LAKE ELSINORE – The first batter Miguel Mendez faced in his 2024 season made it memorable. Kendell George struck a hard ground ball directly into the Lake Elsinore Storm starting pitcher’s ankle. After a brief discussion with the training staff, Mendez resumed his night to less than optimal results. Mendez would allow two walks but just one run. However, for how tight the spot appeared to be, one run was an incredible testament to his mental fortitude.
Mendez would also strike out two of three batters and refuse to allow a run in the second inning, ending his night with one earned run, four walks, three strikeouts, and the only hit being one that likely left a colorful bruise on his ankle. This navigation of misfortune allowed the Storm a chance to answer and answer they did. They would score six runs in the first three innings, collecting five hits and two walks in that span. The Storm lineup was also helped immensely by the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, they were the beneficiaries of two errors and nine walks.
The Quakes would only get as close as three runs behind as the Lake Elsinore Storm put up eleven runs on eleven hits to leave Storm fans happy for more than just the post-game fireworks.
Five Lake Elsinore Storm pitchers entered the game tonight, three of the five would not allow a single run and two of the five would not allow a hit. Thomas Balboni Jr. ended the night by striking out three batters in his one inning of work while Will Varmette struck out four in two innings of work.
Romeo Sanabria and Rosman Verdugo would each earn three hits and score twice. Catcher Oswaldo Linares was the victim of three errors, and one passed ball but brought the first run home when he singled in the second inning and Nick Vogt scored.
The Lake Elsinore Storm would go on to win Saturday 7-5 as they opened the 2024 season with two wins over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes before dropping Sunday’s series finale 14-7. The Quakes used 14 walks and 4 HR’s (2 by Zhir Hope) to defeat the Storm in that final game at The Diamond.
The Storm will hit the road to take on Modesto this week before returning home to face Visalia in their next homestand starting April 16th. Visit www.stormbaseball.com for ticket info, promotions schedules and more. Article contributions made by Storm Multimedia Manager Justin Jett and Valley News photojournalist David Canales.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.
