The Cardinal Newman varsity baseball team used timely hitting and solid pitching to secure a 7-3 win over Ukiah on Wednesday, building an early lead and holding off the Wildcats down the stretch.

The Cardinals broke through in the second inning, capitalizing on key opportunities. Brody Cameron delivered an RBI single down the left field line, and Devlin Chavez followed with a run-scoring hit to center. An Ukiah error added another run, giving Newman a 3-0 advantage.

Newman continued to apply pressure in the third. Jacob Wood drove in a run with a single to left, and another run came home on a wild pitch, extending the lead to 5-0.

Ukiah responded with three runs, but the Cardinals' pitching staff limited further damage. Legend Haile started on the mound, striking out five over 3.2 innings. Will Pratt came on in relief and shut the door, allowing just two hits over 3.1 scoreless innings to earn the win.

At the plate, Newman collected nine hits. Jace Wooley, Jamie Vozaitis, and Wood each recorded two hits, while Cameron and Wood led the way with two RBIs apiece. Chavez also contributed with an RBI as part of a balanced offensive effort.

Defensively, the Cardinals were sharp, committing no errors and turning a double play. Wood anchored the defense with a team-high seven chances.

Ukiah was led by Chase Galletti, who drove in two runs, while four different Wildcats recorded hits in the loss.

Cardinal Newman will look to carry the momentum into Friday's rematch at Ukiah.