The Lake Elsinore Storm had their second homestand of the season last week and went 2-4 against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The first 4 innings of their final game were completely unrecognizable from the following 5.
Through 4 innings, just 1 total run was scored as Noel Vela, the Storm starting pitcher, was able to work himself out of not just one but two bases-loaded jams in three innings. He would end up with five strikeouts and zero earned runs while Jason Reynolds would follow his strong start by completing a perfect fourth inning.
After that quiet start, both offenses came alive. Over the following 4 and a half innings, the Quakes and Storm would combine to put up 25 runs, 25 hits, 13 walks, and multiple hours of baseball played. In fact, by the time this game was finished, it had completed the four-hour mark.
An eighth inning 8-8 tie would not last long as Robert Hassell III continued his clutch hitting with an RBI double to put the Storm up 9-8. The Quakes would then completely unravel as they allowed the Storm to put a shocking 8 runs on the board. The Storm would get 12 men to the plate and would collectively hit for the cycle in the 8th inning alone with 3 singles, 2 doubles, 1 triple, and 1 home run. The final score would have the appearance of a forward-thinking NFL game more than a minor league Sunday night but, in the end, the Storm would get a much-needed win that places them back on top of the Low-A West.
By dropping four of their last six games, the Storm, now garnishing a 9-9 record, will take to the road to take on the San Jose Giants in a six-game series. Following that series, Lake Elsinore will be in Stockton for six games and will return for a home series against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in early June.
For more information on the Lake Elsinore Storm, and to check game times for this week and beyond, visit www.stormbaseball.com. Article contributions made by Storm staff member, Justin Jett.
