Bayonne now one win away from advancing to Little League World Series

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Bayonne Little League is closing in on history.

With a win in Friday night's Metro Region championship game, the reigning New Jersey state champions would advance to the Little League World Series, becoming the first Hudson County team to accomplish the feat and first New Jersey charter since Toms River East did it in 2021.

Bayonne will face the winner of Game 5 between New York (PYA Port Washington) and Connecticut (Darien) in the Aug. 14 championship game. The New Jersey state champions have already secured a spot in the title matchup after opening the Metro Region tournament with convincing victories over Connecticut and New York.

Bayonne (13-0) won both its games this week in Bristol, Connecticut, outscoring its first two opponents, 20-4. The Bees have been dominant, opening with an 8-2 victory over Connecticut before overwhelming New York, 12-2, two days later.

More: Bayonne Little League in Metro Region: Scores, schedule, TV info

More: Get to know Bayonne Little League players as region tournament begins

In the win over New York, Mason Rincon set the tone early by blasting a two-run home run to center field. Later in the first inning, AJ Tapia lined a single down the right-field line to drive in two more runs, giving Bayonne a 4-0 lead after one inning.

Bayonne continued to pour on the offense, adding one run in the second inning, five more in the third and two in the fourth. The game was called after the fourth inning under the run-rule, with the Bees holding a 12-2 advantage.

Gabriel Garcia Jr. and Mason Rincon combined to pitch all four innings, with Garcia earning the victory. He worked the first two innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs while helping keep the Bees firmly in control. Rincon handled the final two innings as Bayonne closed out the 12-2 win under the run rule.

Since Bayonne has not played since Aug. 10, the team will have had several days to rest and prepare for the championship game.

Check out the photo gallery, then continue reading.


The winner of the tournament represents the region at the Little League World Series from Aug. 19-30 at the Little League International Complex, Lamade and Volunteer Stadiums in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

In the 78 years since the first Little League World Series tournament, only 20 New Jersey teams have qualified for the August classic. Toms River East (2021) is the last New Jersey team to reach a World Series and first since Elmora Youth (Elizabeth) in 2019.

Only four New Jersey teams – Hammonton (1949), Wayne American (1970), Lakewood (1975) and Tom River East American (1998) – have won Little League World Series titles.

Here's everything you need to know about for Friday's Metro Region championship game:

When and where is the Metro Region championship game on Friday?​


Matchup: New Jersey (Bayonne) vs. Game 5 winner between New York (PY A)/Connecticut (Darien).

When: Friday, Aug. 14

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: A. Bartlett Giamatti Little League Leadership Training Center, 335 Mix Street, Bristol, Connecticut.

What channel is the Metro Region championship game on?​


Fans back home looking to catch Bayonne play can tune into ESPN for full coverage.

What's the weather forecast for Friday’s Metro Region title game?​


Weather has been a recurring factor in Bristol this week, with some games postponed and rescheduled because of intermittent rain. While additional inclement weather is expected in the area on Thursday, conditions are forecasted to improve significantly by Friday. Skies are expected to be clear and sunny, with temperatures around 65 degrees at game time.

Temperatures in Bristol have generally remained in the upper 70s to low 80s throughout the week.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bayonne now one win away from advancing to Little League World Series

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