAD

Hawaii will face Sweetwater Valley Little League of Bonita, California, Friday at 6 p.m. PT for the West Region championship.

The winner advances to the Little League Baseball World Series.

Sweetwater Valley reached the final through the winners bracket and enters with additional rest and greater pitching flexibility. Southern California opened the tournament with a 16-4 victory over San Ramon Valley before defeating Chandler National.

Kawaihau arrives through the elimination bracket and may have to construct its championship pitching plan without Schoettler.

Hawaii’s offense provides its clearest path. Kuhaulua and Carvalho Brede supplied consistent contact Wednesday, while Rita, Doctolero, Pegeder and Schoettler demonstrated that Kawaihau can produce throughout the lineup.

Sweetwater Valley entered the regional tournament as one of the country’s most highly regarded teams. Kawaihau has shown it can survive adversity, erase an early deficit and win without its preferred pitching alignment.

One more victory sends the Garden Island to South Williamsport.