Storm hang on late to split with 'Hawks

LAKE ELSINORE - A three-run second inning and another stout showing from the pitching staff were a winning mix for the Lake Elsinore Storm Sunday night, as the San Diego Padres affiliate downed the Lancaster JetHawks 3-2 in front of 7,284 at The Diamond.

After a scoreless first, the JetHawks managed to plate a run in the top of the second to take a 1-0 lead. The Storm responded with three runs of their own in the home half, plating all three without recording a hit.

Storm starter Walker Lockett (W, 3-3) turned in what was arguably his finest performance in his California League career. The 22-year old gave up just one hit and one run over six innings while striking out six.

Lancaster managed to score in the seventh and put the tying run on third with two outs, but Brandon Alger was called on to retire the final batter of the frame and did so via a strikeout.

The JetHawks loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, but Colby Blueberg (S, 11) managed to retire the next two hitters to preserve a 3-2 Storm win.

Lake Elsinore hits the road on Monday, heading north to take on the Stockton Ports at Banner Island Ballpark. Zech Lemond will oppose Matt Sergey. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30pm.