The Storm Falls 8-6 In Hard Fought Series Finale

By Larry Belmontes

The Fresno Grizzlies capitalized on a huge third inning and a clutch home run in the eighth to edge the Lake Elsinore Storm 8-6 in a back and forth California League battle at Chukchansi Park.

The Game

Grizzlies Break Through

The floodgates opened for Fresno in the third inning as Kelvin Hidalgo delivered the biggest blow with a bases clearing double to center driving in Francisco Garcia, Juan Castillo, and Kevin Fitzer. Moments later, Blake Wright executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to bring Hidalgo home. Tommy Hopfe capped the five run frame with a sharp RBI double to left.

Storm Strikes Back

Lake Elsinore answered quickly as Ryan Jackson ripped a triple to deep center to score Kasen Wells, then crossed the plate himself on Zach Evans’ RBI groundout. Fresno still led 5-2.

Fresno Adds One

The Grizzlies tacked on an insurance run when Wright singled to left to score Hidalgo again. Fresno goes up 6-2.

Storm Rally Continues

Evans added another RBI with a line drive double, and a passed ball later allowed Lamar King Jr. to score cutting Fresno’s lead to just two!

Storm Ties It

Lake Elsinore’s bats stayed hot in the eighth and Ryan Wilson came through with a clutch single to center bringing home both Evans and Alex McCoy to tie things up at 6 all!

Hopfe’s Heroics

With the game hanging in the balance, Tommy Hopfe crushed a two run homer to left center, scoring Wright and sending the Chukchansi Park crowd into a frenzy. The ninth inning was unsuccessful for the Storm as the Grizzlies take the game 8-6 and end the series 3-3.

Pitching & Key Stats

Luis Gutierrez (Lake Elsinore) started strong with multiple strikeouts but unraveled in the third, giving up five earned runs.

Nathan Blasick (Fresno) handled his business on the mound, keeping Fresno in control through the early innings.

Justin Loer (Fresno) shut the door late, earning the save with a clean final frame.

Standout Performers

Tommy Hopfe (FRE): 2-for-3, HR (2), 2B, 3 RBI – clutch game-winner and key insurance double.

Kelvin Hidalgo (FRE): 3 RBI, 2 runs, big momentum shift in the 3rd.

Ryan Jackson (LE): Triple, 2 runs scored, RBI – ignited the Storm’s offense.

Zach Evans (LE): 2B, 2 RBI – involved in both mid-game and late-inning rallies.

Strikeout Totals

A combined 18 strikeouts highlighted a night of ups and downs for both lineups.

Yeiker Reyes (FRE) struggled at the plate with three strikeouts.

Early innings saw solid command from starters, especially Gutierrez, before offensive fireworks took over.

California League Standings Update (as of April 20, 2025)

In the Cal South division, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Dodgers affiliate) lead the pack with a 9-6 record, while the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres) and Inland Empire 66ers (Angels) are tied for second at 5–10, four games back. The Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks) bring up the rear at 4–11 after a tough 1–9 stretch.

Over in the Cal North, the Modesto Nuts (Mariners) continue to dominate with a stellar 12-3 mark. The Stockton Ports (A’s) trail by two games at 10–5. The San Jose Giants (Giants) remain competitive at 8-7, while the Fresno Grizzlies (Rockies) improved to 7-8 with the win, looking to climb the standings with momentum on their side.

The Storm head home to take on the Visalia Rawhide and the Grizzlies will head to San Jose to take on the Giants.

Social Media

Follow The Lake Elsinore Storm on social media:

Facebook: Lake Elsinore Storm

TikTok: @stormbaseball_

Instagram: @lakeelsinorestorm

X: @Storm_Baseball

And Keep Up With Larry B. and Cecilia's posts when they attend Storm games at:

Facebook: The Sports Couple Perspectives

TikTok: TSCP_IESR

Instagram: @tscp_iesr

X: @TSCP_IESR

Image Source: Facebook: Lake Elsinore Storm