Storm Walk Past 66ers for 11-6 Win

Leading 2-1 in the third, the Storm broke the game open and chased 66ers starter Josh Wall with a five-run inning. Setting a tone for the night, all five runs in the frame came after there were two outs, including four hits of reliever Matt Smith.

Lake Elsinore starter Jeremy Hefner (7-6) was very efficient over seven strong innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. The righthander improved to 5-1 in six starts against Inland Empire with the win.

Wall (0-4) had a rough start for third time in a row, allowing 4 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks with 1 strikeout in 2 2/3 innings.

The 66ers pulled within three with a four-run eighth, but the Storm added a pair of runs without a hit in their half as the Sixers issued five walks in a span of six batters to seal their fate.

Inland Empire loaded the bases in the ninth inning before Bryan Oland was summoned from the bullpen to record the final out an notch his 19th save.

The Storm scored eight of their 11 runs with two outs.

Inland Empire out-hit the Storm 11-10, with Elian Herrera, Trayvon Robinson, Pedro Baez, Steve Caseres and Justin Fuller each chipping in a pair of hits.

For the Storm, Beamer Weems went 2-for-3 with a double, 4 RBIs and two runs scored.

The 66ers (0-2, 32-40) will try to avoid a sweep Saturday at 7:05 p.m. RHP Steven Johnson (5-4, 4.25) takes the hill while LHP Nick Schmidt makes his California League debut for the Storm. The Sixers return home for a three-game series with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Sunday at 6:05 p.m. For tickets or more information visit www.66ers.com, the 66ers box office at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino or call (909) 888-9922.

• Discuss this story on the California League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.