The Cathedral Catholic baseball team closed out the regular season in unforgettable fashion on Friday, defeating University City 8-0 to secure a share of the Western League Championship and lock up the No. 1 seed in the CIF San Diego Section Open Division playoffs.

The evening was filled with memorable moments before the first pitch was even thrown. One of Cathedral Catholic’s Options Program students had the honor of delivering the ceremonial first pitch, providing a special start to the final regular-season home game. Athletic Director Noah Stevens also recognized two legendary coaches for historic milestones achieved this season. Coach Gary Remiker and Coach Rob Reiter were honored after becoming the winningest baseball coaches in Cathedral Catholic and Uni history, with 549 career wins and counting, following Wednesday’s win at University City.

The game was enjoyable before it started, but once it began, junior left-hander Jose Partida shined, delivering one of the most remarkable performances in program history on his 18th birthday. Partida pitched the first perfect game in Cathedral Catholic baseball history, retiring all 21 batters over seven flawless innings.

Partida was dominant from the opening pitch, striking out 12 batters without issuing a walk. He needed just 69 pitches to complete the masterpiece, throwing only 14 balls all game and never reaching a three-ball count against any hitter. In the third inning, he added an immaculate inning to his historic outing, striking out the side on just nine pitches.

The Dons provided early run support, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Hunter Harrington drove in a run with a groundout.

Cathedral Catholic then broke the game open in the fourth inning with a six-run rally. Nick Ruder delivered the biggest swing of the inning with a three-run single, while Harrington added a two-run single and Jonas Nalu capped the scoring with an RBI triple.

Harrington finished with a team-high three RBIs, while Joshua Priest collected two hits. The Dons also showed patience at the plate, drawing seven walks. Alex Harrington and Max Stewart each reached base twice via a walk.

Defensively, Cathedral Catholic backed Partida’s gem with error-free baseball. Evan DePodesta led the defensive effort with 12 putouts as the Dons completed the historic shutout.

With the victory, Cathedral Catholic finishes the regular season as co-Western League Champions and enters the postseason as the top seed in the Open Division. The Dons will now turn their attention toward a championship run, carrying momentum from one of the most memorable games in program history.