ONTARIO, Calif. (Interstat) — The Lake Elsinore Storm and Ontario Tower Buzzers will open their 2026 seasons against each other Thursday at ONT Field, with statistical models favoring the visitors in what is projected to be a low-scoring affair.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. PDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature of 82 degrees.

Both teams enter with 0-0 records. The Storm last played a competitive game on Sept. 7, 2025, falling 8-7 to the Inland Empire 66ers. Ontario’s most recent result is listed as Jan. 1, 1970, indicating the team is either newly formed or rebooted for this season.

Interstat’s game simulator predicts a narrow 1-0 victory for Lake Elsinore. The outlet’s ELO rating system gives the Storm a 57.1% probability of winning the opener.

The game marks the start of a three-game series between the Southern California clubs. They will meet again Friday and Saturday in Ontario before each embarks on a lengthy stretch against other opponents.

Following this series, the Storm will host the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes for a six-game homestand from April 7-12 before traveling to face the Stockton Ports.

The Tower Buzzers, after hosting Lake Elsinore, will hit the road for a six-game series against the Inland Empire 66ers from April 7-12. They will then return home to host the Fresno Grizzlies starting April 14.

Thursday’s contest offers a fresh start for both franchises. The Storm will look to capitalize on their slight statistical edge, while the Tower Buzzers aim to establish themselves in their inaugural game of the new campaign.