In a Little League plot twist rivaling any soap opera, the New Jersey state championship between Toms River and Hanover Township was halted by lightning and settled overnight by email, sparking outrage from Toms River.

The championship game was abruptly halted with Hanover Township leading 6-4 at the start of the sixth inning, only to have tournament officials send an email the next morning declaring Hanover the victors. Toms River coach Brad Bossow was shocked by the decision, accusing Hanover’s Little League district of pulling some late-night strings. Eventually, Little League headquarters backed the controversial call, leaving a trail of disgruntled players, coaches, and parents from Toms River in its wake.

The game, which had been a rollercoaster of emotions and runs, took a dramatic turn when lightning struck just as the sixth inning was about to begin. Tournament officials initially reassured everyone that the game would resume the following day. Toms River fans, hoping their team would make a comeback, went to bed with some assurance, clutching their lucky charms with fingers crossed.

But the next morning, Brad Bossow, the coach of the Toms River team, found himself embroiled in what he described as a modern-day midnight heist. In the wee hours, he received an email stating that the game was officially over, and Hanover Township's 6-4 lead would stand as the final score. 'I thought it was a joke at first,' Bossow said. 'But then I saw the sender's name, and the reality sank in.'

The decision left many scratching their heads and shaking their fists. Bossow was quick to point fingers, accusing Hanover’s Little League district of influencing the outcome by lobbying officials in the middle of the night. The whispers of a clandestine call and the hurried appeal to Little League's headquarters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, only added fuel to the fire.

Indeed, the final ruling came down from Williamsport, and the victory slipped into Hanover's hands like a well-oiled glove. Despite the confusion, desperation, and a tinge of conspiracy, Little League officials backed the late-night decision, asserting that the score at the time of suspension would be final. 'It's over,' Bossow reluctantly admitted, 'and from what I know, Little League never changes its rulings.'

The series of events left Toms River's players crestfallen and their supporters absolutely livid. For many, it wasn't just about the game but about the method in which the decision had been reached. Parents and fans could be seen huddling together, consoling each other under the grey, stormy skies. 'The way it was handled left a sour taste in everyone's mouth,' said one disheartened parent. 'My son’s already asking if he can put the officials on his Christmas list… under “naughty,” of course,' joked another, trying to lighten the mood.

Ironically, this wasn't the first spate of lightning that officials contended with. Earlier in the game, around the third inning, lightning had made an appearance but was deemed distant enough to continue play. When the storm finally arrived with all its bluster, it left officials in a bind. They initially told Bossow that the game would resume that night, but the decision shifted to the next day after reassessing the storm.

As it stands, Hanover Township basks in its title as New Jersey state champions, though their victory is coupled with an asterisk in the minds of many from Toms River. Parents, players, and coaches are left wondering what might have been if the storm had held its peace for just a few more innings. Many argue that the conclusion of such an important game via email is hardly the climatic end that youth baseball deserves.

The enduring image from that stormy evening is one of frustration and bewilderment—a story that will likely be retold at many a Toms River family barbecue. Whether this sets a precedent for future Little League games is yet to be seen, but one thing's for sure: weather apps are now going to be watched as closely as the scoreboard.