Nine Games at The Diamond

SERIES VS. VISALIA
To kick off the season-long nine-game homestand, the Storm will welcome the Visalia Rawhide to town for a five-game series. The Rawhide, Class-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, finished the 2017 season with a 69-71 record, which was good enough for third place, but just short of missing postseason dreams.
To begin the 2018 season, the Rawhide concluded the North Division first-half in second place with a 37-33 record and currently has one of the top pitching staffs in the entire California League as they have the lowest Team-ERA (3.30), 2^nd in Strikeouts (817) and Tied-2^nd in shutouts (8). In seven head-to-head matchups against the Storm, Visalia leads the season series 5-2 with all games being played at Recreation Park. The Eyes will hope for a better outcome as the final eight games of the season series will be played here at The Diamond.
SERIES VS. INLAND EMPIRE
As the season-high nine-game homestand continues, the Storm will welcome divisional foe Inland Empire 66ers to The Diamond from July 9^th - July 12^th. For the 66ers, Class-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, this series will be the fourth time they have ventured to Lake Elsinore thus far in 2018. In 16 head-to-head matchups between these two ball clubs, the Storm own the advantage 10-6, which comes after they swept the Sixers during Hispanic Heritage Weekend back on June 1^st - 3^rd.
As you look at the overall numbers for each team, the Eyes have pitched well this season to a 3.74 ERA (4^th), while the 66ers are not too far behind with a 4.51 ERA (6^th). However, the 66ers have the edge against the Storm offensively by swinging a hot stick and thriving with runners in scoring position. Inland Empire has scored 364 runs (6^th) while Lake Elsinore has been limited to 346 runs (LAST). 
KEEP AN EYE OUT
Hudson Potts, Padres #15 Prospect (according to MLBPipeline.com) has been a run producing bat in the middle of the Storm batting order during the month of June. The South Lake, Texas native has smacked 5 home runs out of the park to go along with 18 RBI. His 25 doubles in 76 games ranks him 1^st in the California League and puts him just 22 away from tying Storm great Joe Urso for the franchise record. Fellow Top-30 Prospect Edward Olivares continues to shine in the outfield as well as at the plate this season. The #18 Prospect (according to MLBPipeline.com) has begun the second-half slashing a .467 Avg./.395 OBP/.872 OPS while adding 1 HR, 5 RBI and 11 runs scored in 11 games. The Venezuelan ranks 2^nd in the league with 78 games played while tied 1^st on the team with 7 triples.
Coming in hot out of the bullpen has been Mexico native Gerardo Reyes. The righty has a low 2.20 ERA with 1 Save and 20 strikeouts. The 25-year-old has not allowed an earned-run in 11 of 14 appearances and has also found success when he pitched for AA San Antonio (3.14 ERA in 14 games).
Padres #8 Prospect Chris Paddack continues to be a stellar front of the rotation starter through his first 10 starts post Tommy John Surgery. The Texas native leads the Eyes in strikeouts with 83 while only pitching 52.1 innings, while his 2.24 ERA leads all Storm starting pitchers. The Eyes continue their quest as they battle up the California League South division standings in search of the coveted Second-Half championship crown.   
NIGHTS TO REMEMBER
Experience #EyesOn25 all season long at The Diamond as we celebrate the 25^th season of Storm baseball. With great seating options like the High-Tops, Four-Tops and the BRAND-NEW Hangar 24 Flight Deck, there are so many enjoyable ways to watch the Eyes of the Storm. As the Storm kick off a nine-game homestand beginning against the Visalia Rawhide, many special promotions will be on display for fans to enjoy. Following a 4^th of July Firework Spectacular, you'll want to come to the ballpark on Saturday, July 7^th as the first 2,000 fans will receive a 25^th Season T-Shirt sponsored by John Hine Temecula Subaru. Nothing Night will also grace The Diamond with its presence on Monday, July 9^th where baseball will be on display, all natural! Free admission, bring your own food and drinks to the ball park and enjoy America's Pastime. The homestand will wrap up on Thursday, July 12^th with a tribute to Groundhog Day the movie. You'll want to keep your "Eyes" peeled to relive its greatest moments.