In a tense battle between two of the city's storied rivals, St. Ignatius edged Sacred Heart Cathedral 3-2 in walk-off fashion Saturday at Oracle Park, with RJ Church's clutch single in the bottom of the eighth proving to be the difference.

With the game knotted at two, Church delivered the decisive blow, plating the winning run and sending the Wildcats faithful into a frenzy. It was the kind of finish Oracle Park was built for.

The game was defined as much by what didn't happen on the scoreboard as what did. Leo Rhein was nothing short of brilliant in relief for St. Ignatius, tossing five immaculate innings — surrendering just one hit and no runs while striking out three and issuing zero walks. He earned the well-deserved victory. Starter Chase Gordon set the tone early, going three innings and allowing two runs before handing the ball off.

Sacred Heart Cathedral drew first blood in the third inning, when a single scored two runs, giving the Fighting Irish an early cushion. St. Ignatius clawed back in the seventh, when DJ Delaney lifted a sacrifice fly to even the score at two — setting the stage for Church's heroics an inning later. The Wildcats' patient approach at the plate was a key factor all game long, drawing 10 walks on the day. Archer Horn, AJ Wineinger, and Gordon each worked two free passes, with Horn also swiping a pair of bags on the basepaths. Ryan Rosenthal, RJ Kott, and Church each contributed a hit, while St. Ignatius also turned a double play to snuff out a potential Irish threat.

The two rivals will meet again Friday, this time at West Sunset, where the Fighting Irish will be looking for revenge.