Liriano Lifts Storm to 5-3 Win
The Storm lead early after a three run second inning. With Tommy Medica on first Rymer Liriano hit his 15th double on a line drive shot to right field to put both runners in scoring position. Miller would score both of them hitting his first triple for Lake Elsinore to go ahead 2-0. Miller would then score when Chris Bisson singled before the inning came to a close.
Liriano went 3-for-4 tonight and picked up two stolen bases and currently leads the team with 29 RBI.
Storm starter and Southern Californian Matt Andriese had one of his best outings going six scoreless innings allowing only five hits while facing 23 batters and recorded six strikeouts.
In the seventh the Rawhide ended the shutout with back-to-back leadoff singles by Carter Bell and Tyson Van Winkle. Bell scored on a sacrifice fly to right field and Van Winkle scored after Mike Freeman tripled to dead center to cut the lead to only one run.
In the eighth Visalia tied the ball game 3-3 when Keon Braxton scored on a single again by Bell.
The resurgent Storm would not give up. Everett Williams led off the bottom of the eighth with a single to left field. Spangenberg hit a push bunt down the first baseline and was able to out run the throw by the pitcher to reach base with no outs.
Medica doubled off the high wall in right field to pick up an RBI allowing the Storm to regain the lead. Miller picked up an RBI when Spangenberg scored beating the throw home.
The Storm are 29-27 and are only a half game back of the division leading High Desert Mavericks whom the Storm will visit for a three game series beginning Tuesday.
Fans tomorrow is a Sunday Funday where kids get to be part of the action. If your kid is part of the Storm Kids Club sponsored by U.S. Bank they can be part of the grounds crew, announce, and partake in the Thunder Fun Run. Gates open at 1 p.m. for the 2:05 p.m. start.
For more information about Storm baseball visit stormbaseball.com or call 951-245-HITS.