Iowa's Davenport Northwest stuns Bayonne, 6-0, at Little League World Series
Davenport Northwest Little League delivered a statement win Sunday at the Little League World Series, shutting out Bayonne, New Jersey, 6-0 and ending the New Jersey squad's 15-game winning streak. The Iowa team, representing the Midwest Region, now has Bayonne on the brink of elimination in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The victory puts Davenport Northwest in the driver's seat in the U.S. bracket, while Bayonne must now fight through the elimination bracket to keep its title hopes alive. For Iowa fans, the performance was a showcase of pitching dominance and timely hitting.
How Iowa shut down Bayonne's powerful lineup
Davenport Northwest starter Anthony Johnson Jr. was nearly untouchable, striking out 15 batters in 5 2/3 innings while allowing just one hit. Bayonne's lone hit came in the bottom of the third inning, a single by right fielder Joey Dwyer.
Johnson also contributed at the plate, driving in Iowa's third run in the top of the third with a ground single to right field. He then put the game out of reach in the sixth inning, launching a three-run home run to center field.
Bayonne coach Justin Smith acknowledged Johnson's dominance after the game.
“The kid had a great changeup, a great curveball and he wasn't wild today. He was hitting everything he had to hit. He was very good. Hats off to him,” Smith told reporters.
Early mistakes cost Bayonne against Iowa
Davenport Northwest jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a wild pitch, an error, and a single. Bayonne star Mason Rincon, who had been dominant earlier in the tournament, pitched three innings and allowed three runs on four hits, striking out six.
Rincon threw 31 pitches in the first inning alone and finished with 65 before being relieved by Gabe Garcia Jr. Smith defended his starter, pointing to defensive miscues as a key factor.
“I don't think he struggled, I think he was good. We just have to make a couple more plays here and there,” Smith said.
What's next for Bayonne and Davenport Northwest
Bayonne now moves to the elimination bracket and faces the winner of Monday's game between the Southwest Region and the Great Lakes Region on Tuesday night. The New Jersey team, whose motto is “Bayonne vs. Everyone,” has no margin for error but has faced win-or-go-home situations before in the regional tournament.
Smith said the focus remains simple.
“We take it one game at a time. Can't tell the kids to go win four games. It's one game a day. That's what you have to go for,” he said.
Davenport Northwest, meanwhile, continues its march through the winners' bracket, representing Iowa with pride and a shot at the U.S. championship game.
Frequently asked questions about the Little League World Series game
How did Davenport Northwest beat Bayonne?
Davenport Northwest won 6-0 behind starter Anthony Johnson Jr., who struck out 15 batters and allowed just one hit. Johnson also hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning.
What does the loss mean for Bayonne?
Bayonne moves to the elimination bracket and must win every remaining game to reach the U.S. championship. The team faces the winner of Monday's Southwest vs. Great Lakes game on Tuesday.
Who is Bayonne's star player?
Mason Rincon, who had been dominant earlier in the tournament, pitched three innings and allowed three runs on four hits. He struck out six but struggled with early control, throwing 31 pitches in the first inning.