APRIL 22-25, 2019
STORM vs. JETHAWKS
After a quick three-game road trip to Inland Empire, the Storm return to The Diamond for a weeklong homestand that begins first with a four-game series against the Lancaster JetHawks. The JetHawks, Class-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, finished the 2018 season at an even 70-70 record and making the playoffs for the seventh straight year. After getting in as a wild card, they were defeated in the first round of the postseason by the eventual champion, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. Despite a successful 2018 campaign, the Storm gave the JetHawks a run for their money all season long. The overall head-to-head matchup ended up tied 14-14, with each team winning nine games at their respective home ballparks. This season, the Storm have begun the head-to-head series on the right foot with a 2-1 series lead and 25 games remaining.
MORE ABOUT THE JETHAWKS: The franchise has been a staple in Lancaster since 1996, when it was originally a part of the Seattle Mariners organization (1993-2000). Since then, it has alternated franchises including Arizona Diamondbacks (2001-2006), Boston Red Sox (2007-2008), Houston Astros (2009-2016) and now the Colorado Rockies (2017-Present). The team plays at The Hangar which opened in 1996 and at that time was known as Lancaster Municipal Stadium. Notable JetHawk alumni include Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Dallas Keuchel, George Springer, Jonathan Villar, Dan Uggla, Daniel Nava and Carlos Gonzalez. The team has six league championships: most recently in 2012 and 2014.
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
LAKE ELSINORE STORM
4/22 – Tom Cosgrove - LHP
4/23 – MacKenzie Gore - LHP
4/24 – Mason Thompson - RHP
4/25 – Luis Patiño - RHP
INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS
4/22 – Lucas Gilbreath - LHP
4/23 – Ryan Rolison - LHP
4/24 – Garrett Schilling - RHP
4/25 – Antonio Santos - RHP
STORM vs. 66ERS
APRIL 26-28, 2019
As the Storm continue a seven-game homestand, they will welcome back the Inland Empire 66ers to Pete Lehr Field for the second time this season. The 66ers, Class-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels have struggled to keep maintain at least a .500 record and keep up with tough South division opponents. In their first eight meetings, the Storm found striking success with a 6-2 record, which is a huge benefit especially since the Storm open up the season facing only their southern division opponents until the middle of May. In the most recent series in Lake Elsinore, the Sixers fell in three of the four games which occurred during the opening homestand. The Storm offense stayed red-hot, outscoring the 66ers 24-9, while the pitching staff combined to toss 39 strikeouts and record an ERA of just 2.25.
MORE ABOUT THE 66ERS: After missing the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season last year, the 66ers are having troubles hitting their stride early on in the season. As the team struggles out of the gates, the 66ers currently rank near the bottom of the entire league in many offensive categories including batting average (Last - .192), runs scored (Last – 31) and hits (6th – 76). On a high note, Angels No. 11 Prospect (according to MLBPipeline.com) Chris Rodriguez has pitched well in limited action with a 0.00 ERA and six strikeouts in five-and-one-third innings pitched.
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
LAKE ELSINORE STORM
4/26 – Ronald Bolaños - RHP
4/27 – Tom Cosgrove - LHP
4/28 – MacKenzie Gore - LHP
RANCHO CUCAMONGA QUAKES
4/26 – Oliver Ortega - RHP
4/27 – Travis Herrin - RHP
4/28 – Cooper Criswell - RHP
KEEP AN EYE OUT
As we enter the fourth week of the 2019 season, the Lake Elsinore Storm has featured some of the San Diego Padres brightest talents in the farm system. Southpaw starter MacKenzie Gore continues to shine in the California League as the San Diego No. 2 Prospect (according to MLBPipeline.com) picked up Pitcher of the Week honors from April 4 – 14. During that time, Gore went 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 10 innings pitched. Catcher Luis Campusano who entered the season as the Padres No. 18 Prospect according to MLBPipeline.com took home Player of the Week honors for his offensive achievements from April 4 – 14. The Augusta, GA native began the 2019 season on a 10-game hitting streak where he averaged .474 (18-38) with a home run, seven runs batted in and nine runs scored. Before heading to the injured list with a head contusion, Campusano lead the entire California League in batting average (.439), on-base percentage (.510) and hits (18). On the mound in relief, closer Evan Miller has been near perfect in four appearances to open the season. In six-and-one-third innings pitched, the LaPorte, IN native has yielded zero runs, one hit, while striking out six. He is also perfect in save situations (three-for-three), which has him on top of the league in that category.
NIGHTS TO WATCH
Our daily promotions are back as Bark ‘n Brew Mondays presented by John Hine Temecula Subaru will be introduced as fans can bring their pooch to the park for just $1. Enjoy Fiesta Tuesday during all Tuesday home games where we offer $3 tall boy beers, $3 margaritas, $3 tacos and 2-for-1 tickets. Wednesdays will be rebranded as “$5 Wednesday” where you can enjoy $5 tickets, $5 parking, $5 food specials, $5 beers and $5 on selected merchandise items! Fireworks Friday make their mark on the 2019 season as the firework will be shot off from inside the ballpark in center field courtesy of Pyro Spectacular by Souza. Come on back for our Signature Saturdays and have an opportunity to get autographs from your favorite Storm players. Lastly, Salute to Soldiers Sunday Fundays as we honor all military (active, retired, reserved, dependent and more) with Four FREE tickets per valid I.D brought to you by Inland Wharf Brewing Co. who will also be offering discounted craft beers.
---MARK YOUR CALENDARS---
OUR 2019 LAKE ELSINORE STORM TEAM PHOTO GIVEAWAY WITH POST-GAME TEAM AUTOGRAPH SESSION WILL BE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27 VERSUS THE INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS. ALSO, BE SURE TO CATCH COLLEGE BASEBALL ACTION HERE AT THE DIAMOND ON MAY 6 WHEN SDSU TAKES ON BYU.
EYES ON THE OPPONENT
LANCASTER JETHAWKS: As the Lancaster JetHawks finished last season with a first-round exit in the postseason against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, they hope a fresh roster will get them over the hump this season. Shortstop Ryan Vilade has been the featured prospect on the roster as he is currently ranked No. 7 in the Colorado Rockies organization according to MLBPipeline. The Stillwater, Oklahoma native has begun the season with a .318 batting average with eight runs batted in and 10 runs scored in just 12 games. For the pitching staff, southpaw starter Lucas Gilbreath has been a bright spot for the rotation. In his first two starts, he has yet to factor into the decision but has a low ERA of 3.12, which is superb for a high-offensive ballpark of The Hangar. The Minnesota Golden Gopher also has 13 strikeouts while opposing batters are hitting just .188 in eight-and-two-thirds innings pitched.
INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS: In the first eight head-to-head matchups, infielder Jordan Zimmerman has been the best at the dish against Storm pitching. In seven games, the Michigan State alum is batting .273 (6-for-22) with two doubles and four walks. Outfielder Kevin Williams Jr. has also packed a punch in the middle of the order with two home runs and five runs batted in seven games versus Lake Elsinore. Starting pitcher Chris Rodriguez, who is the featured prospect on the roster as he is currently ranked No. 9 in the Los Angeles Angels organization according to MLBPipeline. After missing the 2018 due to a stress reaction in his back, the Angels still praise the young 20-year old’s pitching arsenal as well as velocity. In two games against the Storm, Rodriguez has dominated with six strikeouts in five-and-one-thirds innings, while also yielding just a .118 opposing batting average.