Justin Cudd may be a sophomore, but he’s pitching like a senior right now.

Cudd gave up three hits in 6 1/3 innings and had a RBI double to help Katy take Game 1 of its Region III-5A area round playoff series against Bellaire, 2-0 Friday night at Roy Knoblauch Field.

The win gives the Tigers a chance to close out the series at home Saturday afternoon, with Game 2 and a possible third game at Katy starting at 1 p.m.

“I just tried to keep them unbalanced out there,” Cudd said.

Cudd, who is undefeated as a starter this season, kept the Cardinals guessing for most of the game, allowing only six baserunners.

“Justin has been pretty good all year long,” Katy coach Tom McPherson said. “He’s undefeated for a reason. He’s kind of oblivious to what’s going on out there. He doesn’t get too nervous until I start yelling at him.”

However, Bellaire pitcher Tyler Duffey was just as dominant. He gave up only two runs on five hits in six innings, with most of that coming in the first inning.

Katy (27-6) jumped out from the get-go as the first two hitters of the game got on base. Leadoff hitter Joey Fuda doubled down the left-field line and shortstop Parker Ray reached on a bunt single. Catcher Andrew Stumph grounded to shortstop to start a double play, but it allowed Fuda to score.

Then after outfielder Jarred Fancher singled, Cudd laced a pitch over left fielder Brian Baumgarten’s head to score Fancher and give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.

But that was the only offensive showing for Katy, as Duffey beared down to give up only one more hit while walking none and striking out six.

Bellaire (31-5) did have a chance in the seventh to tie the game, let alone win it. A one-out single by Sam Ofield was enough for McPherson to take Cudd out for reliever Keifer Nuncio. But Nuncio walked the first two batters he faced to load the bases for Cardinal shortstop Alex Silver.

Nuncio, who might pitch again in the second or third game, regained his control to strike out Silver and get pinch hitter Jared Rothenberg to pop out to Ray to end the game.

“Keifer had the adrenaline going, threw a little bit too hard, but came in when we needed to,” McPherson said. “So hopefully tomorrow he can relax, and if he pitches, he’ll be on his game.”

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