Lake Elsinore Storm Drop Series to Rawhide in Late Inning Collapse

The Lake Elsinore Storm once again trailed early in today's game and never found themselves with the lead. Through four innings played, Enmanuel Pinales gave up three runs in 3.2 innings pitched. He was the second consecutive Storm starter who would give up multiple runs in a short outing.

Rosman Verdugo would collect the Storm's first run of the day with a single into right field, however, Dylan Nedved would surrender three runs of his own over 2.1 innings pitched. In the bottom of the sixth, Samuel Zavala and Rosman Verdugo walked between a flyout. Griffin Doersching then slammed a home run so far it appeared to go up the I-15 that lowered the deficit to just two.

Oswaldo Linares would then score on a balk before Samuel Zavala came to the plate having gotten on base via walk earlier in the game. He celebrated his promotion into the MLB's Top 100 Prospects today with a game-tying single into right field that just avoided the diving right fielder. Unfortunately, the game did not remain tied for long.

The first batter that David Morgan faced in the eighth inning would hit a triple. Morgan would then force a swinging bunt that kept the runner at third. However, a single in the next at bat would bring that run home and put the Storm behind once more.

In the bottom of the 9th, the lead runner reached base via walk and was moved to second on yet another balk from a Visalia pitcher. However, a strikeout, pop out, and another strikeout, Zavala's third of the game would cement the score in the history books and push Lake Elsinore seven games behind the Inland Empire 66ers for the second half division title.

They will play those 66ers on Tuesday at home for six more games at The Diamond.