Storm Welcome Ports to the Diamond
SERIES VS. STOCKTONAfter a quick road trip to Lancaster desert, the Storm will welcome the Stockton Ports back to the Diamond for the second and final time this season. The Ports, Class-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, have dominated the California League this season as they have maintained a First-Place
SERIES VS. STOCKTON
After a quick road trip to Lancaster desert, the Storm will welcome the Stockton Ports back to the Diamond for the second and final time this season. The Ports, Class-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, have dominated the California League this season as they have maintained a First-Place standing all season long towards their First-Half Championship crown. Through the first seven head-to-head matchups, the Ports lead the season series 6-1. Back at the end of April when Stockton visited southern California, the stadium near the Sedco Hills was not a friendly place for the home town team. The Ports took advantage by scoring 19 runs, while yielding only five, on their way to a three-game sweep. In just this small sample size of seven games, each offense has done a terrific job of hitting doubles. The Storm have the lead in this category 12 to 8, however, with pitching in mind, the Ports arms have a huge advantage with a low 1.98 ERA.
KEEP AN EYE OUT
On the pitching side of things, right-handed Cuban
EYES ON THE OPPONENT
Stockton (courtesy of stocktonports.com): As the Ports are primed and ready for a deep playoff run, they have talented players that proven their worth this season. First baseman Luke Persico has put together a great 2018 campaign through 77 games. During this time, the former UCLA Bruin is batting .296 with 4 HR, 40 RBI, 41 runs scored and a team-high 24 doubles. Batting in the seven-hole has worked wonders for the California native as he bats .309 (21-for-68) with a .367 OBP and .456 SLG. Another promising young talent is reliever Angel Duno. The Venezuelan righty has gone 3-2 with a 2.01 ERA and 11 Saves in 37 appearances. Since this is the first season that Duno has been strictly focused on coming out of the bullpen, having an Opp. Avg. of .239 with 53 strikeouts looks to be a success for the Ports coaching staff. Within the starting rotation, right-hander Matt Milburn has found the right mix of pitches to become successful at the California League level. In 17 starts, the Wofford College Alum has tossed a 3.75 ERA with a team-leading 89 strikeouts while opponents bat .291 in 100.2 innings. Milburn was named California League Pitcher of the Week on July 1st following a complete-game shutout against the San Jose Giants on June 26th.