Baseball: Juan Gallardo’s three-run home run powers Banning [Video]

With nine returning starters from a City Section Division I semifinalist team, Banning was expected to do well this season, and the Pilots sent a message on Monday night that they intend to be a title contender after a 3-2 victory over defending champion San Fernando.

Juan Gallardo’s three-run home run in the fifth inning wiped out a 2-0 deficit and enabled Banning (4-2) to inflict a rare defeat on All-City pitcher Alonzo Garcia, whose career record is 24-4.

Justin Yanez, a junior pitcher, struck out 10 and allowed four hits.

“Our pitching performance by Justin was amazing,” said Gallardo, the team’s senior catcher.

The only disappointing note for Banning was the four errors committed and the five stolen bases allowed.

Gallardo sent Garcia’s pitch flying over the right-field fence at Banning.

“I was just trying to get a pitch I could drive,” he said. “The coaches were telling me trust my hands, trust my hands. I finally listened.”

Julian Villegas had two of the eight hits off Garcia. Eddie Mendez had an RBI single for San Fernando (3-3).

In its last two games, Banning has knocked off St. John Bosco and San Fernando without using ace Gino Brockway. That’s an impressive achievement itself.

Eric.sondheimer@latimes.com