New Jersey's representative in the Little League World Series continues a historic run when Bayonne Central LL faces off against Bridgewater Joe Lazaro LL of Massachusetts on Aug. 19, the opening day of the 12-day tournament.
The 12-year-olds from Hudson County, who won the Metro Region title on Aug. 14 to earn a spot in Little League baseball's biggest event, will take the field at 7 p.m. at Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, against the team from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, who won the New England Region title.
The winner of the Bayonne-Bridgewater game will go on to play the winner of the Mid-Atlantic Region title, East Side LL from West Chester, Pennsylvania.
The bracket can be viewed here.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN, which will air all Little League World Series games, including the championship game on Aug. 30.
Bayonne (13-0) is the 21st New Jersey charter to reach the Little League World Series and the first since Toms River East advanced in 2021. The club is also just the second team from Hudson County to accomplish the feat, joining West New York American, which reached Williamsport in 1966.
Only four New Jersey teams – Hammonton (1949), Wayne American (1970), Lakewood (1975) and Toms River East American (1998) – have won Little League World Series titles. Bayonne, undefeated so far in getting to the World Series, could be the fifth if they continue down that unbeaten path.
Additional reporting by Nick Gantaifis.
Ricardo Kaulessar covers Jersey City, including race, immigration, and culture, for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com
Twitter/X: @ricardokaul
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here's what's next for Bayonne in Little League World Series