Kellen Smith, shown earlier, had a home run Tuesday night for South.
(Photo/Darren Tart)

South Johnston hosted Harnett Central in the first round of the NCHSAA 3-A baseball playoffs and advanced with a 7-3 win on Tuesday night.

Kellen Smith went 2-for-2 with a home run, a walk, a hit by pitch and two RBs for South, the No. 5 seed in the East bracket.

South (16-8) will host No. 21 Jacksonville (14-10) in the second round on Friday at 6 p.m. The Cardinals are coming off an 8-5 win at No. 12 Person.

Ryan Blackmon was 2-for-3 with two RBIs for South on Tuesday. Trent Messer went 2-for-3.

Luke Wester was the winning pitcher, allowing no runs in three innings. Chris Layton pitched three innings and Ashton Holland tossed a scoreless frame.

Central, the No.28 seed, finished the season 13-11.