Second Half Means New Opportunity

SERIES VS. RANCHO CUCAMONGA
After kicking off the second-half of the season on the road, the Storm return home to The Diamond to begin a quick four-game homestand against their I-15 rival Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. After winning a highly competitive first-half race, the Quakes, Class-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, have made the most of their opportunity against the Storm this season.
In 18 head-to-head games played between these two ball clubs, the Quakes have the edge with a 11-7 record. The last time Lake Elsinore welcomed Rancho Cucamonga to Pete Lehr Field a few weeks ago, the Dodgers affiliate asserted their dominance by winning three of the four games in come-from-behind fashion. Storm starting pitchers Reggie Lawson, Adrian Morejon and Chris Paddack have delivered dynamic performances as they have held the opposing bats to less than 2 runs per/game and even two shutouts. 
With Rancho Cucamonga being relatively close to Los Angeles, notable Major Leaguer platers from the Dodgers roster have come to the California League for mandatory rehab assignments. Players include Logan Forsythe, Justin Turner, Yasiel Puig and most recently Rich Hill. Now with the First-Half Championship locked up, the Quakes will prepare for playoff baseball that begins in September.  
KEEP AN EYE OUT
As the month of June wraps up and July is just ahead, the talent level on the Storm begins to ramp up as the Second-Half Championship hangs in the balance to clinch a postseason spot. On the mound, Padres #5 Prospect Michel Baez has put together quite an impressive stretch during the month of June. The Cuban righty is 1-0 with a 1.65 ERA and a walk to strikeout ratio of 4BB/22K. Opponents are batting just .203 in this time span against the righty while Baez added Pitcher of the Week to his resume from June 3^rd - June 10^th, where he tossed 4.1 perfect innings against the 66ers for his 2^nd win of the season. Also leading the charge within the starting rotation, Padres #20 Prospect Chris Paddack continues his great journey back from Tommy John Surgery. In 8 starts this season, the Texas native 3-1 with a 1.91 ERA while establishing his great pitching arsenal in his last two starts. Against the 66ers and Quakes, Paddack allowed just one combined run while striking out 19 batters 10.2 innings.   
At the dish, second baseman Eguy Rosario's steady bat has been a consistent force in the Storm batting lineup. During his last 10 games, the San Cristobal, Dominican Republic native has slashed a batting average of .324 while adding 1 HR, 7 RBI and 2 runs scored. The 18-year-old recorded his first 4-hit game of the season during this stretch on June 16^th versus the Lancaster JetHawks. 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 four-game homestand against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, each daily promotion will be put on display for fans to enjoy. Those promotions include Bark N Brew Monday presented by Inland Wharf Brewery, Fiesta Tuesday brought to you by El Ranchito Taco Shop where Tacos, Tallboys and Margaritas are just $3 and tickets are 2 for 1! If you love #WINSday, feel free to take in morning baseball on hump day as the Storm will host an 11AM game, which will lead into a huge Thirsty Thursday. On June 28^th, it's not only Social Media Night #2, but we will honor one of the greatest movies of all-time... The Big Lebowski!
EYES ON THE OPPONENT
Rancho Cucamonga (courtesy of rcquakes.com): Now that the I-15 Rival Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have clinched a spot in the postseason, they look to prepare for September baseball as the second-half is now underway. Outfielder Jeren Kendall (Dodgers #6 Prospect) has been a dominant force in the batter's box when the Quakes play the Storm. In 15 games, the Vanderbilt alum currently bats .283 (15-for-53) to go along with 2 HR, 12 RBI and 4 doubles. One of the best parts of Kendall's game is his speed, which he utilizes quite a bit. In 29 attempts, he has stolen 22 bags, which leads the team and ranks Tied-2^nd in the league. First baseman Christian Santana (Dodgers #13 Prospect) has also contributed to the Quakes success at the plate all season long. The 21-year-old is tops in the entire California League in RBI (2^nd - 44), while Top-4 on the team in Home Runs (3^rd - 10), Hits (3rd - 68) and Total Bases (4^th - 107).
Out of the bullpen, right-handed reliever Zach Pop has taken the California League by storm. In 14 appearances, the Kentucky alum is 0-0 with a 0.45 ERA with 18 strikeouts in only 20 innings pitched. The only earned-run Pop has allowed came against the Storm on May 29^th.