Zack Pace secures 200th regular season win Tuesday in Stompers 12-4 victory at Seagulls

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Stompers manager Zack Pace walks off the field Tuesday after a meeting on the mound. Pace earned his 200th career regular season win as the Stompers defeated the San Francisco Seagulls 12-4 at San Bruno Park in San Bruno, Calf. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

Stompers manager Zack Pace earned his 200th career regular season win Tuesday as the Sonoma Stompers secured a 12-4 win against the San Francisco Seagulls at San Bruno Park in San Bruno, Calif. 

Pace described the accomplishment postgame as a “staff” win, not just a feat he achieved himself. 

“It’s a Stomper family 200 [wins],” Pace said. “Can’t do it without the coaching staff, the GM, the interns, the broadcast team. The fans. The host families ... we’re all pulling in the same direction and trying to get wins.” 

Sonoma opened the scoring Tuesday in the second inning. Outfielder Connor Johnston (Bellarmine University) drove home outfielder Nic Sebastiani with two outs.  

The Stompers continued to capitalize with two outs. Seven of Sonoma's 12 runs scored with two outs. 

Pace said his guys “really grinded” with “tough” and “quality at-bats" in the contest. 

“We didn’t take it easy on the pitcher, not giving in with the last out of the inning,” Pace said. “You know, our guys put a lot of pressure on them.” 

The Seagulls scored two runs in third and fifth innings to tie the game at 4-4. Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Keller Ausbun (Colorado State – Pueblo) went 2.2 innings but allowed two earned runs. 

Pace said it was “tough” to take Ausbun out after the first two innings where he worked efficiently, throwing only 18 pitches. 

“We just put up a three-spot, we were up by four,” Pace said. “Obviously you want to see him throw strikes there. Not let runners get on, but it is what it is. He battled ... he gave us a chance to win today.” 

Sonoma regained the lead with two runs in the seventh before breaking the game open with six more in the eighth.  

The Stompers' bullpen covered the final 4.2 innings without allowing a run.  

Right-handed pitcher Griffin Messenger threw 2.2 scoreless innings and secured his first win in three appearances this season. Right-handed pitchers Kyle Seo (Chaminade University – Honolulu) and Riley Dickey (Modesto Junior College) pitched the final two innings.  

Pace said the gameplan was to give the ball to his relievers until they “couldn’t get outs anymore.” 

“We changed the starter last minute,” Pace said. “It was a next guy up approach.” 

The Stompers continue their road trip Wednesday against the Walnut Creek Crawdads in Danville, Calif. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube with an audio-only broadcast. 

Sonoma improved to 19-13 and remains third in the California Collegiate League North Division, three games behind first-place Walnut Creek and one game behind the second-place San Luis Obispo Blues. 

Stompers finish homestand with 14-4 victory against the Seagulls, win 8th straight CCL game

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Utility player Mateo Heredia (Cal State Northridge) and infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) high-five each other coming off the diamond at Arnold Field on June 13. In the Stompers 14-4 win against the San Francisco Seagulls on Sunday, Ayala went 2-for-5 with three RBIs and Heredia pitched a scoreless ninth inning. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers erupted for eight runs in the third inning to defeat the San Francisco Seagulls 14-4 Sunday at Arnold Field, extending their California Collegiate League winning streak to eight games. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said that winning is “the best deodorant.” 

For the first time in eight contests, Sonoma surrendered the opening run. In the first inning, San Francisco’s outfielder Armando Hurtado (Coppin State) hit a single. On the hit, Stompers infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) booted the ball, allowing the runner to score from third. 

Pace joked postgame saying he was “glad” the Stompers “broke the streak” of winning when scoring first. 

During the second, the Stompers scored three runs to take the lead.  

Sonoma got on the board when a wild pitch allowed a run to score. Then, infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) grounded out to shortstop, scoring the second runner on the play. Ayala extended Sonoma’s advantage with a jam-shot single over second base and into center field. 

Outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State) was out trying to advance to third after catcher Angel Garcia's (Bellarmine University) sacrifice bunt and exited the game afterward with what Pace described as a heel bruise. 

Pace said he “didn’t know” how the extent injury but called the process a day-to-day situation. 

“I think he’ll be okay,” Pace said. “I told him to go see Dr. Adams tomorrow; he better. And then we’ll kind of figure it out from there.” 

The Seagulls tied the contest with two runs in the third. Designated hitter Marcus Graham (Missouri Baptist) hit a double into the right center field gap to drive in both runners. 

Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Sam Matherly (Bellarmine University) pitched 2.1 innings. In his first start of the season, the Danville, Kentucky, native allowed only one hit but three earned runs and walked three before giving way to Sonoma’s bullpen. 

Right-handed pitcher Ken Blankenship (Benedictine University – Mesa) came into the contest in relief for Chapman, escaping the third without any further damage. The Stockton, Calif., native picked up his second win of the season. 

In the bottom of the third, the Stompers sent 12 batters to the plate and scored eight two-out runs to take a lead they wouldn’t surrender.  

Infielder Trent Keys (San Joaquin Delta College) drew a bases-loaded walk to kickstart the scoring surge. The next batter, Uriepero hit a scorching grounder to San Francisco infielder Bryce Brooks (De Anza College) but the throw to first base went astray to make it 6-3. 

Ayala hit his second RBI single, a line drive into right field. Outfielder Chase Taylor (University of Connecticut) drove in Uriepero and Ayala with a two-run single into right. Outfielder Nic Sebastiani capped off the inning with a two-run home run into the left field bleachers. 

Pace said there were a “lot of” two out knocks and the at-bats “built on each other.” 

“That’s the contagiousness of it,” Pace said. “It started off with a ground ball RBI. And then we had a two-out knock and another two-out knock and the two-run blast to really open it up.” 

San Francisco responded with one run in the fourth inning, but Stompers right-handed pitcher Finn Chapman (Saint Mary’s College) stranded the bases-loaded with a strikeout.  

Chapman pitched two innings in relief, surrendering an earned run and three walks. The 6-foot-2 right-hander threw 42 pitches and 24 strikes.  

Playing in his final game for Sonoma, Garcia homered in the sixth inning before reflecting on his summer after the game. 

Garcia said postgame his mindset was to “just play” and whatever “happened would happen.” 

“It was a special night,” Garcia said. “There were a lot of lessons learned this summer ... being able to spend it with this group was amazing.” 

Six arms covered the final 6.2 innings. Sonoma’s bullpen held the Seagulls to one run on four hits. 

The Stompers added two more insurance runs in the eighth. The 13th scored on an RBI groundout and the 14th was aided by an error from Jake Brewer (Cal State Monterey Bay) at shortstop. San Francisco committed five errors in the contest. 

In the ninth inning, utility man/right-handed pitcher Mateo Heredia (Cal State Northridge) worked a scoreless ninth during his sixth appearance. 

The Stompers improved to 18-13 in the California Collegiate League North Division. The Seagulls fell to 5-25 in league play. 

The Stompers have a day off Monday before starting a two-game road trip Tuesday against the Seagulls. First pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube with an audio-only broadcast. 

“We’re going to enjoy our off-day and get ready to go for San Francisco on Tuesday,” Pace said. “It’ll be a tough week next week, four road games. Hopefully we can turn our road record around a little bit.” 

Stompers complete sweep with 7-2 victory against the Philippines Baseball Group

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Stompers Infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) swings the bat Saturday at Arnold Field. Vasell went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and a home run, as Sonoma completed a sweep and extended its win streak to seven consecutive games after securing a 7-2 victory against the Philippines Baseball Squad. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers completed a two-game sweep of the Philippines Baseball Group and extended its win streak to seven straight games Saturday after a 7-2 win at Arnold Field. Sonoma’s pitching held the Philippines to four hits and two runs. 

Sonoma opened the scoring for the seventh straight contest. In the second inning, Stompers infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) hit a solo home run to right field, his fourth long ball and 24th RBI of the season.  

Stompers manager Zack Pace said jumping out to early leads is “huge” and “helps” out the pitching staff. 

“I feel like that didn’t happen at the beginning of the year,” Pace said. “We didn’t score first.” 

Vasell finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs. The Pleasant Hill, Calif., native raises his batting average to .345 and his OPS to 1.105 in 109 plate appearances. 

Pace said postgame Vasell has been “swinging the bat really well.”  

During the fourth, Sonoma scored three runs to increase its lead to 6-0 after three RBI singles. Designated hitter/left-handed pitcher Taber Fast (Washington State) drove in the fourth run, Vasell tallied the fifth and catcher Gage McCown (Cal State Northridge) added the third run of the frame.

In his first start of the season, Stompers right-hander Micah Marquez (University of Jamestown) blanked the Philippines’ bats through the first four innings. Marquez collected three strikeouts and walked three in 56 pitches. 

Pace said he liked that Marquez “locates” and “mixes speeds well” but didn’t want to see the three walks.

“I would like to see a little bit more quicker outs,” Pace said. “He did an outstanding job, but we could eliminate the free passes.” 

The Philippines scored its only two runs in the eighth inning against Sonoma’s right-handed pitcher Keller Ausbun (Colorado State – Pueblo). Philippines catcher Isaiah Chaves hit an RBI double to put it on the board. The second was scored on an RBI groundout to first base. 

Pace said he “still” has confidence in Ausbun moving forward even though he gets “hit quite often.” 

“He’s reliable,” Pace said. “When he gets ahead, he’s alright for the most part ... except tonight.” 

The Stompers finish the week Sunday at home against the San Francisco Seagulls, looking to add on to their win streak. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube. 

Stompers cruise past Philippines Baseball Group 14-1 for 6th straight win

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Infielder Nic Sebastiani squares up the baseball Friday at Arnold Friday. The Stompers defeated the Philippines Baseball Group 14-1, extending their winning streak to six straight games. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers exploded for 14 runs on 11 hits and held the Philippines Baseball Group to one run Friday in a 14-1 victory at Arnold Field. The Stompers secured their sixth consecutive California Collegiate League victory. 

Sonoma sits at 16-13, still occupying third place in the CCL’s North Division behind the San Luis Obispo Blues and Walnut Creek Crawdads. The Philippines are 0-16 in the CCL and sit in last place of the South Division. 

The Stompers took the early advantage in the second inning after scoring four runs, building a lead they never relinquished. 

The rally was kickstarted after a two-out fielding error from Philippines infielder Nomar Vazquez at shortstop, allowing infielder Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) to score from second. Then, outfielder Nic Sebastiani drove in two runs on an RBI single to left field to make it 3-0. The inning was capped off with an RBI single by infielder Mateo Heredia (Cal State Northridge). 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that he was “happy” with the performance and thought his team “hit some hard ground balls” during the four-run second inning.

“That just tells me our guys were taking a good approach, especially against a slower pitcher,” Pace said. “That’s what I really liked.” 

Making his first start of the season, right-hander Mason Cortez (San Joaquin Delta College) pitched three scoreless innings and collected his first win of the season. The Danville, Calif., native allowed two hits but picked up three strikeouts in his sixth appearance. Cortez’s ERA went from 4.91 to 3.86 in 14 innings pitched. 

Pace said Cortez has been “getting better and better” as the season has progressed. 

“He’s been filling up that zone pretty good,” Pace said. “I think he’ll do a good job for us down the stretch.” 

In the sixth, Sonoma sent 15 batters to the plate, scoring 10 runs while drawing seven free passes and collecting three hits. 

Infielder Anthony Scheppler (San Jose State) hit a two-run home run to make it 6-0 — his third home run and 14th RBI of the season of the season. Nic Sebastiani tallied a two-run single, recording his fourth RBI of the night before Ben Sebastiani capped the frame with an RBI single into left field. 

Nic Sebastiani went 3-for-5 with four RBIs in the contest. It was the Sonoma native’s first three hit and second multi-RBI game of the season. 

Pace said his at-bats were “quality” and he “squared up a few balls.” 

“He did a great job,” Pace said. “He took some big pitches, hit a couple of lines drives. He didn’t get too big in the box.” 

Sonoma’s pitching continued to shut down the Philippines’ bats. Six relievers entered the contest for the Stompers, allowing a combined two hits and one walk. 

Pace said that when his team is “filling up the zone” the results will come with it. 

“The key is, especially if you’re coming out of the pen, you have to throw strikes,” Pace said. “We did a good job of that today.” 

After a leadoff double in the eighth, the Philippines broke through in the eighth inning with an RBI groundout to third. However, it couldn’t add any further runs in the ninth. 

The Stompers look to build on their successful week Saturday at home against Philippines in the final contest of the two-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube. 

Bullpen, middle-inning offense power Stompers past Seagulls 6-2

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Stompers infielder Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) connects with the ball on the swing Tuesday at Arnold Field. Carlson went 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI in Sonoma’s 6-2 win over the San Francisco Seagulls. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers defeated the San Francisco Seagulls 6-2 Tuesday at Arnold Field. Sonoma's bullpen, which used five relievers, allowed one unearned run on two hits over the final five innings. 

The Stompers remain in third place in the California Collegiate League North, improving to 13-13. San Francisco’s losing streak extended to nine consecutive games, falling to 4-21 in the CCL. 

Sonoma opened the scoring with two outs in the first inning after a fielding error by Seagulls infielder Jake Brewer (Cal State Monterey Bay). Infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) hit an RBI single into right field, scoring outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State) from second. 

In the fourth inning, the Seagulls tied the contest with an RBI single by infielder Tanner Wall (Pepperdine University). However, San Francisco left two runners on base after an inning-ending strikeout. 

Making his fourth start of the season, left-hander Taber Fast allowed one earned run over four innings. The Chehalis, Washington, native collected five strikeouts in 67 pitches. 

Before Fast faced his final batter with two outs, Stompers manager Zack Pace went out to the mound to talk to his pitcher. As he was walking back to the dugout, Pace was ejected for the game. 

Pace said postgame he “wanted to stick up for his guy,” which led to an argument with the home plate umpire. 

“I thought we had a lot of pitches that were very close to being strike three. Our pitcher was getting up in the count,” Pace said. “I wanted to protect our players. I don’t want our players getting hurt.” 

Pace said that he “wanted” to fire the team up to prevent his players from getting hurt. 

“When it comes to the point of stretching our guy out at the end of his rope when he could get injured, I get a little upset,” Pace said. “That’s where I stand up for my guys.” 

Catcher Gage McCown (Cal State Northridge) answered with a solo home run to begin the bottom of the fourth. It was McCown’s second long ball of the season. 

In the fifth, Sonoma extended its advantage on a solo home run by infielder Hunter Carlson (Georgia State). Through three games against the Seagulls this season, Carlson is batting .400 with three home runs, seven RBIs, four walks and two hit-by-pitches in 16 plate appearances. 

Two innings later, Sonoma scored three runs on three hits to break the game open. Infielder Anthony Scheppler (San Jose State) started the frame with a base hit into right field. He scored on an RBI double by infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State). 

The Stompers continued to tack on to their lead with small ball and situational hitting. Uriepero scored the fifth run for Sonoma on a wild pitch before outfielder Chase Taylor (University of Connecticut) made it 6-1 on an RBI groundout to first base. 

San Francisco scored one run in the ninth, but Stompers right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Joaquin Delta College) recorded the final three outs without any further damage.  

The Stompers go on the road for the first time in a week, facing the Seagulls again Wednesday at San Bruno Park in San Bruno, Calif. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on YouTube with an audio only broadcast. 

Defensive miscues haunt Stompers on Saturday in 6-5 loss to the Knicks

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Outfielder Connor Johnston (Bellarmine University) slides into third base June 28 at Arnold Field. Johnston went 0-for-3 during Sonoma’s 6-5 defeat against the Novato Knicks on Saturday. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — Two early defensive errors put the Sonoma Stompers in a five-run hole Saturday, and despite a late comeback attempt, they fell 6-5 to the Novato Knicks at Arnold Field. 

Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Justin Jones escaped a bases-loaded jam with one out in the first inning. However, as he was warming up for the second, he called for Stompers manager Zack Pace from the dugout after appearing to injure himself before exiting the contest shortly afterward. 

In relief for Jones, Sonoma turned to right-handed pitcher Jacoby Hyer (Santa Rosa High School) — Pace’s son. Hyer pitched one inning but allowed a three-run home run that gave the Knicks a 3-0 lead. Prior to the home run, Stompers infielder Anthony Scheppler committed a throwing error that would have ended the inning without any damage. 

The Knicks extended their lead in the third. Sonoma infielder Caze Derammelaere (Vanguard University) booted a ground ball that would have been the third out of the frame. Then, Novato hit a two-run home run to extend its advantage to 5-0. 

The Stompers answered with one run on an RBI single by outfielder Nic Sebastiani that scored designated hitter Ryland Heckman (Umpqua Community College). Yet, the Knicks continued to build their lead after scoring another run in the fifth. 

The Stompers scored a run in the fifth and two runs in the sixth to trim the deficit to 6-4. Outfielder Trent Keys (San Joaquin Delta College) and Derammelaere delivered with RBI singles. 

In the seventh inning, infielder Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) worked a leadoff double. Two batters later, outfielder Mike Jones (University of San Francisco) brought in Sebastiani with an RBI single to cut the deficit to one. 

Sonoma couldn’t put together another rally. The Stompers went down scoreless in the eighth and ninth innings. Novato right-handed pitcher Kai Beehler pitched the final two innings to collect the save. 

The Stompers return to California Collegiate League play Tuesday at home against the San Francisco Seagulls. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on YouTube. 

Scheppler’s 2-home run, 9-RBI performance Friday propels Stompers to sweep over the Indians

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Infielder Anthony Scheppler (San Jose State) swings the bat Friday at Arnold Field. Scheppler went 3-for-5 with two home runs and nine RBIs in Sonoma’s 17-5 win over the Santa Maria Indiana, securing a sweep. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — Infielder Anthony Scheppler (San Jose State) hit two home runs and drove in nine runs, including a three-run homer in the third inning and a grand slam in the seventh, as the Sonoma Stompers defeated the Santa Maria Indians 17-5 Friday at Arnold Field to complete a two-game series sweep. 

The Novato, Calif., native finished his night hitting 3-for-5. Scheppler entered Friday’s contest batting .125 with a .389 OPS through 27 plate appearances. He raised his batting average to .207 and jumped his RBI total to 11 along with his OPS to .764 in 13 games played. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that he was “really happy” with Scheppler’s performance.

“He’s the type of guy that deserves those kinds of days, honestly,” Pace said. “He puts in the work.”

Sonoma secured a two-game sweep with the victory and now sits at 12-13 in the California Collegiate League North. The Indians are 1-5 in the North Division. 

Sonoma scored first in the opening frame. Outfielder Mike Jones (University of San Francisco) hit a sacrifice fly to drive in outfielder Chase Taylor (University of Connecticut).  

The Indians answered back with two runs in the top of the second inning. Stompers starting pitcher right-handed pitcher Keller Ausbun (Colorado State – Pueblo) allowed four hits and two earned runs in his second start of the season. 

Right-handed pitcher Shawn McBroom (Cal State San Marcos) relieved Ausbun in the third inning but surrendered an RBI triple with nobody out. Despite the triple, the Antioch, Calif., native escaped the jam without any further damage and picked up the win after Sonoma rallied in the bottom of the far,e. 

Then, the Stompers bats exploded. In the third inning, Sonoma tallied seven runs — six of them coming with two outs — on three hits.  

The rally started with a one-out double by outfielder Nic Sebastiani, recording Sonoma's first hit of the contest, to advance Taylor to third base. Taylor scored on a fielding error during the next at-bat to cut the deficit down to 3-2. 

With two outs, outfielder Trent Keys (San Joaquin Delta College) hit a fly ball into foul territory in right field. But the ball was dropped by Indians outfielder Rocco Muccilli, extending the at-bat and the inning. On an 0-2 count, Keys was hit by a pitch in the elbow to tie the contest. 

Catcher Andrew Bonfigli kept the rally going with a two-run single into right center field. Scheppler rounded out the frame with a three-run home run over the left field wall — his first home run of the season. 

Pace said Keys’ hit by pitch “jumpstarted” the inning for the Stompers. 

“He’s always able to work those walks or hit by pitches,” Pace said. “That’s a whole seven run inning we might not have gotten if it wasn’t for his hit by pitch. That was huge.” 

Santa Maria got two runs back in the fifth inning. Stompers right-handed pitcher Sam Matherly (Bellarmine University) made his debut, pitching one inning and allowing two hits and two earned runs.  

The Stompers put up one run in both the bottom of the fifth and sixth to extend their advantage to 10-5. After stealing second and third, Taylor scored on an overthrow to push the Stompers into double digit runs. 

Pace said that he “loved” the aggressive Taylor showed to swipe two bases and subsequently score on the error by the Indians. 

In the seventh, Scheppler blew the game open by hitting a bases-loaded grand slam with nobody out.  

Sonoma added three more runs in the eighth. Scheppler tallied his third hit of the night, a two-run double to make it 16-5. Then outfielder Connor Johnston (Bellarmine University) recorded an RBI single.  

Sonoma finishes its three-game homestand Saturday on Independence Day against the Novato Knicks. It will be last non-CCL League game of the season for the Stompers. First pitch is scheduled for 5:10 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on YouTube. 

Stompers snap 2-game skid with 9-2 victory against the Indians

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Stompers outfielder Chase Taylor (University of Connecticut) connects with the ball after swinging Thursday at Arnold Field. Taylor went 1-for-4 with two RBIs in Sonoma’s 9-2 win over the Santa Maria Indians. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers snapped their two-game losing streak, scoring three runs in the third inning and two more in the fourth to blow open the contest and secure a 9-2 victory Thursday over the Santa Maria Indians at Arnold Field.  

Sonoma tallied only five hits but drew eight walks and stole four bases — including infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) stealing home in the fourth inning — to improve to 11-13 in California Collegiate League North play while the Indians fell to 1-4. Sonoma remains in third place despite both the Menlo Park Legends and Alameda Merchants winning Thursday. 

After getting back into the win column, Stompers manager Zack Pace said jokingly after the game that “it felt like I could breathe again.” 

Despite falling short, the Indians opened the scoring in the second inning. With the bases loaded, infielder Rocco Muccilli lifted a sacrifice fly to center field. 

Stompers right-handed pitcher Ken Blankenship (Benedictine University – Mesa) made his first start of the season but allowed four hits and one earned run in two innings. After Blankenship exited, sixStompers relievers held the Indians offense to one hit and one run over the final seven innings. 

Pace said he “liked” what he saw from Sonoma’s bullpen “other than the nine free passes.” 

“We had way too many [free passes]. We got to be five or under, to be honest,” Pace said. “That gives other teams chances ... We got to see a lot of arms fill up the zone and get outs.” 

In the bottom of the third, Sonoma broke through with three runs. Infielder Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) added his 25th RBI of the season — the most RBIs in the CCL — on a single up the middle. On the next pitch, infielder Mateo Heredia (Cal State Northridge) hit his first home run of the year over the left field wall. 

In the fourth inning, Uriepero stole home, diving below the tag of the Indians catcher to give Sonoma a 4-1 lead. Taylor drove home the fifth run for the Stompers with an RBI groundout.

Pace said Uriepero’s steal “fired him up” and that it was “awesome to see.” 

“I didn’t see it coming. I don’t know if anyone did,” Pace said. “I thought it was awesome because we’ve had trouble getting those runners in from third. It sparked a little something; it got something going.” 

The Stompers continued to extend their lead in the seventh inning. Outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State) hit his first extra-base hit of the season, a solo home run, to make it 6-1 Sonoma. Later in the frame, catcher Angel Garcia (Coppin State) drew a bases-loaded walk to extend Sonoma’s lead. 

Pace said Bass and Heredia’s home run swings were “great.” 

“They were both good swings,” Pace said. “I didn’t really like Heredia’s pimp job though; I let him know about that. Other than that, it was good.” 

Sonoma put up two more runs in the eighth inning to blow the game open. Taylor hit an RBI double and later scored on a wild pitch. 

Overall, Pace was pleased that his guys “cashed in” during moments they hadn’t in losses.  

“I thought the guys did a good job of taking advantage of what they gave us,” Pace said. “Obviously we only had five hits ... we need to keep grinding away at that.” 

The Stompers finish their two-game home series against the Santa Maria Indians on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on YouTube. 

Late game woes lead to Stompers 10-2 defeat against the Crawdads

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Jake Andreas (University of San Francisco) releases the pitch from the rubber Tuesday at Arnold Field. Andreas pitched four innings and collected seven strikeouts in a 10-2 loss. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Walnut Creek Crawdads scored four runs in both the eighth and ninth innings Tuesday in a 10-2 victory over the Sonoma Stompers at Arnold Field. The Stompers defense committed two costly errors in the eighth inning, leading to the rally. 

The eighth started off with a two-strike single by outfielder Dylan Perez (Baylor University) followed by another single into center field from infielder Kam Taylor (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College). 

Walnut Creek jumped ahead 3-2 after outfielder Daniel Polasek (UC Irvine) hit an RBI groundout to second base. Stompers infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) struggled to get the ball out his glove, hesitating before throwing to first base to get the out in time but allowed the lead-runner to score.

The Crawdads continued to take advantage of fielding miscues by the Stompers. Sonoma infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) committed an error on a pop up at third base, allowing another run score in the sequence. Walnut Creek infielder — and former Stomper — Alijah Ramos capped off the inning with an RBI single into left field to make it 6-2. 

In the ninth, Sonoma right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Joaquin Delta College) struggled in his eighth appearance of the bullpen, being charged with all four runs in the inning. The Rohnert Park, Calif., native’s season ERA jumped from 5.14 to 9.82 with a 2.32 WHIP in 7.1 innings. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that his team “has to capitlize on their big inning” and “not give up a big inning” to the other team. 

“We keep finding a way to give up those bad innings,” Pace said. “Our big inning chance, we only got two [runs] today. In their big inning chance, they got four ... we had like 11 or 12 free bases given up today.We also need to play better defense.” 

The Crawdads last loss came June 14 against the San Luis Obispo Blues. With the win Tuesday, they have won 12 games in a row and improved to 16-4 in the California Collegiate League North. Sonoma still occupies third place but are 10-12 in CCL North play. 

Sonoma’s starting pitcher right-hander Jake Andreas (University of San Francisco) collected seven strikeouts in four innings. Walnut Creek’s starter left-handed pitcher Joey Lorenzini (UC Santa Barbara) didn’tallow a hit and struck out four in the first two innings. 

The Stompers opened the scoring with two runs in the first inning. With the bases loaded and one out, infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) — who was 0-for-10 with the bases loaded — hit a single through the left side of the infield. The next batter, Vasell hit a sacrifice-fly to make it 2-0. 

Pace said Ayala’s hit was “really nice to see him come through when we needed it.” 

“He had two strikes, took a couple pitches,” Pace said. “He got himself a decent pitch to hit and squared up.” 

Walnut Creek responded with one run in the sixth inning but left the bases loaded with two outs. Sonoma left-handed pitcher Logan Figlar preserved the Stompers lead, striking out Polasek to preserve the lead. 

In the seventh inning, Sonoma right-handed pitcher Sam Schnitzer (University of San Francisco) struggled with his command, walking a batter and surrendering a hit in 13 pitches, before allowing the game-tying run. 

Schnitzer and Figlar both struggled with landing on the pitcher's mound. Schnitzer fell over twice while Figlar had to be looked at after an awkward step.

Pace said the landing area was “an easy excuse to make” but not one that he wants his group to have. 

“Do you see any other visiting team complain about it? No,” Pace said. “I’ve seen our guys complain ... we should be pitching the best on it. We have all the materials and practice on it all the time. There should be no excuses.” 

Sonoma’s offense went quiet after the fifth inning rally. The Stompers recorded only two baserunners over the final four frames. 

Pace still “believes in his team” despite the first half struggles. 

“I honestly feel like we have a better team than last year,” Pace said. “We’re just not playing to it. Hopefully this team can find a way to gel, come together and play better in the second half.” 

The Stompers look to rebounds from Tuesday's defeat as they finish their two-game series Wednesday against Walnut Creek at Monte Vista High School in Danville, Calif. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on YouTube. 

Carlson, Vasell and Schnitzer named to CCL North All-Star Team

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Infielder Tino Vasell (#21 - University of San Francisco) and utility player Hunter Carlson (#52 - Georgia State) tap helmets together after Vasell hit a home run and crossed the plate June 7 at Arnold Field. Vasell, Carlson and right-handed pitcher Sam Schnitzer (University of San Francisco) were named Tuesday to the California Collegiate League North All-Star Team. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers 

Infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco), infielder/catcher Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) and right-handed pitcher Sam Schnitzer (University of San Francisco) were named Tuesday to the California Collegiate League North Division All-Star Team. 

Vasell has appeared in 17 contests this year. The Pleasant Hill, Calif., native is batting .305 with a 1.061 OPS in 77 plate appearances this season. He’s committed one error in 55 fielding chances at third base. 

Carlson has also appeared in 17 games this season He has split time as an infielder at first base, catching and slotting into the lineup as a designated hitter. Carlson leads the CCL in RBIs with 24 and has hit three home runs. 

The 6-foot-2 utility player is hitting .306 with a .985 OPS through 81 plate appearances this season. Carlson has drawn 10 walks as well. 

Schnitzer has appeared in five games and holds a 1-1 record. The 6-foot-5 right-hander holds a 4.91 ERA and 1.64 WHIP through 7.1 innings. He has picked up 10 strikeouts and averages 12.27 strikeouts per nine innings. 

The CCL All-Star Game takes place July 4 at Greater Neveda Field in Reno, Nevada. First pitch will be at 4 p.m. The showcase will feature the best players from the North Division against the South.