Yes, we still have changes to the 2017 spring training schedule as of Feb. 8, as the San Diego Padres have added a game against High-A affiliate Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League at The Diamond on March 31.
The Storm first hosted the Padres for a Lake Elsinore exhibition game in 2001, year one of what is now a 17-season partnership. The big leaguers had the upper hand that night, as Tony Gwynn and company defeated future Padres –- including Xavier Nady and Jake Peavy – in front of a capacity crowd. The two teams met again in 2003 (Peavy started for the Padres), 2005 and 2010. The Storm are winless in four meetings against their Major League affiliate.
The Padres last played at The Diamond in 2012, when the facility welcomed the Kansas City Royals for a big league exhibition contest.
The game is set to begin at 6 p.m. Gates will open one hour before first pitch. Fans can purchase tickets for the exhibition online via stormbaseball.com, over the phone or in person as early as March 13, guaranteeing an opportunity to experience the brand-new seating at The Diamond.
Here’s a look at other MLB/MiLB exhibition games scheduled for 2017.