Bayonne, N.J., moves to Little League World Series elimination bracket after loss to Iowa
The boys from Bayonne, New Jersey, had their first loss of the season Sunday, but their Little League World Series journey isn't over yet.
The 12U Little League team fell to the Midwest regional champions from Davenport, Iowa, 6-0.
Bayonne's next game is a must-win to stay in LLWS
Bayonne now moves to the elimination bracket and plays again Tuesday evening. That game is a must-win in order for them to stay in the series.
They will face either the Southwest regional champs from Boerne, Texas, or the Great Lakes regional champs from Hamilton, Ohio.
This is Bayonne's first appearance in the Little League World Series in the team's 75-year history, following their first state championship and first Metro regional championship victories earlier this season.
Bayonne won their first two World Series games, beating the New England regional champions from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and the Mid-Atlantic regional champions from West Chester, Pennsylvania.
The tournament continues this week and concludes on Aug. 30 with the Little League World Series Championship game between the U.S. champs and the international champs.
Bayonne fans keep hope alive for Little League team
Watch parties have been a boost for business in Bayonne, including at Starting Point Bar and Grille, which hosted a party Sunday.
"Good for me, better for the community," bar owner Mickey Czok said.
Czok said he's been watching this team play together since they were 7 years old.
"Now, it's your time. This is your time. Take advantage of it," he said.
Fan Natasha Olmo traveled to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to watch the team play in person last week.
"How Bayonne is over there in Williamsport is out of control," she said. "I've never seen 12U 12-year-olds compose themselves in the way that these kids do every single time."
Fans are keeping hope alive.
"Win or lose, we're so proud of them. It's awesome," fan Dave Cortese said.
"It makes no difference if they win or not," fan Kerry Boyle said. "These kids are probably gonna get a parade, and they have the hearts of Bayonne."
