Garrett Richards’ latest step was his best year.
The rehabbing right-hander struck out five over four scoreless innings, giving high Single-A Lake Elsinore a head start on a 2-0 win over visiting Rancho Cucamonga to start its run in the California League South Division finals.
Richards, 31, scattered two hits and a walk while throwing 33 of his 53 pitches for strikes. It was his second start for Lake Elsinore since re-starting his rehab. Originally on the comeback trail from last summer’s Tommy John surgery, Richards exited an Aug. 5 start for the Storm with shoulder discomfort.