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Sterling start leads Storm to win

By: GIDEON RUBIN - For The Californian | Saturday, July 31, 2004 10:34 PM PDT ∞

LAKE ELSINORE ---- Padres pitcher Sterling Hitchcock is hoping to start a new season. After being sidelined all year with a cracked rib and a series of groin injuries, the veteran left-hander is hopeful the worst is behind him. If his performance in Saturday's rehab assignment with the Storm is any indication, those feelings are warranted.

In his third rehab start and second with the Storm (he also pitched in a simulated game for the Padres earlier this month in Houston), Hitchcock struck out six batters and allowed one run on six hits and no walks in five innings of a 5-2 victory over the Lancaster JetHawks in front of 4,333 at The Diamond.

Hitchcock, who was on a 75-pitch limit, threw 66 pitches, 49 of which were strikes. Most importantly, he threw pain free, and expects to be able to join the parent club by the end of the week.

"I've had enough of the world tour,'' Hitchcock said. ``It's obviously been frustrating, but hopefully I'm getting healthy at the right time, and I'll be able to help the (Padres) down the stretch."

With their third consecutive victory, the second place Storm (20-14) closed to within a half-game of the first-place JetHawks (21-14) in the second-half standings.

Kervin Jacobo's leadoff triple in the seventh started a three-run inning that broke open a 2-1 game.

Storm notes

Catcher Luke Carlin was assigned to Single-A Fort Wayne (Ind.) in the Midwest League. His replacement, catcher Chris Miller was in uniform but did not play in Saturday's game. ... Former Storm staff ace Jon Huber, who was traded to the Seattle Mariners for utility infielder Dave Hansen, was assigned to divisional rival Inland Empire. .... Left-handed swingman Kevin Beavers will take Huber's spot in the Storm rotation. .... The Storm will have just 24 active players on its roster until a replacement for Huber is assigned.