The Storm Weather A Storm
- IE Sports Radio
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Lake Elsinore Storm Erupts for 10 Runs in Blowout Victory for First Win of the Season!
By: Larry Belmontes
The 2022 California League Champion Lake Elsinore Storm finally broke a seven game losing streak to start the year Saturday night thundering past the Modesto Nuts with a 10-1 statement win at The Diamond. Fueled by a relentless offensive attack and a lights-out performance from starter Bryan Balzer, the Storm snapped out of an early-season slump in epic fashion.
Lightning in the First
The Storm wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard. Zach Evans got the party started with a two-run triple, scoring Ryan Jackson and Sean Barnett. Kaden Hollow followed up with a two-RBI double to make it 4-0 before fans could finish their bag of Planet Jerky or some Michi Tacos.
Mid Game Mayhem
In the fourth, the offense exploded yet again as Evans knocked in another run, Hollow kept the energy high with his second double of the night scoring two more, and add a bases loaded walk by Colton Vincent and the Storm were cruising at 8-0.
The fifth saw more excellence as Barnett grounded out but plated Kasen Wells to stretch the lead to nine. Then in the seventh, Jackson added the exclamation point with a solo blast to left field, his first homer of the season.
Lockdown on the Mound
Pitcher Bryan Balzer was sharp from the jump, tossing four scoreless innings, giving up just two hits, and striking out four. He set the tone early, and the bullpen followed his lead, racking up 13 total strikeouts and keeping Modesto scoreless until the ninth inning.
Cesar Quintas’ RBI single in the final frame was all the Nuts could muster.
Standout Performers
Zach Evans: 2-for-4, triple, single, 3 RBIs, 2 runs
Kaden Hollow: 2-for-4, 2 doubles, 4 RBIs
Ryan Jackson: Solo homer, 3 runs scored
Bryan Balzer: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 Ks
Storm Bullpen: 9 Ks, 1 ER, lights-out stuff
This was Lake Elsinore's most complete performance of the season explosive offense, dominant pitching, and momentum you could feel in the stands. After a rocky 0-7 start, this win felt like a storm cloud breaking open. If the team can build on this chemistry, more wins are sure to follow.
Looking Ahead: Sunday Showdown (Sunday April 13th)
Storm Players to Watch:
Zach Evans (3B): Red hot with a triple and 3 RBIs
Kaden Hollow (LF): Double trouble—two on Friday
Ryan Jackson (SS): Homer and 3 runs scored
Luis Gutierrez (P): Sunday’s starter looking to keep the win train rolling
Modesto Players to Watch:
Carlos Jimenez (CF) & Austin St. Laurent (SS): Key top-of-the-lineup threats
Ricardo Cova (DH) & Cesar Quintas (LF): RBI potential in the heart of the order
Matt Tibria (P): Tasked with bouncing back after Saturday’s loss
What to Watch For:
Can the Storm turn this win into a streak?
Will Gutierrez quiet the high powered Nuts lineup like Balzer did last night?
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
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