May 7-9, 2019
STORM vs. RAWHIDE
As the Storm return to The Diamond following a seven-game road trip, they will begin a six-game homestand with three against the Visalia Rawhide. The Rawhide, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks concluded the 2018 season winning the second-half in the California League North division, but falling just short of championship dreams as they were swept by the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. However, they have hit the ground running for a fast start in 2019 as they have the best record in the California League, while also stringing together a franchise-best 14-game winning streak from April 12 through 26. This season, Lake Elsinore and Visalia will meet a total of nine times with six at Pete Lehr Field and just three at Recreation Park. MORE ABOUT THE RAWHIDE: The franchise has been around since 1946, when it was affiliated with the Chicago Cubs. Visalia has been affiliated with nine Major League clubs, including the current affiliate, the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rawhide became affiliated with the Diamondbacks in 2007, when the team was known as the Oaks, then transitioned into the Rawhide in 2009. Recreation Park was originally opened in 1946 and most recently renovated in 2009 to accommodate 2,500 fans. Notable Rawhide alum include Kirby Puckett, Eric Chavez, Barry Zito, Justin Upton, Max Scherzer, Evan Longoria, Trevor Bauer, Jake Lamb and Paul Goldschmidt. The team has two league championships: 1971 as the Visalia Mets and 1978 as the Visalia Oaks.
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
LAKE ELSINORE STORM
5/7 – Luis Patiño - RHP
5/8 – Ronald Bolaños - RHP
5/9 – Aaron Leasher - LHP
VISALIA RAWHIDE
5/7 – Cole Stapler - RHP
5/8 – Jeff Bain - RHP
5/9 – Matt Mercer - RHP
STORM vs. GIANTS
MAY 10-12, 2019
To finish up the six-game homestand, the Storm will welcome the San Jose Giants for a three-game series. The Giants, Class-A Advanced affiliate of the San Francisco Giants will be making their first of three appearances at The Diamond, which is more in one season then they have made in the last two seasons combined. Last year in 12 head-to-head matchups, the Storm dominated the series with 10 wins, with a perfect 6-0 record in Lake Elsinore. When all was said and done, San Jose fell to the bottom of the pack during the 2018 season with the worst record in the California League at 59-81.
MORE ABOUT THE GIANTS: The franchise has been a staple in San Jose since 1962, when it was originally a part of the Los Angeles Angels organization (1962-1969). Since that time, it has changed franchises including Kansas City Royals (1970-1974), Cleveland Indians (1975-1976), Oakland Athletics (1977), Seattle Mariners (1978-1980), Montreal Expos (1982) and San Francisco Giants (1988-Present). The team plays at Municipal Stadium which opened in 1988 and plays host to many events besides baseball such as concerts, weddings and dog shows. Notable Giants alumni include George Brett, Alfredo Griffin, Tim Lincecum, Pablo Sandoval, Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, Joe Panik, Brandon Crawford, Jason Grilli and Joe Nathan. The team has won nine league championships: most recently a back-to-back championship in 2009 and 2010.
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
LAKE ELSINORE STORM
5/10 – Tom Cosgrove - LHP
5/11 – MacKenzie Gore - LHP
5/12 – Luis Patiño - RHP
SAN JOSE GIANTS
5/10 – Casey Meisner - RHP
5/11 – Aaron Phillips - RHP
5/12 – DJ Myers - RHP
KEEP AN EYE OUT
Now that we have played just over a month of games in the 2019 season, the talent on the Storm has emerged and is shining bright for fans to see. On the mound, Ronald Bolaños has found his groove in the starting rotation and continues to dominate California League batters. The 22-year-old La Habana, Cuba native is 3-0 with a 2.12 ERA in five starts, while striking out 30 in 29.2 innings pitched. His win total is tied for second in the league, while tossing three consecutive quality starts (two versus Inland Empire and one versus Rancho Cucamonga). Outfielder Robbie Podorsky has thrived when batting either at the top or bottom of the lineup. In his first 21 games, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native is hitting .316 (24-for-76) with a home run and seven runs batted in. Podorsky’s speed has also played a key role in his performance as he ranks second on the team with eight stolen bases. Turning to the infield, first baseman Taylor Kohlwey not only has made a seamless transition from the outfield, but his bat has stayed red-hot as well. The Holmen, Wisconsin native now leads the Storm in batting average (.356) after entering the game on April 20 with a .200 average. During his last 11 game stretch (April 25 – May 5), Kohlwey has hit in 10 with five consecutive multi-hit games to equal a .515 batting average, one home run and five runs batted in.
NIGHTS TO WATCH
During this six-game homestand, fans can enjoy many of our daily promotions including Fiesta Tuesday where we offer $3 tall boy beers, $3 margaritas, $3 tacos as well as 2-for-1 tickets. Our third “$5 Wednesday” can be enjoyed as tickets are just $5 in Section 116, $5 parking, $5 food specials, $5 beers and $5 on selected merchandise items! The Cadejos de Lake Elsinore return to The Diamond on Thursday, May 9 for the second of 10 Cadejos themed games that features a new logo during MILB’s Copa de la Diversion. Friday not only a Fireworks Friday this week, but also a Lake Elsinore Storm Clear Tote Bag giveaway presented by Smile Generation. We will turn back the clock to the 1920’s on Saturday May 11 with our Anti-Prohibition Night. An old-school baseball game will be played on the field when gates open at 4:00 pm (while fans can gather clues to our secret speakeasy for all sorts of fun and games). The weekend will wrap up on Mother’s Day with baseball under the sun and a 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 FOR NITRO CIRCUS AS THEY PERFORM AT THE DIAMOND ON FRIDAY, MAY 17 WITH THEIR AMAZING ACTION SPORTS STUNT SHOW BEGINNING AT 7 PM. ALSO, MAKE SURE TO REV UP YOUR MOTORCYCLE AND GET YOUR COWBOY BOOTS ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY (MAY 27) AS THE DIAMOND IS HOSTING WEST COAST THUNDER THAT WILL INCLUDE A CONCERT BY CMA NOMINATED RANDY HOUSER ALONG WITH OPENING ACT TUCKER BETHARD. AND WHEN THE STORM PLAY AT PETE LEHR FIELD THE LAST WEEKEND OF MAY, IT WILL BE HISPANIC HERITAGE WEEKEND BROUGHT TO YOU BY ANDERSON CHEVROLET.
EYES ON THE OPPONENT
VISALIA RAWHIDE: As the Visalia Rawhide finished last season getting swept by the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in the California League championship series, they hope a fresh roster will get them over the hump this season. Outfielder Ryan Karaviotis has been a thump in the Rawhide lineup in now his second season in the California League. The former Oregon Duck leads the Diamondbacks affiliate with a .315 batting average, while also ranking top-five in home runs (2), runs batted in (14) and runs scored (16). On the pitching staff, Diamondbacks No. 27 Prospect (according to MLBPipeline.com) Josh Green has been exceptional in a starter’s role. Through his first six starts, the 23-year-old is 3-1 with a 2.38 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 34 innings pitched. Green has tossed a minimum of five innings each start with his last four being quality starts.
SAN JOSE GIANTS: With the San Jose Giants looking for a bounce back year, the have quickly turned to the organization’s top prospects. Currently, they have San Francisco’s Giants No. 1 Prospect (according to MLBPipeline) Joey Bart, who is currently on the injured-list with a hand fracture. However, the Giants also have their No. 2 Prospect (according to MBLPipeline.com) Heliot Ramos on hand, who continues to show his offensive talents at the dish. The 19-year-old Puerto Rican ranks second on the team in batting average (.270) while also leading in home runs and doubles with five a piece. In relief, right-hander Raffi Vizcaino has made his mark on the back end of the bullpen. In his second year with the Giants, the 23-year-old Dominican is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in 11 appearances while being perfect thus far in save situations, 3-for-3.