Heavy Hitters Prepare for Power Surge

Who’s the teenage Ken Griffey Jr.? Who can hit a home run like Sammy Sosa? Who’s the next Mark McGwire?

Thirty-two high school baseball players will get a chance to show their power in a home-run hitting contest at 4 p.m. Saturday at USC’s Dedeaux Field.

The event precedes the San Fernando Valley tournament final at 7 p.m., matching top-ranked Westlake against No. 4-ranked El Camino Real.

Each of the 32 teams in the tournament can have one representative in the home-run hitting derby. Participants must bring their own pitchers. Each batter will get 12 pitches.

There also will be a baserunning competition at 5 p.m.

Admission is free for the contests and championship game.

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Josh Deneau, expected to be El Camino Real’s No. 1 pitcher this season, has received doctor’s clearance to begin pitching. He has been sidelined with a sprained ankle.