Reggie Lawson delivers for Lake Elsinore (Photo: Cherished Memories)
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. – With a scorching 105 degrees game time temperature, the Storm bats heated up as well, using 13 hits to orchestrate a come-from-behind 9-7 victory over the visiting Visalia Rawhide.
Down 7-4 in the seventh, the Storm clapped back for five runs, thanks to a pair of 2-RBI singles by Kelvin Melean and Luis Torrens, and an RBI double by Nate Easley. The rally happened without the aid of star outfielder Buddy Reed (who was named yesterday to the USA Team in the Futures Game), who went 2-for-3 on the night with a triple and a home run before being ejected along with manager Edwin Rodriguez for arguing balls and strikes in the fifth inning. Edward Olivares also went 1-for-3 with an RBI single, a stolen base (11), and was hit by a pitch twice.
RBI single by Edward Olivares puts @Storm_Baseball up 3-1 in the second inning.
-MP pic.twitter.com/xgVrZYHORN— madfriars (@madfriars) July 7, 2018
Starter Reggie Lawson lasted five innings, allowing a career-worst seven runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five. He was the victim of some bad luck in the second, as a high fly off the wall in right turned into a triple, and a nubber to the first baseman was misplayed (though it was recorded as a hit) and allowed the runner to score. In the fourth, the wheels started falling off, as he got two quick outs but allowed a single and a pair of walks to load the bases. A three-RBI double and a run-scoring single put the Rawhide ahead 5-4. They extended the lead in the fifth on a two-run homer by the Diamondbacks no.2 prospect Pavin Smith.
Lawson relied heavily on his fastball, which sat 90-94 MPH, throwing it (by MadFriars’ count) about 70% of the time. He was locating well early, but struggled in that fourth inning, throwing 36 of his 97 pitches in that frame. His walk rate remains a concern as it stays at 4.2 BB/9. His curveball, though used sparingly, was effective when deployed, leading to some weak contact, as well as the strikeout shown below.
The 3rd K of the game for @RLawww6. He’s allowed a run on two hits, no walks thus far. @Storm_Baseball lead 3-1 heading to the bottom of the 3rd. pic.twitter.com/T2Y7BPb8sv
— madfriars (@madfriars) July 7, 2018
Relievers Cody Tyler (32nd round pick from the 2018 MLB Draft) and David Bednar threw two shutout innings apiece, each allowing a hit and no walks, with Tyler being credited with his first professional win, and Bednar picking up his tenth save of the season.
