May 21-23, 2019
STORM vs. PORTS
Following a seven-game road trip and a league-wide off day, the Storm return to The Diamond for a mini three-game series against the Stockton Ports. The Ports, Class-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, finished the 2018 season with a record of 77-63, which got them a first-half championship, but were bounced in the first round of the postseason by the Visalia Rawhide. Throughout the 2018 season, the Storm and Ports faced one another just 10 times and the season series swung in the favor of Stockton as they won seven matchups. At Pete Lehr Field, the Storm won just two of six, while struggling at the plate with a .222 batting average and 31 total runs. MORE ABOUT THE PORTS: The franchise has been a huge part of the Stockton culture dating back to 1941 when they were affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels, who were a part of the Pacific Coast League. Ever since the Chicago White Sox became the Ports first Major League Baseball parent company, the organization has altered between 12 franchises which recently includes the Cincinnati Reds (2001-2002), Texas Rangers (2003-2004), and now the Oakland Athletics (2005-Present). The team plays at Banner Island Ballpark, which opened on April 28th, 2005 and gets the “Banner Island” nickname from its location on the San Joaquin River Delta and huge “Stars & Stripes” presence. Notable Ports alumni include Bobby Grich, Mike Pizza, Gary Sheffield, Kurt Suzuki, Dallas Braden, Sonny Gray, Ben Zobrist and Don Baylor. The team has won 11 league championships: most recently in 2008 when they defeated the Lancaster JetHawks.
PROBABLE STARTING PITCHERS
LAKE ELSINORE STORM
5/21 – Luis Patiño - RHP
5/22 – Ronald Bolaños - RHP
5/23 – Aaron Leasher - LHP
VISALIA RAWHIDE
5/21 – Brady Feigl - RHP
5/22 – Jharel Cotton - RHP
5/23 – Kyle Friedrichs - RHP
KEEP AN EYE OUT
As the Storm have hit the midway point to the first half of the season, the talent on the Storm has emerged even brighter as they battle back in the South Division standings. Second baseman Esteury Ruiz has found his stroke at the plate following a tough month of April. Through his first 14 May games, the 20-year-old Azua, Dominican Republic native is batting .298 (14-for-47) with four home runs, 12 runs batted in and seven runs scored. Ruiz was named California League Offensive Player of the Week from May 6-12, where he slashed .389 Avg./.450 OBP/.722 SLG, with two home runs and seven runs batted in. Out of the bullpen, J.C. Cosme continues his role as a force on the back end. In 13 appearances, the 23-year-old right-hander is 2-0 with a 1.40 ERA to go along with 27 strikeouts and a .183 opposing batting average. After tossing three scoreless innings against Stockton on May 16, Cosme extended his streak to 10 straight appearances without surrendering an earned run or more than two hits. Fellow relief pitcher Caleb Boushley is turning heads in the California League with his consistent and dominant outings. In his first 10 appearances, the Hortonville, Wisconsin native is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 26 innings. Boushley filled in for a spot start on May 12 against the San Jose Giants, tossing 4.2 shutout innings, while striking out a career high seven batters.
NIGHTS TO WATCH
Fans can enjoy many of our daily promotions including Fiesta Tuesday where we offer $3 tall boy beers, $3 tacos as well as 2-for-1 tickets, especially during the doubleheader against the Quakes on May 28. Our brand new $5 Wednesday can be enjoyed twice during the remainder of May (May 21 and 29) as tickets start at just $5. They also include $5 parking, $5 food specials, $5 beers and $5 off on selected merchandise items! The Cadejos de Lake Elsinore storm back to The Diamond on Thursday, May 23 and May 30 as it will be a Thirsty Thursday with $2 Beers and $2 Sodas. Have no fear, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Weekend presented by Anderson Chevrolet, a doubleheader will kick things off on Thursday May 30 with a 5PM first pitch, followed by game two just 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one. Fireworks Friday, Signature Saturday and Salute to Soldiers Sunday Funday will be featured for all to enjoy as well!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR WEST COAST THUNDER XX ON MEMORIAL DAY (MAY 27) AS THE DIAMOND IS HOSTING THE ANNUAL CHARITY BIKE RUN THAT INCLUDES A CONCERT BY CMA NOMINATED RANDY HOUSER ALONG WITH OPENING ACT TUCKER BETHARD. ON JUNE 8, THE STORM WILL DEDICATE SIGNATURE SATURDAY TO PRIDE NIGHT, AS THE STORM CELEBRATE THE ACCEPTANCE OF EVERYONE!
EYES ON THE OPPONENT
STOCKTON PORTS: The Stockton Ports come into 2019 looking to build upon a successful season last year. Shortstop Nick Allen (Athletics #15 Prospect) has been a leader in the Ports batting order, recording a .303 batting average in his first 36 games to go along with three home runs, 12 runs batted in and leading the team in doubles with 14. On the mound, right-hander Brady Feigl has been the star of the pitching staff while dominating opposing batters. In his first eight starts, the Chesterfield, Missouri native has gone 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA and a walk to strikeout split of 16BB/40K. He defeated the Storm on May 14 at Banner Island Ballpark, tossing six no-hit innings before yielding his one and only hit of the game to Luis Campusano in the seventh.