Aug 5-7, 2019
STORM vs. GIANTS
Following a six-game road trip in northern California that featured the San Jose Giants and Stockton Ports, the Storm return to The Diamond for a quick three-game homestand to host the San Jose Giants for the final time in 2019. The Giants, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the San Francisco Giants will be making their third and final appearance in Lake Elsinore this season after the Storm took two of three last week at Excite Ballpark. With 12 head-to-head games played, the Storm currently have the series advantage 7-5, which includes a 5-2 record at Pete Lehr Field. Even with a tight race, the Storm have the lead in many offensive and pitching categories. Not only do the Storm lead in batting average (.266 to .205), runs scored (55 to 37) and hits (101 to 77), they also have the better ERA (2.29 to 4.68) and strikeouts to walks split (119/22 to 110 to 46).
MORE ABOUT THE GIANTS: After finishing in third place, 15.5 games back of the Visalia Rawhide in the first half, the Giants have come on strong as the second half as progressed and have put themselves in contention for the second half championship crown. For an organization that has bread talent from all over the diamond such as, catcher Buster Posey, third baseman Pablo Sandoval and left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner, the talent is always on display. During the California League All-Star Game, the Giants were represented with four players: RHP Camilo Doval, RHP Aaron Phillips, RHP Frank Rubio and OF Heliot Ramos (Giants #2 Prospect).
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
LAKE ELSINORE STORM
8/5 – Garrett Richards - RHP
8/6 – Luis Patino - RHP
8/7 – Osvaldo Hernandez - LHP
SAN JOSE GIANTS
8/5 – Sean Hjelle - RHP
8/6 – Aaron Phillips - RHP
8/7 – Matt Frisbee - RHP
KEEP AN EYE OUT
As the playoff race is in full swing, the entire Storm roster continues to battle the Lancaster JetHawks for the final playoff spot in the South division, which is bringing out great performances out of the San Diego Padres’ prospects. Since his promotion from Fort Wayne (A), infielder Xavier Edwards (No. 6 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com) has been a catalyst at the top of the Storm lineup. In his first 22 games, the switch-handed hitter is batting .337 with seven runs batted in, 16 runs scored and seven stolen bases. During this time, Edwards has recorded 10 multi-hit games with two multi-RBI games as well. Since returning from the MLB Future’s Game in Cleveland, right-hander Luis Patiño (Padres No. 4 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com) has dialed up some of his best performances of the season. Over his last three starts (all quality performances), the 19-year-old is 2-1 with a 0.44 ERA and 25 strikeouts. On July 31 versus the San Jose Giants, Patiño set a career-high in innings pitched with an 8.1 scoreless inning performance that featured a perfect-game through five innings and recording nine strikeouts. By recording nine strikeouts in the game, Patiño has reached 100 strikeouts in a season for the first time in his young career. With the rest of the pitching staff in mind, they have been on a roll throwing strikes and getting batters out. In a four-game stretch on the recent road trip, the Storm pitching staff has combined to toss 31 strikeouts in 35 innings, while allowing just one walk. These totals have lifted the overall pitching numbers to reflect the Eyes recording 1,119 strikeouts (3rd), while limiting opposing teams to just 345 walks, which is second-least in the entire California League.
NIGHTS TO WATCH
This three-game homestand features three of our best daily promotions of the 2019 season. On Monday, August 5, all fans are more than welcome to bring their pooch to the park. Dogs are just $1 on Bark ‘N Brew Monday, presented by Inland Wharf Brewing Co. On Tuesday, August 6, you can party at The Diamond as Fiesta Tuesday is back featuring $3 Tacos, $3 Tall Can Beers and 2-for-1 Tickets. Finally, on Wednesday, August 7, it is $5 Wednesday including $5 Tickets (Thunder Section 116), $5 Parking as well as $5 selected concession food and drink items.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: AS WE SAY “ALOHA” TO THE FIRST 1,000 FANS ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, THEY WILL BE RECEIVING A HULA THUNDER & MINI-THUNDER DOUBLE BOBBLE BELLY PRESENTED BY HP COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AS THE HAWAIIAN CELEBRATION ENDS WITH A POST GAME FIREWORKS SHOW, COME BACK THE FOLLOWING NIGHT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, AS A STORM HAT WILL BE HANDED OUT TO THE FIRST 1,500 FANS PRESENTED BY SHARP BUSINESS SYSTEMS. YOU CAN PURCHASE TICKETS AT STORMBASEBALL.COM OR CALL US AT 951-245-HITS (4487).
EYES ON THE OPPONENT
SAN JOSE GIANTS: Outfielder Heliot Ramos (San Francisco Giants No. 2 Prospect) continues to be a table setter at the top of the Giants batting order in the second half. In his third professional season at just 19 years-old, the Puerto Rican native is batting .306 with 13 home runs and 39 runs batted in through his first 74 games. Ramos has enjoyed playing in the California League as his batting average and home run totals are already at career-highs, while he is near inching closer to career-highs in runs scored, doubles and runs batted in. Infielder David Villar has proved to be a vital part of the Giants offense this season. The former South Florida Bull leads the team in numerous offensive categories such as hits (92), doubles (22) and runs batted in (46). Villar also is the team leader in runs batted in against the Storm this season with five. Out of the bullpen, right-hander Olbis Parra has found success against the Storm batting lineup. In four appearances, the 24-year-old Dominican Republic native has gone 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and nine strikeouts in six innings. Parra has been a leader at the back end of the bullpen in 27 total appearances, tossing towards a 5-2 record, 2.35 ERA and two saves.