HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP : Nine-Run Fifth Powers Poway to Win

Leadoff hitters are not known for power, so it was something of a surprise when Poway’s Mike Sharp had the only extra-base hit in a nine-run fifth inning--a home run. Poway used the inning to catapult to a 14-3 victory at Orange Glen.

But then again, Sharp’s homer didn’t clear the fence, either. No, it was an inside-the-park job that had to be gathered by Orange Glen’s second baseman.

Orange Glen’s right fielder, Jeremy McCullough, collided with center fielder Mike Russ as both chased a line drive which Poway Coach Rudy Casciato said was hit between the two. They were at full speed when they collided, and Russ had to leave the game.

It was a two-run homer for Sharp, who also singled and scored twice in the inning.

Poway had seven base hits in the inning.

Other hitting stars for Poway included: Phil Portier, who went four for five with two RBIs; Rob Plarski, who was three for five with two RBIs; and Matt Sanders, who went three for five with three RBIs.

Eight different Titans had RBIs as Poway pitcher Miles Kelly struck out eight Patriots.

In other Palomar games:

Torrey Pines 4, Rancho Buena Vista 3--With the score tied, 3-3, going into the bottom of the sixth, Torrey Pines looked as if it was about to break the game wide open when its first three batters loaded the bases.

Even then, it took some luck for Torrey Pines to push across a run.

After a line-drive out to second base and a strikeout, Brian Lynch swung and missed at strike three. But the RBV catcher let the ball get past him and roll to the backstop, which allowed Anthony Napoli, who started the inning with a walk, score.

RBV’s Chris Gorr went three for four.

Torrey Pines improved to 3-9, 1-2, and RBV fell to 6-5, 0-3.

Vista 8, San Dieguito 4--Matt Stone struck out seven and gave up only two hits to San Dieguito going into the seventh. But in that final inning, San Dieguito scored three runs without a base hit.

For Vista, Tommy Jaime had two singles and an RBI, and Jay Kjeldsen doubled, singled and drove in a run.

Avocado League

San Marcos 3, San Pasqual 2--Randy Calloway drove in the winning run with a double in the top of the 10th inning to give San Marcos (7-3, 3-0) sole possession of first place. Eric Morton went three for five with one RBI for San Marcos.

Sophomore Ernie Silva gave up one earned run and struck out eight in nine innings for San Pasqual (7-5, 2-1).

Oceanside 6, Escondido 2--Fred Warner hit a single to put Oceanside ahead, 3-2, then Carl Mathis hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning to secure the victory. John Portugal (1-2) struck out seven in six innings for Oceanside (4-8-1, 2-1). Escondido is 3-8, 1-2.

Nonleague

Grossmont 3, El Capitan 2--Gary Marshall scored the winning run in the sixth inning on a two-out bases-loaded single by Todd Cady.

Mike Spears had eight strikeouts and now has 51 for the season. El Capitan’s Jason Reed also had eight strikeouts.

Valhalla 7, Monte Vista 6--Ray Neder came off the bench and hit a run-scoring double to win the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. Rob Reid went three for four with three RBIs for the Norsemen (8-4). Monte Vista is 6-3.

Helix 15, West Hills 5--Helix scored eight runs off seven hits in the third inning to take a 9-3 lead. Jame Frey went four for five with two runs scored and one RBI for Helix (9-5). John Hegg had two hits and three RBIs for West Hills (4-6).

Mt. Miguel 9, Santana 4--Jim Hoffman hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning to give Mt. Miguel a 6-3 lead. Robert Crayton went two for four with three RBIs for Mt. Miguel (8-3). Shane Hobbs went two for three with two RBIs for Santana (9-2-1).

El Cajon Valley 8, Granite Hills 5--The Braves (2-9) had five hits, but all of their runs were unearned. El Cajon Valley had only one hit in the first inning, but six walks helped the Braves to a 6-1 lead.

Jason Braun accounted for all five Eagle runs with a grand slam and a solo homer. Granite Hills fell to 5-4. SOFTBALL Avocado League

San Pasqual 3, San Marcos 1--Pam Shoemaker hit a two-run double in first inning as San Pasqual (7-4, 2-1) upset previously unbeaten San Marcos (10-1, 2-1). Jill Combe went two for three with two runs scored and two stolen bases for San Pasqual.