Storm Stuns Sixers, Salvages Series

San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers had to escape jams in the first seven innings against the Lake Elsinore Storm on Thursday at San Manuel Stadium, but could not get out of the ninth unscathed in a 3-1 loss. After going 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position and stranding 11 runners in the first eight frames, the Storm tallied three straight hits and a sac fly to score three runs and stun the 66ers with a comeback win.

Inland Empire had the lone run in the contest prior to the ninth when they scored an unearned run against Lake Elsinore (22-26) starter Walker Lockett. The righty gave up singles to Caleb Adams and Wade Wass for the Sixers. They each advanced on a passed ball and Adams came home on Michael Strentz' sac fly. Lockett went seven innings in a no-decision allowing six hits and striking out five with no walks. Inland Empire (16-32) starter Justin Anderson worked in and out of trouble adding to his pitch count and limiting him to just four innings. He did strike out a season-high seven batters.

The Sixers staff had just one perfect inning on the night as righty Ronnie Muck set the Storm down in order in the eighth inning. He gave way to Jordan Piche in the ninth. After getting one out on one pitch, the Storm got a single from Edwin Moreno, a double from Josh VanMeter and then a two-run triple from Franchy Cordero to give them a 2-1 lead. A sac-fly by Luis Tejada gave Lake Elsinore its third and final run. The trio of hits allowed by Piche were all left-handed hitters; prior to those left-handed batters were 1-for-23 against the righty. Matires Arias (1-3) earned the win for the Storm and Colby Blueberg picked up his eighth save in eight chances with a scoreless ninth.

The Sixers open a series at Bakersfield on Friday at 7:30 pm. The game can be heard live on 66ers.com and 1570 AM KPRO.

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