Bayonne, N.J., wins 2nd Little League World Series game, advances to next round

The Bayonne, New Jersey, all-star Little Leaguers remain undefeated.

They beat West Chester, Pennsylvania, 3-1, on Friday night in their second game in the Little League World Series.

Their next game will be Sunday afternoon against the Midwest regional champions from Davenport, Iowa.

Watch parties continue to draw crowds in Bayonne

A packed watch party was held at The Well And Grill bar and restaurant in Bayonne. For bar owner Jack Howells, it wasn't just hometown pride, but family pride. His younger cousin Gabe Garcia Jr. was on the mound for the last two outs.

"He threw a couple of balls in the beginning. I'm screaming, 'Shake it off.' Threw a couple in the third, but he came back," Howells said. "He came back, straightened them out. Another W for Bayonne, baby."

"I watched him pitch in my backyard," Howells' sister Shanon Howells said. "We are so proud ... I can't even believe it."

"Who would've thought 12-year-old kids from Hudson County would be there? So proud of them," one fan said.

Teacher Mallory O'Brien brought a box full of team T-shirts to sell at Friday's watch party. By the end of the night, she was almost sold out.

"We only have about four youth shirts left," she said.

She added, "These boys are incredible. They're keeping our summer alive. They're amazing, and they never give up hope no matter what happens."

Players' parents grateful for support

Behind the all-star Little League sluggers are their all-star parents, who have been taking time from their busy lives, living at hotels and working remotely, saying their jobs are understanding of the ride they've been on.

"That love has been felt deeply," said Terell Bridges, father of player Jett Bridges.

"We're still working parents. We have other children, we have other responsibilities, and the support has been out of this world," said Jasmin Bridges, Jett Bridges' mom.

They are also thankful of the support from their friends back home, who grabbed fast-selling T-shirts, including Mayor Sharon Nadrowski.

"We're so proud of them, and we're looking to go all the way," she said. "The excitement's not dying down here."

Fans are also bringing posters of Marty Reed to the game. They're calling him "the angel in the outfield." He died in 2024 and is known as a legend in youth sports in Bayonne. He's considered a good luck charm for the team.

"I really love him and miss him a lot," Bayonne resident Aubrey Christopher said.

"He knew all the boys' and girls' names, and he was just a fabulous guy," Bayonne resident Chris Piscitelli said. "Now he's up in heaven with my husband, so they're gonna send those angels."

Ahead of Friday's game, parents say the boys were up early practicing and even signing autographs.

"I think we're more nervous than they are," said Ryan Klimklowski, father of player Chase Klimklowski.

"I feel like we dropped them off as boys and are picking them up, like, as men," mom Lynne Klimklowski said.

"They're taller, they're stronger, they're wiser, everything ... and more confident," said Ericka Ayala, mom of player Mason Rincon.

They're following right behind these kids through what they call the experience of a lifetime.