The Storm’s Solid Performance Earns Them Win Number Three!

By Larry Belmontes

The Lake Elsinore Storm earn win number three on the season powering past the Fresno Grizzlies in a 9-4 road win on Thursday night! From towering home runs to clutch late-inning hits, the Storm took control from the first pitch and silenced a late push from the Grizzlies with solid pitching and timely insurance runs.

Early Thunder from King Jr. and Wilson

It didn’t take long for the Storm to strike. Catcher Lamar King Jr., the Padres’ second-round pick in 2024, opened the scoring with a solo blast to left-center field in the top of the first, setting the tone for what would be a productive night for the Lake Elsinore bats.

The second inning was a turning point. After Kaden Hollow scored on a fielder’s choice by B.Y. Choi, Ryan Wilson stepped up and crushed a three-run home run to left, clearing the bases and giving the Storm a commanding 5-0 lead! That momentum carried through the middle innings as Fresno struggled to respond.

Storm Add Insurance, Grizzlies Show Fight

In the sixth, Lake Elsinore tacked on two more runs. Ryan Jackson singled home Victor Duarte, and a passed ball by Grizzlies catcher Alan Espinal allowed Ryan Wilson to score, stretching the lead to 7-0.

But Fresno wasn’t going down without a fight. In the bottom of the seventh, Tommy Hopfe laced a two-run double, bringing home Kevin Fitzer and Blake Wright. The Grizzlies added two more in the eighth with a two run homer from Kelvin Hidalgo trimming the deficit to just three.

Just when it looked like the game might tighten up, the Storm put it away. In the top of the ninth, Ryan Jackson came through again with a two RBI single, scoring Zach Evans and Victor Duarte to seal the 9-4 victory.

Pitching Powers Through

Storm starter Boston Bateman showcased why he’s one of the Padres’ rising prospects. The 18 year old right hander from Camarillo, CA, turned in a dominant performance, keeping the Grizzlies scoreless through the early innings while racking up strikeouts.

Fellow prospect Alejandro David Lugo closed the door in the ninth, fanning Kelvin Hidalgo to end the game and secure the win for Lake Elsinore!

On the other side, Fresno’s starter Brody Brecht the Rockies’ 2024 competitive balance pick flashed power stuff but struggled with consistency, giving up two early home runs that put Fresno in a hole they couldn’t climb out of.

Strikeout Showcase

If you love pitching duels, this game delivered in spurts. The two teams combined for 27 strikeouts, with Lake Elsinore hitters going down 17 times, while Storm pitchers rang up 10 Grizzlies. Despite the high strikeout totals, Lake Elsinore’s power hitting and situational hitting proved the difference.

Key Performers:

• Ryan Wilson (LE): 3-run HR, RBI single, 4 RBIs total

• Ryan Jackson (LE): 2 clutch singles, 3 RBIs

• Lamar King Jr. (LE): Solo HR, 2 Ks

• Kelvin Hidalgo (FRE): 2-run HR, 3 strikeouts

Final Word

Lake Elsinore’s mix of young talent, explosive offense, and efficient pitching was on full display in Fresno. The Storm improved their early-season rhythm with a balanced performance, showing why they’re a team to keep an eye on in the California League.

As for Fresno, the fight they showed in the late innings is encouraging, but they’ll need more consistency on the mound to bounce back in the series.

Around the California League

In the California League South Division, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes sit atop the standings with a 7-5 record, holding a slight edge over their rivals. The Inland Empire 66ers are currently two games back at 5-7, while both the Lake Elsinore Storm and the Visalia Rawhide are tied at the bottom with identical 3-9 records. Lake Elsinore’s win over Fresno snapped a tough stretch and could mark a much-needed turnaround.

In the North Division, the Modesto Nuts have established themselves as the early powerhouse with a 9-3 record. Just behind them are the Stockton Ports at 8-4, followed closely by the San Jose Giants, who are 7-5. The Fresno Grizzlies, after falling to the Storm, now sit at 6-6 still in the hunt, but needing a spark to stay competitive in a tightly packed division.

The season is still young, but storylines are starting to form, and the battle for position in both divisions is heating up. Expect plenty more drama ahead as teams try to find their rhythm and separate from the pack!

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