LITTLE LEAGUE: Encino plays host to Southern California Divisionals

If you want to see some really competitive Little League baseball, check out the Southern California Divisionals tournament beginning today (Saturday) at Encino Little League -- the second-to-last stop before the annual Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

Because there are so many top programs in California, many agree the Southern California Divisionals is actually more difficult to win than the Western Regionals in San Bernandino that qualifies one team for the World Series.

Among the 10 participants are Moorpark and Quartz Hill. Moorpark opens at 1 p.m. today vs. Tustin Western. Quartz Hill plays at 10 a.m. Sunday against the La Verne-Torrance winner.

The best-of-three championship series begins next Saturday, Aug. 1. Encino Little League is located at 5120 Hayvenhurst Avenue on the corner of Hayvenhurst and Magnolia.

-- Gerry Gittelson