By Timothy J Sheridan: Mayor Pro Tem, Lake Elsinore; Director of Broadcasting, Lake Elsinore Storm
Special to Elsinore/Menifee 24/7
The Lake Elsinore Storm won its 5th straight game Saturday night at Diamond Stadium against the Visalia Rawhide with a 6-run explosion in the 6th inning. The final score was 6-5.
Through the first 5 1/2 innings, the Rawhide built a 3-0 lead behind the pitching of starting pitcher Junior Ciprian. In those 5 innings, 4 Storm batters reached base but none advanced to second. All told, Ciprian walked 3 and gave up just 1 hit.
In the 6th, however, Rawhide manager Dee Garner brought in Augie Mojica, who eventually found trouble. After one was out, Mojica walked center fielder Ryan Wideman. As Storm fans have come to see, when Wideman is on first base with no one ahead of him on the base aths, he often steals second base — which is exactly what he did. Second baseman Jose Verdugo then walked, and catcher Truitt Madonna was hit by a pitch, loading the bases.
That brought up third baseman and SoCal native Justin DeCriscio. He singled home Wideman and Verdugo, cutting Visalia’s lead to 3-2.
First baseman Luke Cantwell then walked, again loading the bases. After another out was made, Mojica balked, bringing home Madonna with the tying run and allowing DeCriscio and Cantwell to each move up a base.
Designated hitter Yoiber Ocopio then walked, loading the bases for the 3rd time in the inning. After a Rawhide pitching change, right fielder George Bilecki came to bat. He doubled home the three runners on base to make the score 6-5.
Visalia scored single runs in the 7th and 8th innings, but Nick Falter, who came in during the 8th, shut the Rawhide down in order in the 9th to earn his first save.
The Storm and the Rawhide play the final game of the 6-game series this afternoon at 2:05 p.m. at Diamond Stadium. The Storm has a chance to sweep the series with a win. Lake Elsinore is now 11-9 on the season.
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.
You can also listen to the game for free on MiLB.com or watch it for free on the Bally Sports Live app.
