WASHINGTON, PA (August 7, 2026) - In the opening game of the 2026 Printscape PONY League World Series, South Zone champion Hidalgo, Texas, took down European Zone champion Paderborn, Germany, 6-2.



Ivan Alanis collected three hits in four at-bats for Hidalgo. He recorded three singles, one in the second inning, one in the third, and another in the fifth.

Hidalgo struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Rogan Gonzalez tripled, driving in one run to give the Texans an early 1-0 lead.

Paderborn answered in the top of the second inning, tying the game at one.

Hidalgo quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the second. Josiah Ruiz delivered an RBI single, putting Hidalgo ahead 2-1.

Hidalgo extended its lead in the bottom of the third inning. Gonzalez grounded out to bring home one run, followed by an RBI single from Alanis down the right-field line. Diego Puente then added another RBI single, giving Hidalgo a 5-1 advantage.

Oziel Garcia earned the win for the Texans. Garcia allowed two hits and one run over two and two-thirds innings while striking out three and walking one. Leo Rosenberger took the loss for Paderborn after allowing five runs on six hits over two and two-thirds innings. Rosenberger struck out two and walked two.

Alanis also contributed on the mound, throwing one and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief for Hidalgo. He allowed no hits while striking out three and walking two.

Hidalgo collected 12 hits in the victory. Gonzalez led the middle of the lineup with two RBIs while going 2-for-4 at the plate. Alanis and Ruiz each collected three hits. 

Joschua Butt led the Germans with one RBI, going 1-for-4 at the plate. Raphael Acbas led the team in hits, finishing 2-for-4. 

With the win, Hidalgo advances in the winner’s bracket to face Washington County in Game 5 on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 5 PM/ET. The loss drops Paderborn to 0-1 in the tournament as it will face the loser of Game 2 between Bay County, Michigan and Guaynabo, Puerto Rico on Sunday, Aug. 9, at 2:30 PM/ET.