By: Richard L. Smith
Bayonne’s historic run on the national stage continued Wednesday night as the New Jersey youngsters pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in their opening game of the 2026 Little League World Series.
The victory marked Bayonne Central Little League’s first-ever game in Williamsport — and the team made sure it was one New Jersey fans would remember.
With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Mason Rincon stepped to the plate and blasted a walk-off home run over the center-field fence, immediately setting off a celebration among his teammates and the large contingent of Bayonne supporters who made the trip to Pennsylvania.
Rincon was a major factor on both sides of the ball. According to information reported by ABC7 New York and other tournament coverage, the Bayonne standout also started on the mound and delivered a strong performance before becoming the offensive hero in the final inning.
Rincon pitched 4⅓ innings, allowing just two hits while striking out eight and walking three.
Bayonne struck first when Gabe Garcia Jr. scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first inning. Bridgewater answered in the third when Anthony Sullivan connected for a solo home run, tying the game at 1-1.
The pitching and defense kept the score deadlocked until Rincon came to the plate in the sixth and ended the game with one swing.
The victory extended Bayonne’s remarkable summer run and moved the Metro Region champions forward in the winners’ bracket.
Bayonne will now face East Side Little League of West Chester, Pennsylvania, representing the Mid-Atlantic Region, on Friday, August 21, as the New Jersey squad continues its quest for a Little League World Series championship.