THREE STRAIGHT For The Storm!

By Larry Belmontes

The Lake Elsinore Storm showed resilience and tons of firepower in a thrilling 9-6 road victory over the Fresno Grizzlies on Saturday night! Backed by a breakout performance from Zach Evans and clutch late inning hitting, the Storm overcame a mid-game deficit to secure their fifth win of the season.

Early Fireworks

The Storm wasted no time getting on the board. In the top of the first, Zach Evans crushed his first home run of the year a three run shot to left that scored Kasen Wells and Kaden Hollow giving Lake Elsinore a quick 3-0 lead.

However, the Grizzlies wasted no time countering this strike with some scores of their own. In the bottom of the first, Blake Wright’s sacrifice fly brought in Yeiker Reyes and Felix Tena followed with a two run single and before anyone knew it the game was tied at 3-3.

Grizzlies Take Control

Fresno would then surged ahead in the second as a laser triple from Roynier Hernandez scored two more putting the Grizzlies on top 5-3 and swinging the momentum their way.

Storm Weather the Push

The fireworks would stay popping as Lake Elsinore responded in the third. Evans delivered again with an RBI single and Kaden Hollow scored on a forceout to tie the game at five apiece. The following inning Kasen Wells stepped up and gave the Storm the lead with a solo home run to right field his first of the season.

Neck-and-Neck Battle

In the bottom of the seventh, Fresno tied it once again when Kelvin Hidalgo scored on a groundout from Tommy Hopfe. The 6-6 score set up a tense finish as both bullpens took over.

Storm Break Through

The turning point came in the top of the eighth when Ryan Jackson ripped a clutch two run double to left bringing home B.Y. Choi and Wells. This would put Lake Elsinore ahead for good.

The Storm added a touch of chaos and creativity in the ninth as Zach Evans was on third and Yendry Rojas was on first. Rojas ran for second while Evans dashed for home stealing it cleanly to add an exclamation point in this great Storm victory!

On the Mound

Starter Bodi Williams Rascon battled through the early innings settling in after the Grizzlies’ second inning surge. Jose Bernard closed it down with a steady performance notching the save and preserving the win.

On the other side, Luke Jewett, the UCLA product and 2024 8th round draft pick for Colorado, took the loss for Fresno despite solid early support.

Key Performers

Zach Evans: 2-for-3, HR, 4 RBI, 1 SB (stole home)

Ryan Jackson: 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R

Kasen Wells: 2-for-5, HR, 3 R

Roynier Hernandez (FRE): 2-run triple

Kelvin Hidalgo (FRE): 3 runs scored

California League Standings (as of April 20, 2025)

In the California League South Division, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (LAD affiliate) currently lead the way with an 8-6 record. Both the Lake Elsinore Storm (SD affiliate) and Inland Empire 66ers (LAA affiliate) are tied for second place at 5-9, trailing by three games. The Visalia Rawhide (AZ affiliate) sit at the bottom with a 4-10 record, four games behind the division leaders.

Over in the California League North Division, the Modesto Nuts (SEA affiliate) are dominating with a league best 11–3 record. Just two games back are the Stockton Ports (ATH affiliate) at 9-5. The San Jose Giants (SF affiliate) are close behind at 8-6, three games off the lead. The Fresno Grizzlies (COL affiliate) round out the division with a 6-8 record, five games behind first place.

This win brings Lake Elsinore to 5–9, keeping them within reach of the division leading Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. With key bats heating up and some momentum building, the Storm will look to ride this wave into the next series.

Social Media

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Image Source: Facebook: Lake Elsinore Storm