The Lake Elsinore Storm fell 8-4 to the Stockton Ports in game three of their six-game California League series at Diamond Stadium in Lake Elsinore, California.
Stockton took an early lead, scoring four runs in the first two innings. Breyson Guedez hit a two-run home run to right-center field, and Daniel Bucciero followed with a double that brought in two runs, putting the Ports ahead 4-0.
Storm starting pitcher Lan-Hong Su allowed the early scoring with two mistake pitches. Lake Elsinore began its comeback in the fourth inning as Jorge Quintana stole third base and scored on a wild pitch to put the Storm on the board.
In the fifth inning, the Storm added two runs through walks, a sacrifice fly by Bradley Frye, and a successful double steal that scored Yimy Tovar, narrowing the deficit to one run. Lake Elsinore tied the game at 4-4 in the sixth inning when Alcides Hernandez hit an RBI single that scored Conner Westenburg after he was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a fielder’s choice.
The tie was short-lived. In the seventh inning, Bucciero singled to lead off, and Bobby Blandford hit a home run to right-center field, giving Stockton the lead again. The Ports then added two insurance runs in the ninth inning off Bryan Andrade and Guedez to extend the lead to 8-4.
Lake Elsinore had multiple opportunities late in the game but failed to capitalize. This loss follows an 11-6 defeat the previous night, putting the Storm behind in this series. Stockton previously won an earlier season series against Lake Elsinore 4-2.
The next game is scheduled for Friday at 6:45 p.m. PT at Diamond Stadium. Lake Elsinore will start left-handed pitcher Kruz Schoolcraft, and Stockton will counter with left-hander Corey Braun.
CSB Take
The Lake Elsinore Storm’s early pitching struggles and inability to convert several scoring chances led to their 8-4 defeat against the Stockton Ports. Despite rallying to tie the game, the Storm’s pitching faltered late, allowing Stockton to pull away. For the Storm to shift momentum in this California League series, they will need more consistent starting pitching and timely hitting in upcoming games.
Source: Original report
