League: MiLB Sport: Baseball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Lake Elsinore Storm defeat Ontario Tower Buzzers in playoff opener

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 4:42 AM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Lake Elsinore Storm defeat Ontario Tower Buzzers in playoff opener

Summary

The Lake Elsinore Storm defeated the Ontario Tower Buzzers 10-9 in the opening game of the Cal League Playoffs on Tuesday. Despite a late-game rally, the Tower Buzzers were unable to overcome an early deficit in their first-ever postseason appearance. Ontario scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, highlighted by home runs from Ching-Hsien Ko and Joendry Vargas, but the comeback attempt fell short when Easton Shelton struck out to end the game. Lake Elsinore relied on strong pitching from Jesus Castro, who allowed one earned run over six innings, and multi-hit performances from Alex Conover. The series now shifts to Lake Elsinore for the remaining contests. The Tower Buzzers must win Thursday to force a decisive third game on Friday.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Lake Elsinore defeated Ontario 10-9 in Game 1 of the Cal League Playoffs.
•Ontario tallied six runs in the ninth inning but fell short.
•Jesus Castro earned the win for Lake Elsinore while Marlon Nieves took the loss.
•Easton Shelton went 3-5 for Ontario with his 37th home run of the season.
•Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Thursday at Lake Elsinore.

Latest Updates

4:42 AMYahoo Sports — Tower Buzzers' Historic First Season Comes to an End
5:25 AMYahoo Sports — Ontario Falls in Game 1 on the Cal League Playoffs

What they're saying

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Ontario, CA—The Lake Elsinore Storm handed a crushing 10-9 defeat over the Ontario Tower Buzzers in Game 1 of the Cal League Playoffs.
— Yahoo Sports