Bayonne falls at Little League World Series, must double down to avoid elimination

Bayonne’s 12-year-old All Stars, who had been on a 15-game winning streak, experienced their first loss in the Little League World Series on Sunday afternoon during a third round game against the Davenport, Iowa team at Howard J. Lamade Stadium. The young team began their game well, but their fortunes changed in the first inning when star pitcher Mason Rincon walked the first two batters.

The Midwest squad capitalized on a wild pitch thrown by Rincon, an error by Bayonne second baseman Owen Feliz, and a single to take a 2-0 lead. Relief pitcher Anthony Johnson Jr., known for his mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches, added to the score with a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Johnson Jr. finished strong, striking out 15 and allowing only one hit over 5 2/3 innings.

Bayonne manager Justin Smith praised Johnson Jr.'s performance, calling his changeup and curveball exceptional. The loss marked Bayonne's first in the Little League World Series, and they will now face the winner of Monday's game between the Southwest and Great Lakes in the elimination bracket starting on Tuesday night. Bayonne can still advance to the U.S. Championship on Saturday, but another defeat would result in their elimination from the tournament.

The manager emphasized that while the team was disappointed, they were determined to regroup and continue fighting in the remaining games.