Storm Crushed by Grizzlies in Series Opener: Fresno Rolls Past Lake Elsinore 12-3

By Larry Belmontes

In the series opener at The Diamond on Tuesday night, the Fresno Grizzlies brought the thunder and then some. Behind a relentless offensive performance and sharp pitching, the Grizzlies buried the Lake Elsinore Storm 12-3 sending a clear message in game one.

The Game

Early Momentum for the Storm

Lake Elsinore struck first in the bottom of the 1st after Cobb Hightower led off with a run and Kavares Tears lined an RBI single to right. The Storm added another on a sac fly from Zach Evans and at 2-0 it looked like the Storm were in control, but it was brief…

The Grizzlies Take Over

Top 2nd: A Gift

The Grizzlies didn’t need a hit to break the ice. A wild pitch by Storm starter Johan Moreno allowed Jacob Hinderleider to score and the Grizzlies were on the board.

Top 3rd: Grizzlies Go Ahead

The third inning marked the turning point. Robert Calaz delivered a clutch 2 RBI double to left scoring Felix Tena and Yeiker Reyes. Kelvin Hidalgo advanced to third and later scored on a sac fly from Blake Wright. Suddenly, Fresno had a 4-2 lead and never looked back.

Top 5th: Onslaught Ensues

Fresno blew the game wide open in the fifth and it was as ugly as it sounds. Calaz struck again with another RBI double for his second of the night, Blake Wright reached on a fielding error that brought in another run, Alan Espinal was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded scoring another one, and Felix Tena capped the inning with a 2 RBI single to right. By the time the dust settled it was 9-2 Fresno and Storm fans were more than likely thinking “Here we go…”

Top 7th: Icing on the Cake

Still hungry, the Grizzlies kept piling on in the 7th as Reyes knocked in two more with a single and another wild pitch brought in a twelfth run for Fresno as Tena came across the plate.

Bottom 7th: This Is What We Call Garbage Time Points In Football

The Storm managed one more run on a sac fly from Kaden Hollow to score Ryan Jackson, but it was far too little and far too late. The game finished out without anymore runs from either team as the Grizzlies dominated game one 12-3.

Pitching Highlights

Fresno: LeBarron Johnson Jr. Deals

The 2024 fifth round pick from Texas, LeBarron Johnson Jr., gave Fresno quality innings and neutralized Lake Elsinore’s bats. His command was strong and he picked up multiple strikeouts, including two on Kavares Tears and Zach Evans, both of whom had tough nights at the plate.

Lake Elsinore: A Rough Outing for Moreno

Johan Moreno started strong with three strikeouts in the first inning, but control issues including two wild pitches and a hit batter, ultimately unraveled his night. The Storm bullpen didn’t fare much better as they were nable to stop the bleeding in the middle innings.

Standout Performers

Robert Calaz (FRE): 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored and a huge bat in the heart of the order.

Yeiker Reyes (FRE): 2 hits, 3 RBI. He was consistent pressure all night.

Felix Tena (FRE): 2 hits, 2 RBI, 2 runs. Set the tone early and late.

LeBarron Johnson Jr. (FRE): Strong, composed outing with multiple strikeouts.

Storm’s Struggles

Despite their early lead, the Storm fell apart on both sides of the ball. Defensive miscues (fielding error, passed balls), pitching wildness (2 wild pitches, HBP), and offensive an drought (12 strikeouts total).

Looking Ahead

The Storm will need to regroup quickly with Game two on deck. Their pitching must be sharper and the bats, outside of the 1st inning, need to wake up. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will look to keep their momentum going after sending a loud and clear message in the opener.

Current California League Standings

In the California League South Division, Rancho Cucamonga holds a commanding lead at (24-10) boasting a league best run differential of +103. Visalia and Lake Elsinore are locked in a tight race for second with Visalia at (16-18) and the Storm just behind at (15-19). Inland Empire rounds out the division at (12–22).

In the California League North Division, Modesto leads the pack at (20-14), closely followed by San Jose at (19-15,) just one game back. Stockton sits in third place with a (16-18) record, while Fresno, despite their Game one win over Lake Elsinore, remains in last place at (14-20) but has won six of their last ten.

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