Normal West needed the five-run lead to hold of Champaign Central 10-8 in Big 12 Conference high school baseball action from Normal on Monday.

Chase Knuth went 4-for-4 with a double and five RBIs, helping the Wildcats build a 10-5 lead after six innings.

The Maroons battled back with three runs in the top of the seventh inning, but their late rally fell short. 

Sean Jenkins was 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Wildcats, while Cooper Temples was 1-for-2 with a double, two walks, and scored twice. 

Chase Reinhart and Brady Hart drove in runs for Normal West in the win. 

Normal West improves to 11-5 overall and 5-2 in the Big 12 Conference. They will travel to Champaign on Wednesday for its second game with Central.