Storm Drop Series Finale to Quakes, 6-3 and Fall Short in First Second Half Series

By Larry Belmontes

The Lake Elsinore Storm entered Sunday’s series finale against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes looking to build momentum to kick off the second half of the 2025 California League season, but after a mid game lead slipped away, the Storm dropped game three three by a score of 6-3, losing the series two games to one.

Coming off a third place finish in the first half (30-29), the Storm faced the Quakes, who clinched the California League South with a dominant (43-26) first half mark and have already punched their ticket to the postseason.

Early Sparks, Then Silence

After a quiet first few innings, the Storm surged ahead in the top of the 4th. Trailing 2-0, Lake Elsinore capitalized on a bases loaded opportunity when outfielder B.Y. Choi ripped a clutch two out, three RBI double to left field! Lamar King Jr., Ryan Wilson, and Kaden Hollow all came around to score, giving the Storm a 3-2 lead and new life!

However…. the lead was short-lived….

Rancho Answers Back

The Quakes responded immediately in the bottom half of the fourth when Eduardo Guerrero knocked in Jackson Nicklaus with an RBI single to tie the game. From there, the home team didn’t look back.

In the 5th, Jose Meza, who had already launched a two run homer in the 1st inning, delivered again with a go ahead RBI single to right. Rancho added two more in the 6th with a sac fly by Eduardo Quintero plated Nicklaus, and an RBI double by Jaron Elkins brought Angel Diaz home, pushing the Quakes’ lead to 6-3.

Storm Bats Go Quiet

After their explosive 4th inning, the Storm offense struggled to generate any late game momentum. Despite some hard contact and quality at bats, Lake Elsinore failed to score in the final five frames.

Strikeouts continued to plague the Storm lineup as they recorded nine on the day, including multiple quiet innings late in the game. The most notable was the 7th, where Chase Valentine fanned for the second out, and the 8th, where the top of the order went down in order via strikeout.

Strong Start Wasted

Storm starter Braian Alejandro Salazar showed flashes of dominance, but command issues and timely hits by the Quakes got the best of him. His outing was highlighted by several key strikeouts, but the big hits from Meza and Elkins ultimately shifted the game’s momentum.

For Rancho Cucamonga, Domingo Geronimo settled in after the 4th and controlled the Storm bats with poise. Geronimo and the Quakes bullpen combined for a solid performance, striking out Storm hitters in nearly every inning after the 3rd.

Game Summary

Top Performer – Quakes: Jose Meza (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI)

Top Performer – Storm: B.Y. Choi (1-for-4, 3 RBI double)

Key Inning: Bottom 6th – Rancho breaks it open with two insurance runs, turning a close 4-3 game into a 6-3 cushion.

Strikeouts: Storm hitters struck out 9 times, including five in the final three innings.

Series Recap & Outlook

The Quakes take the opening second half series 2-1, picking up where they left off after a dominant first half. For the Storm, the series loss puts immediate pressure on them to bounce back in the coming matchups to stay in playoff contention through the second half of the season. Lake Elsinore showed glimpses of promise, particularly on Sunday with Choi’s big double and a few crisp innings from Salazar, but consistency both at the plate and on the mound remains a challenge they’ll need to solve quickly. The Storm return home for their next series to take on the Modesto Nuts aiming to regroup and even their second half record. With playoff hopes now hinging on a strong finish, every game matters.

California League Standings – Second Half

In the California League South Division, the Inland Empire 66ers (LAA) and Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (LAD) are off to strong starts, each holding a (2-1) record to begin the second half. Rancho already owns a guaranteed playoff spot after clinching the first half title. The Lake Elsinore Storm (SD) and Visalia Rawhide (AZ) both sit at (1-2) and will be looking to climb out of the early hole.

Over in the California League North, the Fresno Grizzlies (COL) and San Jose Giants (SF) are also off to (2-1) starts. San Jose, like Rancho Cucamonga, has already secured its postseason berth by winning the first half. Meanwhile, Modesto Nuts (SEA) and Stockton Ports (ATH) are both at (1-2).

The race for the second-half playoff berths is underway and for teams like Lake Elsinore, the pressure is on.