Mason Rincon hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, propelling Bayonne Little League of New Jersey to a 2-1 victory over Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in their opening game of the Little League World Series on Aug. 19, 2026. The dramatic blast secured the win for Bayonne and continued their impressive 14-game winning streak.
Rincon, who pitched 4 ¹/₃ innings of two-hit ball, also delivered the decisive blow at the plate. "It's special, definitely," Rincon told reporters. "My first-ever walk-off home run and for it to be on this stage, it's awesome. To feel the atmosphere of the stadium and feel everybody chanting my name after as soon as I hit the ball, it just felt amazing."
Bayonne's journey to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, marks the team's first appearance in the Little League World Series. The team's mantra for the tournament, "Bayonne vs. Everyone," was embodied by Rincon's performance on both sides of the ball.
He struck out eight batters and walked three before handing the ball over to Gabe Garcia Jr. Garcia Jr. scored Bayonne's only run prior to Rincon's homer, crossing the plate on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first inning. Bridgewater had tied the game in the top of the third inning with a solo home run from Anthony Sullivan.
Bridgewater pitcher Dominik Mombeleur, nicknamed "The Dominator," held Bayonne to four hits over 3 ¹/₃ innings, striking out eight batters. Rincon had previously struck out and popped out against Mombeleur.
Bayonne coach Justin Smith had playfully advised opposing teams not to pitch to Rincon, a sentiment that proved prescient given his performance. The New Jersey team will advance to face East Side Little League from West Chester, Pennsylvania, on Friday.
The home run by Rincon in Wednesday's game mirrored a blast he hit during the regional tournament that helped Bayonne secure their spot in Williamsport. The team has now won 14 consecutive games and is making its inaugural appearance at the Little League World Series.
