Raptors and Lightning Team Photo: (front row from left) Eli Artnak, Joseph Parkinson, Ryan O’Malley,
Eddie Artnak, Declan Stewart, Ramon Hidalgo, Braxton Berry, Oliver Sutter, Owen Keenan, Jackson
Ramsey, (middle row from left) Ryker Black, Lincoln Daley, Ronan Parton, Emmett Fort, Max Hanson,
Owen Richeson, Wayne Lamb, Raymond Waters, Bryce Maestas, Abraham Ver Burg, Wyatt Smith, Ian
Martin, (back row from left) Coaches Lara Black, Sys Hansana, Jeff Richeson, Brian Keenan, Ben Sutter,
ML Waters. (Not pictured – Owen Jeffery, Lance Rim, River Yokono-Regis, Wyatt Roybal, Crystal Roybal,
Jonathan Roybal). Photo by Jacob Fort
Ryan O’Malley swings on a fast ball caught by Bryce Maestas behind home plate. Photo by Jacob Fort
By JOE ARTNAK
LALL Coach
The 2026 Los Alamos Little League (LALL) Minors Baseball season concluded in exciting fashion as the Raptors and Lightning squared off in a hard-fought contest that showcased some of the year’s best performances and provided a memorable finish to the season.
The Raptors were led on the mound by starting pitcher Eddie Artnak (2.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO), who received solid relief support from Ryker Black (0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO) and Lincoln Daley (0.2 IP, 1 H, 5 ER, 7 BB, 2 SO). The Lightning countered with Wyatt Smith (1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 1 SO), followed by strong appearances from Owen Keenan (1.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO) and Bryce Maestas (0.1 IP, 3 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 1 SO).
At the plate, Ronan Parton powered the Raptors' offense by driving in 5 runs on 3 hits, highlighted by an inside-the-park grand slam in the third inning. Eddie Artnak and Ryker Black also collected multiple hits to help lead a balanced Raptors attack.
The Lightning answered with offensive firepower of their own. Owen Richeson opened the scoring in the first inning with a solo inside-the-park home run. Richeson and Wayne Lamb formed a potent back-to-back combination in the lineup, with each driving in multiple runs for the Lightning.
The Lightning mounted a late rally, scoring 6 runs in the final inning to keep the game close. However, the comeback fell short as the Raptors secured their 10th win of the season with a 12-9 victory, bringing the 2026 Minors Baseball season to an exciting close.
“The game was action-packed, and we’re proud of how our players battled back and never gave up,” said Lightning Head Coach Brian Keenan. “Players learn so much over the course of the season, developing their skills on the field but also learning the lessons that the greatest game on Earth teaches us about competition, sportsmanship, resilience, commitment and teamwork. Los Alamos County Little League consistently does an awesome job to provide a fun, positive, inclusive environment for our community’s kids to learn a challenging sport and grow as individuals and team members.”
Raptors Head Coach Sys Hansana reflected on the season with similar appreciation. “It has been a privilege to coach this group of boys,” Hansana said. “Their effort, enthusiasm, and support for one another made this season truly special. They improved with every practice and game, and I believe their love for baseball grew along the way. We are proud of everything they accomplished and look forward to seeing where the game takes them in the years ahead.”