Sent from the Angels High-A Cal League affiliate Inland Empire 66ers press office...
The Inland Empire 66ers are one win away from their first trip to the California League Division finals since 2006 after a 4-3 victory on Wednesday night over Lake Elsinore. The 66ers used a strong start from Johnny Hellweg and a clutch hit from Randal Grichuk to secure the franchise's first post season win since 2007.
Johnny Hellweg got a couple nice plays from his defense (especially Jean Segura at short) but overall it was his night to shine. He pitched a season long 6 1/3 innings and struck out eight storm hitters on his way to the post season opening win. Hellweg is now 4-0 in games he's pitched against Lake Elsinore this year.
At the plate the biggest hit of the night was a two out, two run single from Randal Grichuk to give the 66ers a 4-1 lead and the breathing room they would need to hang on for a victory. Jean Segura added a multi-hit game including a run scored and one driven in, and Steven Irvine celebrated his 24th birthday with a multi-hit game of his own.
Inland Empire will have a chance to clinch the series win on Thursday night ...TONIGHT... at Lake Elsinore.
Ariel Pena, the 66ers leader in strikeouts with 180, will go up against former Padres' first round pick Nick Schmidt in the elimination game for the Storm. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05. All the action can be heard on AM 1050 KCAA and 66ers.com beginning at 6:55 PM. Playoff tickets are on sale now both at the 66ers box office and online at www.66ers.com.