Storm Host Pair of North Division Opponents

SERIES VS. MODESTO
To begin the six-game homestand, the Storm will take on the Modesto Nuts for the fourth series matchup of the season. The Nuts won the first series here at The Diamond back during the first weekend in May two games to one. The Nuts, Class-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners have struggled on the road this season away from John Thurman Field with a 17-27 record. While their struggle to win games has plagued Modesto all season long, they currently rank in the bottom third in batting average (.247), runs scored (406) and ERA (4.51). After meeting head-to-head 12 times already this season, Lake Elsinore and Modesto have split the series 6-6 and with this three-game series being the last time these teams will faceoff. The Storm have found plenty of success against the Nuts this season as they have hit for a .276 batting average, 11 HR and 60 runs scored. On the pitching side of things, the Eyes have pitched to a 2.56 ERA with 118 strikeouts and an opposing average of .229. 
SERIES VS. SAN JOSE
As the Storm finish up the six-game homestand, they will welcome the San Jose Giants for a three-game series. The Giants, Class-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, will be making their second and final appearance to Pete Lehr Field this season after getting swept by the Storm back on May 25^th - 27^th. In six total head-to-head matchups this season, Lake Elsinore leads the season series 4-2 and has the advantage statistically in offense and pitching. The Storm collectively as a team are batting .268 with 22 runs scored while the pitching staff has accrued a 2.38 ERA and held San Jose batters to just a .213 batting average with 57 strikeouts. However, the team is only 1-2 on the road at Municipal Stadium. In fact, the Eyes will have the opportunity to improve their record when they head back North for a three-game series August 3^rd - 5^th. After finishing the first-half of the season with a 34-36 record, San Jose has struggled here in the second-half by starting 10-16 and finding themselves third in the North Division.
KEEP AN EYE OUT
Allen Córdoba has finally found his stroke at the plate during the month of July. In 13 games, the Panamanian shortstop is batting .310 (13-for-42) with 1 HR, 7 RBI, 3 runs scored and 3 doubles. Ever since joining the Storm on June 11^th, he has worked his way towards a .202 average which includes the current 10-game hitting streak. During this time, he has slashed an impressive .375 Avg./.394 OBP/.563 SLG. Catcher Luis Torrens has quietly put together a fantastic 2018 campaign as he currently ranks 4^th on the team in batting average (.279) while in 3^rd with 22 doubles and 44 RBI. With the month of July in full force, the Venezuelan has heated up by batting .383 (18-for-47) with 10 RBI in 13 games. This performance has lifted his overall numbers in the second-half to .272 Avg./.282 OBP/.321 SLG. On the pitching side of things, Padres #23 Prospect (according to MLBPipeline.com) Pedro Avila continues to have success at The Diamond this season. In 7 appearances (6 starts) at home, the Venezuelan is 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA which parallels his numbers so far in the month of July. In 2 starts, the right-hander is 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA with 11 strikeouts in just 12.1 innings pitched. Out of the bullpen, Carter Capps continues to show strides of making it back to the majors sooner rather than later. Since being called up to Lake Elsinore back on the 1^st of July, the Mount Olive College alum has provided stability within the bullpen with a low 1.89 ERA in 5 appearances. 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 six-game homestand beginning against the Modesto Nuts, many special promotions will be on display for fans to enjoy.
Following a WINSday and Thirsty Thursday, you'll want to come to the ballpark for our 51^st home game of the season on Friday, July 20^th as we celebrate San Diego Padre royalty and 2018 Hall of Fame inductee Trevor Hoffman. The first 1,551 fans will receive a Trevor Hoffman Padres Replica Jersey sponsored by the Lake Elsinore Casino.
The very next night as the Storm welcome the San Jose Giants to town, Storm mascot Thunder and Mini-Thunder will have their own Double Bobblehead giveaway. Presented by Copia Wealth Management and Insurance Services, the first 1,000 fans will own a bobblehead of Thunder and Mini-Thunder on those famous quads.
The homestand will wrap up with a Salute to Soldiers Sunday Funday as well as a Bark & Brew Monday where you can bring your pooch to the park for just $1.