Jose Verdugo, shown here in an earlier game, had 2 hits Friday night. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
By Timothy J Sheridan: Mayor Pro Tem, Lake Elsinore; Director of Broadcasting, Lake Elsinore Storm
Special to Menifee 24/7
Sports commentators sometimes talk of “moral victories,” i.e., a game in which a team loses but gains a sense of achievement. The Storm’s 5-4 loss on Friday night versus the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at Diamond Stadium meets that definition.
The Storm fell behind 4-0 before a second out in the first inning was recorded. Despite this, Lake Elsinore clawed back and made it game – scoring a run in the bottom of the first, two in the second and another in the third inning to tie the ballgame up.
In the sixth inning, the Quakes retook a one-run lead, scoring on 2 hits and 2 walks. But, again, the Storm refused to quit, putting runners on base in the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth innings, including having the winning run on first base when the final out of the game was recorded.
While Lake Elsinore lost the game, its tenacity when being behind was evident, especially its pitching. After starter Kruz Schoolcraft was removed in the first inning after recording just one out, the bullpen was fantastic, especially Dominican Republic native Rordy Mejia, who retired 10 consecutive Rancho batters through the fourth inning.
On the offensive side, the Storm banged out 12 hits in the game. Left fielder Conner Westenburg had 4 hits, while second baseman Jose Verdugo and third baseman Bradley Frye had 2 each.
With the loss, the Storm are now 3-4, while the Quakes improve to 5-2.
The series continues at Diamond Stadium tonight at 6:45 pm. 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.
