Going for Downs, Sluggers Strike Out : Cardenas Wins Home Run Derby With One Swing

Call it Solo Home Run Derby.

One sweet swing made Tony Cardenas of San Fernando High champion of a home run-hitting contest Wednesday at the Birmingham tournament.

Of seven sluggers taking 10 swings each at 75 mph offerings from a pitching machine, only Cardenas connected, sending the ball over the left-field fence.

Brian Levine of Grant, Josh Goldfield of Calabasas, Facundo Barrera of Birmingham, Kevin Stromsborg of Notre Dame, David Krewson of Simi Valley and John Bringuier of Granada Hills all went down, well, swinging.

“I had a little trouble myself, at first,” Cardenas said. “It felt good. Right over the plate, waist high. A home run pitch.”

Cardenas, a junior designated hitter, hit his first homer of the season Tuesday, a two-run shot that proved decisive in a 9-8 victory over Poly. Cardenas’ only homer last season was off Kennedy ace Jon Garland.

For his efforts, Cardenas was awarded a certificate for a new aluminum bat.

“Can always use a new bat,” Cardenas said.

Senior Brett Scott of Simi Valley pocketed a new pair of spikes for placing first in a baserunning contest. Scott, the Pioneers’ leadoff hitter, circled the diamond in 14.3 seconds.