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.
The second half has been a huge breakout for shortstop Gabriel Arias (No. 16 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com), who continues to find ways to make spectacular plays defensively, while swinging a hot bat at the plate. In 59 games, the 19-year-old Venezuelan is batting .350 with nine home runs and 44 runs batted in, while adding 11 doubles and four triples. He currently leads the team in hits (140), multi-hit games (42) as well as leading the home run category with 16. Infielder Eguy Rosario has continued his red-hot second half at the plate over the past 10 games. The Dominican Republic native is batting .385 (15-for-39) with 2 HR, 9 RBI and 7 runs scored since August 17, including four multi-hit games. Since the All-Star Break, Rosario is batting .319, which has boosted his season average from .222 to .276. In the bullpen, southpaw Fred Schlichtholz has been dominant since his return from the injured-list on August 7. In seven appearances since his return, the former Fresno State Bulldog is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 10.2 innings. Schlichtholz picked up his first win of the season on August 14 versus Lancaster in a game where the Storm made history by scoring 10 runs with two-outs in the ninth inning and defeating the JetHawks by the final of 14-13 in 10 innings.
NIGHTS TO WATCH
The final homestand of the 2019 regular season will feature some of our best giveaways of the season for all to enjoy. On Friday, August 30 and Sunday, September 1, the 2020 Storm schedule will be reveled on a Storm Stadium Cup Giveaway presented by 7-UP to the first 1,500 fans. Also, during the final weekend the last Fireworks Friday, Signature Saturday and Salute to Soldier Sunday Funday will take place. On Monday, September 2, have no fear, Everything Night returns to The Diamond. As fans come through the gates, they will have a chance to receive giveaway items, numerous deals at the concession stands and see hilarious promotions on the field that took place in Lake Elsinore all season long.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: THE STORM WILL OPEN UP THE 2020 SEASON RIGHT HERE AT THE DIAMOND ON THURSDAY, APRIL 9 VERSUS THE MODESTO NUTS. AS THE 27TH SEASON OF STORM BASEBALL WILL BE UNDERWAY, GET READY FOR EXCITING DAILY DELAS, GIVEAWAY ITEMS, THEME NIGHTS AND MUCH MORE THAT THE STORM HAVE TO OFFER. WE THANK YOU THE FANS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT AND TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS AT THE DIAMOND, SEARCH STORMBASEBALL.COM OR GIVE US A CALL AT 951-245-HITS (4487).
EYES ON THE OPPONENT
LANCASTER JETHAWKS: First baseman Luis Castro has been a fixture in the middle of the JetHawks batting order this season. In 99 games, the Venezuelan native is among the top-three on the team in numerous categories such as Batting Average (.314), Home Runs (22), RBI (87), Hits (112) and Runs Scored (86). With team and league leading stats like these, Castro was named Co-MVP of the 2019 California League season alongside Storm catcher Luis Campusano. Fellow infielder Ryan Vilade (Colorado Rockies No. 6 prospect) also put together a career year at the plate with Lancaster. The 20-year-old Oklahoma native through 122 games has recorded a .300 batting average, while hitting double digits in Home Runs (10), Doubles (26), Triples (10) and Stolen Bases (23). Vilade along with Castro was named to the Postseason All-Star Team, with Vilade taking the honors for best California League Shortstop in 2019. On the mound, Ryan Rolison (Colorado Rockies No. 2 prospect) has dominated Storm batters in six starts this season. The southpaw has totaled a record of 3-0 with a 2.14 ERA, while striking out 31 in 33.2 innings. Rolison was named to the 2019 California League All-Star Team back in June, joining six other JetHawks teammates.