66ers Hold Off Storm

Lake Elsinore, Calif.- The Inland Empire 66ers (22-38) snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Lake Elsinore Storm (40-20) as they held on for the 4-2 victory in front of 4,969 fans Wednesday night at the Diamond in Lake Elsinore. The win was only their second against the Storm this season and also snapped a five-game losing streak at the Diamond.

Inland Empire sent the southpaw Aaron Miller (1-4) to the mound as he picked up his first victory of the season. Miller struggled to find the strike zone early as he walked six batters. He still managed to go the required five innings giving up only one run on four hits, while striking out three. Closer Kyle Smit was able to shut down the Storm for the final two and two-third innings, picking up his third save of the season.

"I knew I was going to try and go the final two innings, but when I found out that I was coming in the middle of the seventh I was prepared for it," said Smit, "Picking up that insurance run in the ninth was key for me in the end."

Lake Elsinore had a chance to tie things up in the eighth, but Smit made an amazing grab to throw out the runner at first, stranding the tying run at third. "I slipped on the mound but was able to regain my balance in time to catch the ball and throw the runner out," Smit said.

The 66ers got on the scoreboard early in the first inning for the second consecutive night. Third baseman Anthony Hatch delivered a two-run double to left, giving the 66ers the early 2-0 lead.

Inland Empire scored another run in the second inning on center fielder Ramon Jean's RBI double, scoring catcher Matt Wallach who doubled earlier, to put them up 3-0. They added an insurance run in the ninth as Alfredo Silverio, who pinch ran for Steven Caseres, came in to score from second on a wild pitch and throwing error by the Lake Elsinore to put them up 4-2.

The 66ers will play the finale of their four-game series against the Lake Elsinore Storm Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. Fans tune into KCAA 1050 AM with the voice of the 66ers Sam Farber calling all the action. The 66ers will return home Friday, June 11th as they will open up a six-game homestand beginning with their I-10 rivals the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

For information on 66ers tickets or to schedule your next fun filled group outing, contact the 66ers front office at (909) 888-9922. You can also buy your tickets online at www.66ers.com where in 2010 fans can print their tickets at home for free. For more information on 66ers baseball contact Inland Empire 66ers Director of Broadcasting Sam Farber at (909) 495-7632.