Brach breaks Cal saves record
The Lake Elsinore closer set down Rancho Cucamonga in order in the top of the ninth inning for his 38th save of the season to seal up the Storm's 6-5 victory.
The Padres prospect eclipsed the single-season mark of 37 set by San Jose Giants closer Brian Anderson in 2006. After collecting 29 saves with Double-A Connecticut last season, Anderson returned to San Jose this season and has a 2-1 record with one save.
On Thursday, the right-hander got Richard Cates to ground out to second base, struck out Kevin Ramos swinging and retired Rolando Gomez on a flyout to center field.
Brach has a 5-1 record with a 2.44 ERA over 55 1/3 innings in 54 games for the Storm. In his previous outing Wednesday, he gave up a run on two hits and a walk in one frame. Prior to that, he amassed eight saves over 11 scoreless innings in 10 games.
In three seasons in the Minors, Brach has collected 75 saves in 80 opportunities.
Brach, whose 33rd save set the franchise's new mark, is one of 12 pitchers ever to top the 30-save mark in a single season since the statistic started being recorded in 1969.
Lake Elsinore's all-time saves record is 45, set by Carlos Castillo in 1995-'96).