A five-run first inning rally helped carry Wayne Hills to a 7-5 baseball victory over a state-ranked Passaic team. The Patriots never gave up the lead after the big early outburst.

Anthony Vigorito, Brian Marcus and Ryan Maskal drove in runs in the first inning for Wayne Hills. After Passaic cut the lead to 5-4, Dan Abate delivered a run-scoring triple in the top of the fourth to provide some cushion.

John Barone started on the mound for the Patriots and earned the win.

Passaic used aggressive base-running to get back into the game, scoring three runs on misplays on stolen bases or wild pitches. Jonathan Garcia also had an RBI single.

The Indians, who won their first eight games of the season, dropped their second straight contest to fall to 8-2.

Wayne Hills is now 5-2.

For sports video highlights of this Big North Conference high school baseball game, click play in the box at left.