Bayonne, N.J., advances to next round of Little League World Series after beating Bridgewater, Mass.
Bayonne, New Jersey, is advancing to the next round of the Little League World Series.
The team beat the New England champs from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, 2-1, on Wednesday night.
A historic run for Bayonne
It was a nailbiter up until the sixth inning when Mason Rincon hit a walk-off homerun.
This is Bayonne's first-ever appearance in the Little League World Series.
The team is undefeated so far this season. They took home the state and Metro Region championships for the first time in the city's history this year, and they're hoping to keep their historic World Series trip going.
Their next game is Friday when they will face off against the Mid-Atlantic regional champions from West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Fans travel to support team
Fans, friends and family traveled from Bayonne to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to support their 12U all-stars Wednesday.
"They're energetic. They bring everything to the field," fan Pete Amadeo said.
"We have a lot of faith in these kids, and these kids have grown together, and they fight for each other every step of the way," Bayonne Little League vice president Joseph Van Horn said. "They will not be beaten."
The family of third baseman A.J. Tapia says dreams are coming true.
"I was crying, too. I was crying with my brother and my mom," said his sister Ciara.
"Viva Bayonne," said grandmother Rosa Chalen.
"I can't get enough. I'm really proud of my nephew," aunt Roseangela Chalen said. "Baby, I wish you the best. I love you."
At the Little League World Series, as far as these fans are concerned, it's Bayonne vs. everybody.
"It means a lot, because I know next year I'm probably going to be there," 10-year-old Landon Rodriguez said.
"They're just a special group, and I'm proud they made it this far," 8-year-old Mateo Somoza said.
"It's really cool. It's gonna be a good experience. I hope Bayonne wins," 10-year-old Patrick Van Horn said.
Claire Van Horn, 7, agreed.
"Bayonne is going to do something incredible," she said.
Hometown watch party draws huge crowd
Back at home, there was a packed watch party at OJ Mac's on Broadway to support their hometown team.
"This is a huge night for Bayonne. We finally proved to the United States we are a force to be reckoned with," OJ Mac's employee Ron Venner said.
Venner says they were ready for the crowd.
"This is the first time we are in the series, so this is amazing," he said.
"Beyond, beyond proud of the fact that they are Bayonne boys," one fan said.
"It's a great opportunity for Bayonne. We love it," another fan said.
Many say this moment is about more than baseball; it's about watching a group of kids who grew up playing together now represent their entire city on the world stage.
"It's really about the kids. Really excited for them," fan Patrick McCabe said.
"This is a great thing for Bayonne. My dad played Little League, I played, my brother played, and we are a big community oriented around sports," another fan said.
