By Timothy J Sheridan: Mayor Pro Tem, Lake Elsinore; Director of Broadcasting, Lake Elsinore Storm
Special to Menifee/Elsinore 24/7
In 1971, former Beatle Ringo Starr had a hit with the song “It Don’t Come Easy,” a title that sums up the Lake Elsinore Storm’s 9-7 win on Wednesday night at Diamond Stadium against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
The Storm fell behind early and trailed 2-0 before exploding with 5 runs in the fourth inning on 5 hits, most notably first baseman Victor Duarte’s 2-run double.
The home team scored another run in the fifth inning to lead 6-2.
However, in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, the Quakes scored 5 runs versus the Storm’s 3 runs in that same span to cut Lake Elsinore’s lead to 2 runs going into the ninth inning. At that point, Storm manager Brallan Perez summoned closer Ethan Long, who retired three straight Quakes batters to preserve the Storm’s first home win of the season.
With the victory, the Storm is now 2-3 on the young season, while the Quakes fall to 4-1.
The series continues at Diamond Stadium tonight at 6:05 when the same two teams will take the field in game 3 of the 6-game series. For tickets, visit tickets@stormbaseball.com or visit the Diamond Stadium Box Office prior to the game. The Box Office opens 3 hours before the game.
