During the eighth week of the minor league season the Lake Elsinore Storm achieved the best record in all of professional baseball. When their Memorial Day game finished their record of 35/17 was better than anyone else . Including the major league leading Tampa Bay Rays at 34/18. It is difficult to grasp what this team has achieved so far this season, especially considering all the changes that have taken place within the team.

In an effort to balance out players and talent, as well as rehabbing injured players and trying to kick start slumping players, many roster changes have taken place. At the end of it the Storm ended up with three catchers and juggled their outfielders. Ali Solis was sent to Portland and back, Adam Zornes came to LE from extended spring training and Robert Lara was unchanged.  Yefri Carvajal rejoined the team from extended spring where he was working on his swing problems (going 4/4 with 5 RBI in the 5/31 game). IF Joe Agreste was sent back to extended spring training after a short stay with LE.

As for the pitchers, Colt Hynes went back and forth to San Antonio, Jon Berger was sent to extended spring and Steve Garrison (who has been rehabbing from his second major injury since the Padres acquired him) came to LE from extended spring.

To top it off, Kyle Blanks came on board to begin his rehab  from his elbow strain.

With all this going on, the Storm completed their series against Lancaster (2 games), had a 3 game series with High Desert and began their series with the Modesto Nuts. They went 4-2 for the week and continued their dominance of Cal League South.

Once again Drew Cumberland was the dominant offensive player, improving his average to .388 during the week. He had more hits (8), more runs (7), more HR (2) and more RBI (7) than anyone else on the team. He was also named league player of the week for May 24-30. Cole Figueroa, Dan Robertson and Blake Tekotte continue to hit over .300 but none can keep up with Drew’s blistering pace.

Juan Oramas continues to pitch well with the Storm winning both games he started during the week. He lowered his ERA from 1.97 to 1.80. Brad Brach, Rob Musgrave and Zach Herr continue their great relief efforts, each lowering their ERA’s through the week and Brach picking up 2 more saves (20). Both Musgrave and Herr finished with 2.19.