Bayonne’s Little League World Series title hopes ended on Tuesday evening with a 5-2 loss to West Side Little League of Hamilton, Ohio, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, officially knocking Bayonne out of the tournament. Both starting pitchers kept the opposing teams scoreless through the first three innings, with Bayonne’s Jett Bridges escaping a jam in the second inning thanks to left fielder Dex Zimmerman throwing out a runner at home. Hamilton starter Boone Treadway allowed just two hits in the first three innings while striking out five batters.
The Great Lakes squad broke the game open, scoring five runs in the fourth inning due to three consecutive walks to start the inning, followed by a series of hits and some infield errors. Bayonne responded in the fifth with their first run of the game, but their rally ended with back-to-back strikeouts from Treadway.
In the sixth inning, Bayonne sparked a second rally starting with a walk and a single, which ultimately led to Treadway being replaced. After Hamilton reliever Bryson Williams secured two quick outs, Bayonne managed to score a second run, narrowing their deficit to three runs with the tying run at the plate. However, Bayonne’s hopes were dashed when Chase Klimkowski grounded into the final out of the game.
Following the game, Bayonne coach Justin Smith expressed pride in his team, stating, "I think the kids had a great run. Correct me if I’m wrong, but top 6 in the country and top 12 in the world, you can’t really complain much about that. Small town of Bayonne and the kids really proved themselves. We couldn’t be more proud of them." Treadway finished the game with eight strikeouts, three walks, and two earned runs over five-plus innings pitched. Smith acknowledged that they took too long to get their offense going, noting, "Their pitcher was really good. We fought like we always tell kids from Bayonne to do, and we battled to the end."
Hamilton is scheduled to face Phenix City, Alabama, from the Southeast region on Wednesday. Bayonne’s performance was one of New Jersey’s best in recent history, with the 2026 team being the first to win the regional tournament since Holbrook Little League of Jackson in 2017. As Bayonne’s time at the Little League World Series concludes, Smith encouraged his players to cherish the experience, stating, "Being here is not something that many people can say they were. Take it all in, all the people they met, the good times they had."