SAN FRANCISCO — In a pitchers' duel that showcased high school baseball at its finest, the St. Ignatius Wildcats delivered when it mattered most, securing a dramatic 2-1 walk-off victory over Valley Christian on Friday afternoon.

With tension mounting in the bottom of the eighth inning and the score deadlocked at one, Wildcats' clutch hitter DJ Delaney stepped to the plate and delivered a game-winning single that sent the home crowd into a frenzy and handed the Wildcats a crucial late-season triumph.

The masterful mound performances from both squads dominated the narrative for most of the contest. St. Ignatius hurlers combined for seven strikeouts while Valley Christian's pitching staff was even more impressive, fanning ten Wildcat batters.

In the bottom of the seventh, with their backs against the wall, AJ Wineinger crushed a double to left field that knotted the score at 1-1, setting the stage for Delaney's heroics an inning later.

Eddie McCartney earned the victory with a stellar relief appearance, shutting down Valley Christian over one and two-thirds hitless innings while recording three strikeouts. 

Finn Demuth gave the Wildcats a strong start, throwing three and one-third scoreless frames while allowing just one hit. 

Delaney paced the Wildcats' offense, going 2-for-3 at the dish. The visitors showed remarkable plate discipline, drawing six walks, but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities.

The rivals will face off again on Saturday when St. Ignatius travels to Valley Christian for what promises to be another compelling chapter in this rivalry.