SAN FRANCISCO — In a contest that had all the hallmarks of a classic rivalry showdown, the St. Ignatius Wildcats delivered a moment their faithful won't soon forget.

Beau Schaffer played the hero Tuesday afternoon, ripping a clutch single in the bottom of the eighth inning to cap a dramatic 3-2 walk-off victory over the Bellarmine Bells in West Catholic Athletic League action.

The pitching duel featured stellar performances from both sides, with arms dominating much of the contest. The Wildcats' hurlers combined for three strikeouts, while Bellarmine's pitching staff fanned five SI batters.

After a scoreless deadlock through three frames, the Bells struck first when Dash Knight's ground out in the fourth inning pushed across the game's opening run, giving Bellarmine the early advantage.

The Wildcats found themselves staring at a potential defeat until the bottom of the seventh, when Ryan Rosenthal delivered perhaps the biggest swing of his season. The junior crushed a pitch over the left field fence to knot the game at two, sending the contest into extra innings and electrifying the home supporters.

Eddie McCartney emerged as the winning pitcher for SI, working two spotless relief innings while allowing just one hit with a strikeout and no walks. His clutch performance kept the game tied, setting the stage for Schaffer's heroics.

Wildcats' southpaw Chase Gordon turned in an impressive starting effort, scattering six hits across six solid innings while surrendering just two runs (one earned). He struck out two and issued just one free pass.

At the plate, the Wildcats were led by Schaffer and Jack Callen, who collected two hits apiece. Rosenthal also added two knocks of his own, including his game-tying blast. The Wildcats' defense contributed with a crucial double play that helped stifle a potential Bells rally.

The victory strengthens SI's position in the WCAL standings as they look ahead to Friday's home contest against Valley Christian.