Quakes Take Lake Elsinore by Storm, Win the Series

The Quakes took on the Lake Elsinore Storm this weekend in a four game series in Lake Elsinore, California. They entered this series with a record of 17-17, resting on a win percentage of .500. They finished the series with a record of 20-18 after losing just one game to the Storm. Their current win percentage is at a "comfortable" .526 and sees the Quakes in 3rd place out of five. In 150 at at bats, the Quakes had 49 hits, while the Storm had 31 in 138 at bats. The Quakes also managed to outscore the Storm, 28-20. The Quakes had two Dodgers making rehab apperances this weekend. One being starting pitcher, Zack Grenkie who was making his return after an iccident with Carlos Quientin (Padres) that led to a broken collar bone. The irony of this appearance being that it was against the Padres Class A affiliate. The other rehabber was relief pitcher, Scott Elbert who is coming back from elbow surgery. I got to see both of them pitch Friday night.

Zack Grenkie

Zack Grenkie

Rancho's Rally (Not all players mentioned)

Center fielder, Nowl Cuaves batted an impresive .412 this series, going 7-17 with 2 triples and a home run. Shortstop, Darnell Sweeney went 5-18 with 2 doubles and a home run. First baseman/designated hitter, Angelo Songco went 7-18 with a triple and a home run. Right fielder, Jon Garcia went 3-12 with a double and a home run. Third baseman, Ryan Mount had a mind blowing series average of .625 after batting 10-16. He went 5-5 in game one of the series and managed to rack up 1 double and 3 home runs, to keep his incredible hot streak going. Catcher, Chris O'Brien went 2-8 with 2 doubles. Left fielder, Bobby Coyle also had an incredible series in Lake Elsinore. He batted .538 and went 7-13 with a double, a triple, and a home run to have a series cycle.

The Storm taking the field before the Quakes come up to bat

The Storm's Stampede

Right fielder, Yeison Asencio went 5-16 with a double and a series average of .313. Ctahcer/designated hitter, Robert Kral had a series average of .538 and went 4-4 in the first game of the series. Kral managed to reocrd a double and 2 home runs. First baseman, Lee Orr went 2-17 with  both hits being doubles. Left fielder/designated hitter, Luis Domoromo went 4-13 with a homerun and a series average of .308. Left fielder/designated hitter, Kyle Gaedele went 2-12 with a double. Infielder, Chris Burke went 2-7 with a double.

The Storm batting against the Quakes.

Rancho's Reliable Relief

Dodger's pitching star, Zack Grenkie went 4.1 innings and allowed 8 runs on 6 hits. Don't get too worried though, only 3 of the 8 runs were earned. Dodger's relief pitcher, Scott Elbert went 2 innings total over two games and did not allow a hit in either apperance. He earned the win in game one. Quakes relief pitcher, Pedro Baezearned the save in game one after going 2 innings and only allowing 1 hit. Relief pitcher, Craig Stem went 1 inning in game two and did not allow a hit. Starter, Jarret Martin had his best start of the year, going 6.2 innings and allowing no runs on 5 hits, earning him the win in game 3. Relief pitcher, Eric Eadington went 1.1 innings and did not allow a hit. Freddie Cabrera went 1 inning in game three and aloowed just one hit. Starter, Duke von Schamann had an incredible outing, going 7 innings and allowing just 1 run on two hits. He had a no-hitter through 4+ and earned the win in the final game of the series. Relief pitcher, Owen Jones earned the save in game four after going 1 innings and allowing 1 hit.

The Storm's Superb

Starting pitcher, Matt Jackson earned the win in game two after going 5.2 innings and allowing 2 runs on 8 hits. Relief pitcher, Luis De La Cruz, who the Quakes have had some luck against in the past, went 1.1 innings and allowed no hits. Matt Branham went 1 inning and allowed 1 hit. Matt Lollis went a total of 3 innings over the final two games and allowed just 2 hits.

The Quakes after the win in game one. Final score 14-12

The Quakes take on the San Jose Giants at LoanMart field this week [5/15-518] in a four game series. Minute To Win It Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday on Thursday night, Matt Kemp Bobblehead giveaway on Friday night [First 1,500 fans], and a firework show on Saturday night.

Please forgive the quality of the photos. I'm using an iPhone...

Photos taken by Lauren Jennings