HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL : Late Paso Robles Homer Eliminates Harvard, 5-4

Chris Gardner hit a solo home run in the first inning and a game-winning solo home run in the seventh as Paso Robles defeated Harvard, 5-4, in a Southern Section 1-A wild-card game Thursday at Paso Robles.

Leading 4-1 in the sixth, Harvard had a chance to end a two-out Paso Robles’ rally when outfielder Charles Patton dropped a fly ball in foul territory. Greg Pesenti took advantage of the reprieve and followed with a two-run single. Third baseman John Collins then misplayed a ground ball by Mike Huff and Paso Robles tied the score, 4-4.

Gardner led off the seventh with his second home run to give Paso Robles (18-5-1) the victory. Harvard finished the season 11-10.

Faith Baptist matched Serrano with three home runs, but lost, 11-8, in a Southern Section 1-A first-round playoff game.

Faith Baptist’s Shaik Nabi pitched the first three innings and allowed seven runs on five hits, including a grand slam and two solo home runs in the third.

Faith Baptist (11-11-1) got home runs from Steve Weston, Rich Leon and Danny McAdoo.

McAdoo had three hits and five RBIs, including a two-run single in the fifth. Leon had two hits and two RBIs.