Seven-Run Second Propels Storm to 11-7 Victory Over Ports

The Lake Elsinore Storm outslugged the Stockton Ports 11-7 in a homer-heavy affair. That trimmed Stockton’s series lead to 2-1 and set up a decisive four-game finale.

This one started fast. Lake Elsinore jumped ahead when Truitt Madonna lined an RBI double in the top of the first.

Stockton didn’t wait long to answer. Cesar Gonzalez crushed his first homer of the season, flipping the lead to the Ports, 2-1.

Then the second inning happened. Lake Elsinore erupted for seven runs and just took over.

There was a bases-loaded walk, a two-RBI double from Ryan Wideman, and a two-run shot by Kale Fountain. Suddenly, the Storm led 8-2.

Later, Justin DeCriscio and Kerrington Cross each added solo homers. Those insurance runs padded the lead.

Stockton didn’t go quietly. Bryan Andrade kept rolling with a two-for-four night, homering, walking, and driving in three.

The Ports tried to rally in the ninth. But Lake Elsinore’s bullpen held firm and closed out the 11-7 win.

• Truitt Madonna opened the scoring for Lake Elsinore with an RBI double in the first inning.
• Cesar Gonzalez gave Stockton a brief lead with a two-run homer early.
• Kale Fountain delivered a two-run homer in the second to spark the seven-run frame.
• Ryan Wideman added a critical two-RBI double in the second inning.
• Itsuki Takemoto worked 2.1 scoreless innings in relief, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two.
• Javier Chacon fanned six over two innings out of the bullpen.
• Justin DeCriscio and Kerrington Cross each homered, tacking on late insurance for Lake Elsinore.
• Bryan Andrade went 2-for-4 with a homer, a walk, and three RBI for Stockton.

Pitching and bullpen depth key the outcome

Lake Elsinore’s bullpen steadied things after a rough start. Itsuki Takemoto gave them 2.1 scoreless frames, working around a hit and a walk and mostly keeping the Ports off balance.

Then Javier Chacon came in and struck out six in two innings. That pretty much snuffed out Stockton’s comeback hopes, even as the ninth-inning rally started to brew.

What’s next for the series?

The series sits at 2-1, with Stockton holding the edge. Game four suddenly feels huge for both teams.

Friday’s matchup is set for 7:05 p.m. Stockton sends RHP Cole Miller to the mound, while LHP Kruz Schoolcraft gets the nod for Lake Elsinore.

Both managers have to juggle their rotations and bullpen arms, hoping to push things to a fifth game. Stockton trusts Miller to set the tone, and Lake Elsinore hopes Schoolcraft rides the wave from their explosive second inning and solid relief effort last time out.

Bottom line: The Storm bounced back, flipping a possible loss into a blowout with that wild seven-run second inning. Their bullpen shut down Stockton’s late rally.

Now, the series heads to Lake Elsinore. The Storm are hungry to force a winner-take-all game and keep showing off their depth in these tense, playoff-style battles.

 
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