Even after a disappointing debut in the organization, the Padres remain enamored with Javier Guerra’s ceiling. The shortstop prospect is beginning to reward that faith.

The 21-year-old Guerra continued a red-hot second half with a first-inning, two-run homer that got high Single-A Lake Elsinore started on a 7-3 win over host Visalia on Friday night.

Guerra entered the game hitting .339/.361/.559 after the All-Star break after hitting .203/.246/.311 the first half of the season.

Although he has struck out 105 times in 81 games, Guerra (.229) is up to six homers, five triples, 15 doubles and 34 RBIs in his second run through the California League.


One of four prospects acquired in the Craig Kimbrel deal, Guerra was added to the 40-man roster over the offseason despite hitting .202/.264/.325 with nine homers and 141 strikeouts in 105 games with the Storm in 2016.

Catcher Austin Allen (.262) went 2-for-5, hit his 10th homer and drove in three runs and first baseman Carlos Belen (.226) went 3-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored.

Left-hander Thomas Dorminy (2-1, 3.90) struck out eight and allowed only one hit and two walks in five innings in the start for the Storm (7-9, 42-44).

TRIPLE-A EL PASO (42-46)

Chihuahuas 9, Salt Lake 5: RHP Michael Kelly (1-1, 6.48) walked four but allowed one run on one hit in five innings to win his second PCL start. 1B Christian Villanueva (.296) went 3-for-5 with his 16th homer and two RBIs and 2B Diego Goris (.280) drove in three runs on his eight homer. RF Franchy Cordero (.316) and 3B Ryan Schimpf (.286) both collected two hits.

DOUBLE-A SAN ANTONIO (9-6, 50-35)

Arkansas 3, Missions 0: RHP Brett Kennedy (7-5, 3.80) struck out eight and allowed three runs on six hits and a walk in six innings. LHP Kyle McGrath (3.50) struck out two over two perfect innings. 2B Luis Urias (.304) went 1-for-3 with a walk in his return from a tight back and 1B Nick Torres (.262) singled in three at-bats for the Missions’ other hit.

LOW SINGLE-A FORT WAYNE (10-6, 36-50)

TinCaps 6, Lansing 4: SS Fernando Tatis Jr. (.279) hit his 13th homer, tripled, walked twice and stole his 16th base. C A.J. Kennedy (.175) doubled in two runs in four at-bats and LF Jorge Ona (.279) went 1-for-3 with an RBI double, a walk and a run scored. RHP Jim McDade (1-1, 3.66) struck out seven and allowed two runs on six hits and no walks.

SHORT-SEASON TRI-CITY (13-10)

Eugene 5, Dust Devils 2: RHP Henry Henry (0-3, 4.91) struck out five and allowed three runs on three hits and three walks in four innigns in the loss. LF Tyler Benson (.833) went 3-for-4, 1B Bryan Aragon (.175) drove in two runs on two hits and 3B Luis Almanzar (.250) went 1-for-5 with a double and his sixth steal. CF Tre Carter (.253) went 1-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and his fifth steal.

ROOKIE AZL PADRES1 (4-7)

Mariners 8, Padres 3: RHP Angel Acevedo (0-1, 21.38) allowed seven runs – four earned – on 10 hits and a walk in 3 2/3 innings the loss. SS Jordy Barley (.333) went hit his second homer, CF Jeisson Rosario (.317) went 2-for-3 with a double, two walks and a run scored and 3B Jonny Homza (.281) doubled in two runs.

ROOKIE AZL PADRES2 (6-5)

Padres 7, Royals 4: RHP Emmanuel Clase (1-0, 4.09) struck out six and allowed two runs in 3 2/3 innings in relief after RHP Aaron Leasher (16.88) allowed two runs in two innings in the start. CF Robbie Podorsky (.378) and RF Mason House (.333) each drove in two runs and 2B Eguy Rosario (.429) went 2-for-4 with his seventh steal and a run scored.

ROOKIE DSL PADRES (12-17)

Padres 17, White Sox 3: 3B Luis Guzman (.212) hit his second homer, doubled and drove in six runs and SS Bryan Torres (.328), RF Yordi Francisco (.290) and LF Carlos Batista (.167) both drove in two runs. LHP Carlos Valenzuela (1-1, 3.32) struck out four and allowed a run in six innings in the win.

White Sox 4, Padres 2 (7): RHP Moises Lugo (1-1, 1.50) struck out six and allowed four runs – three earned – in five innings in the loss. 3B Elvis Sabala (.229) went 2-for-3 with a run scored.


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jeff.sanders@sduniontribune.com; Twitter: @sdutSanders