The Lake Elsinore Storm clinched a playoff berth with a 14-7 win over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Tuesday night at The Diamond. Max Ferguson had four hits, including two triples to lead the offense. Alan Mundo (W, 4-1) pitched five scoreless innings out of the bullpen, giving up just one hit and one walk with four strikeouts to earn the win.
After the Quakes put up a single run in the top of the first inning, the Storm jumped on Rancho Cucamonga starter Jerming Rosario for four runs in the bottom half. Rancho Cucamonga came back for four runs in the top of the second and Lake Elsinore tied it at 5-5 in the bottom half.
After that, it was all Lake Elsinore, who stretched the lead to 14-5 with the help of a six-run fifth inning. Mundo kept the Quakes quiet while the Storm scored in every turn at bat through the sixth inning.
Carlos Luis had three hits with a walk, a triple and three RBIs. James Wood and Victor Duarte also had three RBIs.
Jake Vogel and Gaige Howard both had two hits to lead Rancho Cucamonga. Reinaldo De Paula was the last of six Quakes pitchers and the only one to not allow a run, going 2 IP with no hits or walks and one strikeout.
With a record of 39-25, the Storm now has a four-game lead over the Quakes (35-29) with two to play in the first half. Game two of the six-game series is Wednesday night at 6:05pm.
SCOREBOARD
MODESTO – 3
FRESNO – 4
Gameday
Story
VISALIA – 7
INLAND EMPIRE – 1
Gameday
