The Lake Elsinore Storm finished the previous week on a five game win streak and sustained it for three more games during the seventh week of their season until it was broken by the Inland Empire 66er’s who went on to sweep their three game series. Returning the favor after the Storm swept them in four games the previous week. But during that eight game streak the Storm were able to put together good pitching and improved hitting to recoup some games on the rest of the division.

They finished the week 3-3 and their overall record was still only 20-28 but they are now showing some of the ability that had been missing earlier in the season. They are 4^th in the division and are winning more consistently at home versus away.

Catcher Jason Hagerty has returned from the DL with a vengeance, upping his average from .282 to .323 with an 11 for 20 performance that featured 4 runs, 6 2B, a HR, 10 RBI, a BB and a SO. Hagerty has improved his behind the plate performance and is now beginning to hit like an offensive catcher as well. He is an exciting player to follow and by far the most promising of the catching prospects within the organization.

Some personnel changes occurring during the week included utilityman Chris Tremblay being brought up from Fort Wayne to the Storm to lend depth while OF Danny Payne was sent up to San Antonio.

Pitcher Adam Schrader was placed on the DL and converted catcher Robert Lara was brought up from extended spring training to fill the roster spot. While in Peoria this past spring I noted that Lara had joined fellow position  player Yefri Carvajal as a convert to pitching. Noted for his cannon of an arm when drafted, Lara had decent stats last year catching for the Storm but pitching is definitely a quicker path to the majors and his arm might be the way to get him there.

After checking his stats it is noted that he has pitched in an emergency capacity the last two seasons and his accuracy was noted at the time.

3B/DH Jedd Gyorko continues his torrid work, sustaining an average close to .400 (.389) while leading the league in RBI and doubles while tied for second in HR and is 4^th in average. He was named California League player of the week for the week ending May 22^nd.