On a chilly Monday in Chippewa Falls, the Cardinals (1-0, 0-0 Big Rivers Conference) started off their 2026 campaign with a home opener against the Red Raiders (1-1, 0-0 Wisconsin Valley Conference).
Despite allowing multiple baserunners, the Cardinals defense held Rapids to a single tally in the first frame, and then the offense came through in the bottom of the inning, giving Chi-Hi their first lead.
Though the visitors briefly regained the advantage in the fourth, the Cards scored nine straight to end the contest, collecting 11 runs on just six hits, and only committing one error.
On the hill, seniors Brady Smith and Evan Weiler struck out four apiece, with only one combined walk. Seniors Connor Kolinski and Gavin Thompson each tallied 2 RBIs on the day, with Thompson, Kolinski, and sophomore Mason Chittendon each scoring twice.
