STORM 3, STOCKTON 2: Hunter's hit drives Storm past the Ports
By ED WEHDE - Staff Writer | ∞
LAKE ELSINORE ---- After looking lifeless for seven innings, the Storm offense came alive enough to plate three runs in the final two frames and pull out a 3-2 win over Stockton at The Diamond on Wednesday.
With the score knotted at 2 in the ninth, Cedric Hunter ripped a two-out single off reliever Chris Farley into left-center field to plate Rayner Contreras with the game-winning run. Contreras had reached on a one-out error and moved to second on Jesus Lopez's single.
"See it and hit it," Hunter said, describing his approach in his final at-bat. "It's just a baseball game. No matter what the situation is, just be calm and make the pitcher come to you."
Farley came to Hunter with a change-up, and the center fielder belted it for the game-winner.
"It was a good pitch, I just stayed on it," Hunter said. "As soon as I hit it, I knew it was done. It's good to have that (relieved) feeling coming through."
The win was the second in a row for Lake Elsinore (19-21) and assured it would remain atop the Cal League South Division standings another day. Stockton (26-14) saw its lead in the North Division shrink to one-half game pending the outcome of San Jose's game against Modesto.
Ports starter Trevor Cahill was unhittable early. The only Storm baserunners through the first four innings reached on an error and a pair of walks.
"I have to tip my hat to (Cahill)," Hunter said. "He was very good. (He threw) sinkers everywhere. They were hard to lay off. We just kept battling."
Cahill's night ended when third baseman Darryl Lawhorn booted Javis Diaz's grounder with two outs in the eighth. Sam Demel came on and walked Hunter and gave up an RBI single to Eric Sogard.
Sam Carter then struck out, but he reached first on a wild pitch to load the bases, and Mitch Canham worked a walk to force home the tying run.
Storm starter Nathan Culp pitched well, holding Stockton to two runs in seven innings, but got no decision. The left-hander gave up seven singles ---- four of which never left the infield ---- and struck out two without walking anyone.
The only damage against Culp came in the top of the first.
With one out, Jermaine Mitchell beat out a grounder to third base, and Sean Doolittle singled to left. Chris Carter singled home Mitchell, and Lawhorn's sacrifice fly plated Doolittle.
Mike DeMark threw a scoreless eighth for the Storm, and R.J. Rodriguez (3-2) was perfect in the ninth.
Et cetera
Stockton LF Archie Gilbert went 0-for-4 to see his 25-game hitting streak snapped 10 games short of the Cal League record.
Contact staff writer Ed Wehde at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2633 or ewehde@californian.com.
Advertisement
- ESCONDIDO: Man shot dead at Fourth of July party (18)
- TEMECULA: Parade, fireworks draw thousands on nation's birthday (11)
- FALLBROOK: Peruvian chocolatier living sweet American dream (10)
- CARLSBAD: Golf benefit raises $20,000 for Conner's Cause (9)
- SAN PASQUAL VALLEY: Animal park offering extended hours, extra shows and activities (7)
Advertisement
Videos
Calendar of Events
- MapFood addicts group to meet : St. Michael's Church
- San Diego’s Largest Business Clothing Drive Benefits Local Men and Women in Job Training Programs : Mission Federal Credit Union Locations
- Weekly Baseball/Softball Summer Camps : Prime Time Expos
- USA Football Player Academy : Helix High School
- Family Game Night : Fun N' Games
- View all events. | Submit Event
- USA Football Player Academy : Helix High School
- VFW - Vista Weekly Dinner Special : VFW Post 7041
- San Diego’s Largest Business Clothing Drive Benefits Local Men and Women in Job Training Programs : Mission Federal Credit Union Locations
- Lamb's Fellowship Lake Elsinore Vacation Bible School : Lamb's Fellowship Lake Elsinore
- Weekly Baseball/Softball Summer Camps : Prime Time Expos
- View all events. | Submit Event
- Lamb's Fellowship Lake Elsinore Vacation Bible School : Lamb's Fellowship Lake Elsinore
- A Day With Dr. Temple Grandin : Del Mar Country Club
- Italian Conversation and Culture Classes : THEATRX
- North County Womens Connection Luncheon- July 8, 2009 : Rancho Bernardo Inn
- San Diego’s Largest Business Clothing Drive Benefits Local Men and Women in Job Training Programs : Mission Federal Credit Union Locations
- View all events. | Submit Event
- Business Leaders Weekly Breakfast : Denny's
- Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat : Welk Resort Theatre
- Lamb's Fellowship Lake Elsinore Vacation Bible School : Lamb's Fellowship Lake Elsinore
- San Diego’s Largest Business Clothing Drive Benefits Local Men and Women in Job Training Programs : Mission Federal Credit Union Locations
- Weekly Baseball/Softball Summer Camps : Prime Time Expos
- View all events. | Submit Event
- VFW - Vista Weekly Dinner Special : VFW Post 7041
- San Diego’s Largest Business Clothing Drive Benefits Local Men and Women in Job Training Programs : Mission Federal Credit Union Locations
- Lecture - Relocation Astrology : Joyce Beers Community Center
- Community Wellness Check : Spartan Chiropractic Center
- Music Friday with Deek and Long : Tesoro Winery
- View all events. | Submit Event
- Community Health and Fitness Expo : Westfield Plaza Camino Real
- Live Music at Tesoro with Tony Suraci : Tesoro Winery
- What Up Dog! Dog Friendly Scavenger Hunt : San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
- Submarina Hosts Darren Sproles Powered Up Youth Football Camp : Del Norte High School
- 'Christmas in July' Artisan Fair : Mission San Luis Rey Parish
- View all events. | Submit Event
- San Diego’s Largest Business Clothing Drive Benefits Local Men and Women in Job Training Programs : Mission Federal Credit Union Locations
- Carlsbad Library Summer Concert featuring 'BAYOU BROTHERS' : Georgina Cole Library
- Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat : Welk Resort Theatre
- 'Christmas in July' Artisan Fair : Mission San Luis Rey Parish
- View all events. | Submit Event
Extras
The Agnes Diggs Road to College Scholarships
Two $500 scholarships will be awarded to continuing college students. Applications are due August 7.
A Tale of Two Hospitals
Special Report: Why does Palomar thrive while Tri-City struggles to survive?



