Lake Elsinore Storm are California League Champions
After shutting out the Ports in game one, the Storm pulled off a thrilling come from behind win in game two, earning a two games to none lead heading into Stockton. The Ports would answer back in game three with a dominating performance, beating the Storm 15-1. However, it wasn't enough to quell Lake Elsinore, as the Storm bats came alive in game four blasting three home runs and scoring 10 to win the team's third California League Title in franchise history.
Starting pitcher Nick Schmidt, who has been stellar throughout the playoffs, allowed three runs, two earned, off three hits and three walks, striking out seven en route to his second playoff win. Relievers Matt Lollis and Jason Ray came in to finish off the Ports, pitching a combined three no hit innings.
Storm 1B Nate Freiman took home the Championship MVP award, batting .529 with four runs, two home runs and five RBI in four championship games, including a four-for-four night in game one and a two home run, two RBI night in game four. The former Duke Blue Devil led the Storm this season in games(138), at-bats(548) hits(158), total bases(267), home runs(22) and RBI(111). Freiman also took home the team's MVP award and was named to the California League post-season all-star team.
Storm DH Tommy Medica, LF Jake Blackwood, 3B Edinson Rincon and 2B Jonathan Galvez all added two RBI in game four to help the Storm earn the 10-3 win over Stockton.
The Storm now have three California League titles(1996, 2001, 2011).
Starting pitcher Nick Schmidt, who has been stellar throughout the playoffs, allowed three runs, two earned, off three hits and three walks, striking out seven en route to his second playoff win. Relievers Matt Lollis and Jason Ray came in to finish off the Ports, pitching a combined three no hit innings.
Storm 1B Nate Freiman took home the Championship MVP award, batting .529 with four runs, two home runs and five RBI in four championship games, including a four-for-four night in game one and a two home run, two RBI night in game four. The former Duke Blue Devil led the Storm this season in games(138), at-bats(548) hits(158), total bases(267), home runs(22) and RBI(111). Freiman also took home the team's MVP award and was named to the California League post-season all-star team.
Storm DH Tommy Medica, LF Jake Blackwood, 3B Edinson Rincon and 2B Jonathan Galvez all added two RBI in game four to help the Storm earn the 10-3 win over Stockton.
The Storm now have three California League titles(1996, 2001, 2011).