Crawdads defeat Stompers 5-1 in CCL North Title Game

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State - #44) and infielder Anthony Scheppler (San Jose State - #7) talk together as they walk out to the field at Monte Vista High School in Danville, Calif. The Stompers were eliminated — and fell short of the CCL North Title — Wednesday after suffering a 5-1 defeat to the Walnut Creek Crawdads. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

DANVILLE, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers reign of the California Collegiate League North Division ended Wednesday, as it suffered a 5-1 defeat Wednesday in the North Title Game against the Walnut Creek Crawdads at Monta Vista High School. Sonoma went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and 3-for-16 with runners on. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame his team “just didn’t come through” with runners on base. 

“I think it comes and goes throughout the year during those situations,” Pace said. “It’s tough in a playoff baseball environment. Everyone has their best arms pitching.” 

Sonoma’s starting pitcher Matthew Schallbeger (San Joaquin Delta College) pitched four scoreless innings. He collected three strikeouts and allowed four hits but limited the damage. 

Walnut Creek’s starting pitcher Jeremy Jones (Ball State) held the Stompers scoreless for six innings. The Chandler, Arizona, native worked through traffic on the bases, as he surrendered five hits and had only two strikeouts but didn’t suffer an earned run. 

After Jones departed, the Stompers scored their only run in the top of the seventh on single by infielder Anthony Scheppler (San Jose State). Infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) was thrown out at the plate on a relay during the single to end the inning. 

Pace said it was “outstanding” to see Scheppler come through. 

“The guy grinds, he never complains,” Pace said. “He’s in every game, all-in. Great attitude and effort.” 

Moments later with a runner on first, Crawdads catcher Riley Winchell (Sacramento State) responded with a triple to tie the game in the bottom of the frame. During the triple, Stompers catcher Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) overthrew infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco), allowing Winchell to score himself as the go-ahead run. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said he thought Carlson “had a chance” to get the runner out advancing to third, an error that put Sonoma behind. 

“I thought we had a chance to get him out,” Pace said. “We should have caught it.” 

Walnut Creek added two insurance runs in the eighth inning, blowing the game open and extending their lead to 5-1. After a single, groundout and a wild pitch, designated hitter Ryan Ellis (Sacramento State)hit an RBI single. The second run of the frame scored on a sacrifice fly from infielder Kevin Parker (University of the Pacific) with one out.  

Stompers right-handed pitcher Gage McCown (Cal State Northridge) struggled to contain Walnut Creek’s bats in the eighth, allowing four hits and three earned runs in 0.2 innings. 

Sonoma’s offense went down quietly in the ninth. Vasell drew a leadoff walk, but outfielder Connor Johnston (Bellarmine University) grounded into a 4-6-3 double play. Uriepero grounded out to first, endingthe contest. 

The Stompers season is over. Their schedule next year is TBD. 

'Our pitching dominated': Stompers beat Blues 1-0 in extra innings, advance to CCL North Title Game

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Diego State University) kicks and deals the pitch Tuesday at Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Laguinto pitched 3.2 scoreless innings and had six strikeouts in Sonoma’s 1-0 extra inning victory over the San Luis Obispo Blues. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) delivered the go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning Tuesday, scoring designated hitter Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) from second.  

In the bottom of the frame, right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Diego State University) secured the final three outs in order — striking out the side — as the Sonoma Stompers held on to defeat the San Luis Obispo Blues 1-0 at Sinsheimer Park in the California Collegiate League North Wild Card Game. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said his pitching led the way, despite a few mistakes in the field. 

“Our pitching dominated. It was good to see,” Pace said. “They [the Blues] only had three hits. There weren’t really any threats.” 

Making his first career postseason appearance for the Stompers, right-handed pitcher Max Mazinter (University of Nevada-Reno) pitched five scoreless innings. He collected seven strikes, walking one and allowed one hit, departing the contest after throwing a season-high 71 pitches. 

San Luis Obispo’s starting pitcher left-hander Moose Cuellar (Fresno State) matched Mazinter with five scoreless innings. The 6-foot-3 southpaw allowed three hits and walked three but struck out eight hitters. 

In the seventh, the Blues had runners on first and second with two outs after an error by utility player Hunter Carlson (Georgia State). Pace pulled right-handed pitcher Ayden Tinsley (Modesto College), bringing in Laguinto. 

Laguinto escaped the jam, striking out the first hitter he faced. Pace said he did a “great job” coming out of the pen and “cleaning up the inning.” 

The Stompers had an opportunity to open the scoring in the eighth inning but couldn’t deliver.  

After a leadoff single by outfielder Chase Taylor (University of Connecticut), outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State) laid down a sacrifice bunt. Blues catcher Miles Mador (Indiana University) and infielder CJ Moran (University of San Diego) collided in fair territory, allowing Taylor to advance to third.  

However, the umps ruled the play dead, sending Taylor back to first and Bass back to the batter’s box. Bass grounded out and the next two Stompers failed to reach base safely. 

With the momentum on San Luis Obispo’s side, Laguinto continued to stifle its offense. The Rohnert Park, Calif., native recorded the next six outs to send the contest into extra innings. 

Pace said his team does a great job of moving onto the “next pitch” whether it’s “good or bad.” 

“You got to have a good attitude going forward to the next pitch,” Pace said. “Our guys do a good job of that. We just grinded tonight.” 

Despite Sonoma being 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position through the first nine innings, it broke through in the tenth. Sebastiani started the frame with a double. Then, the nine-hole hitter, Ayala delivered the single to score Sonoma’s only run. 

Pace said his club is “deep” and his team is “full of good players,” leading to success for guys who are slotted lower in the lineup. 

“They’ve all been good at some point in the year, had their hot streaks,” Pace said. "Finding ways to score at the bottom of the order is huge.” 

After Sonoma scored, Laguinto trotted out to the mound to finish the contest. In-between innings, Pace said the 6-foot right-hander told his bench the game “was over”. Laguinto backed it up with a 1-2-3 inning, striking out the side, to finish the contest. 

Pace said Laguinto is the “ideal” Stomper, a role model for the Sonoma community. 

“He’s a Stomper for life guy,” Pace said. “He’s outstanding.” 

With the victory against the Blues, the Stompers advanced to the CCL North Title Game where they will face the Walnut Creek Crawdads on Wednesday in Danville, Calif. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube. The winner of that contest will play the CCL South Winner. 

Two years ago, the Stompers were in the same position. They had just beat San Luis Obispo and had a quick turnaround against Walnut Creek in the North Division Title Game. 

Pace’s approach has changed. 

“Last time, we were very excited. It was our first playoff win,” Pace said. “We were hyped on the bus. Now, it’s a little quiet on the bus. Maybe that even-keelness will help us get some more rest and have us ready to go.” 

Takeaways from the Stompers regular season

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Mike Jones (#37 - University of San Francisco) touches helmets with three teammates after hitting a home run July 22 against the Menlo Park Legends. The Stompers finished the regular season 25-18 (22-18 in the California Collegiate North). Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

Following a season where the Sonoma Stompers finished 25-18 and 22-18 in the California Collegiate League North Division, it claimed the third seed in the North. Sonoma begins its playoff run Tuesday against the No. 2 seed San Luis Obispo Blues at Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Here are three takeaways from the Stompers 43-game regular season CCL schedule:

Newcomers lead the way for the offense:

The two guys who led the charge for Sonoma’s bats were first-year guys and both were named to the All-Star Team. Utility player Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) and Infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) batted near the top of the lineup on a regular basis, delivering consistent play for Stompers manager Zack Pace.

Carlson appeared in 36 games and tallied 166 plate appearances. The Hudson, Wisconsin, native hit .345 with a 1.051 OPS and recorded 34 RBIs — the second most in the league behind Vasell.

Vasell started 36 games and recorded the same amount of plate appearances (166) as Carlson. The 5-foot-10 infielder batted .325 with a 1.018 OPS and hit five home runs. Vasell led the league in triples (3), total bases (69), RBIs (35) and strikeouts (44).

Both players, amongst others, need to continue their regular-season success in the postseason for Sonoma to make a run.

Stompers pitching has potential for a deep playoff run:

Sonoma’s pitching finished the season No. 7 in the CCL, finding itself in the middle of the pack, holding held a 5.23 team ERA in 380 innings pitched.

The Stompers were led by right-handed pitcher Mason Cortez (San Joaquin Delta College) who posted a 3.68 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 22 innings. Right-handed pitcher Ayden Tinsley (Modesto College) allowed five earned runs and struck out 14 in 13 innings pitched.

Other key contributors in the pitching staff included right-handed pitcher Matthew Schallberger (San Joaquin Delta College) and Jaxen Rowland (Modesto College). Schallberger went 4-0 with a 4.15 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in seven appearances. Rowland held a 2.31 ERA in seven appearances.

If all the pitchers are clicking at the same time in a one-game playoff format, Sonoma’s offense should be able to chip in.

Stompers struggled against playoff teams in regular season:

If Sonoma beats the Blues on Tuesday, it will have to face the No. 1 seed Walnut Creek Crawdads on the road again to claim the CCL North Title. In the regular season, the Stompers had a combined record of 3-10 when facing both playoff teams. Sonoma was 1-3 against the Blues and 2-7 against the Crawdads.

The Stompers need to flip the script against both teams to advance to the CCL Championship Series.

Merchants defeat Stompers 6-1 in final regular season contest

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Utility player Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) jogs to first base July 15 against the Alameda Merchants at Arnold Field. Sebastiani went 1-for-4 from the plate Sunday in Sonoma’s 6-1 loss to the Merchants. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers managed only one run Sunday in a 6-1 defeat against the Alameda Merchants in the final game of the regular season at Arnold Field. Sonoma’s offense produced seven hits and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. The defense committed two costly errors.

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame said his team “has to be better” as the playoffs begin. 

“In playoff baseball, every little thing matters,” Pace said. “The team that makes more mistakes is probably going to lose the ballgame. We got to find a way to limit that kind of stuff.” 

After throwing 20 pitches in the first two innings, Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Keller Ausbun (Colorado State – Pueblo) labored through the third.  

The 6-foot-1 right-hander allowed four hits and three runs in the third. Two runs were earned after the Stompers committed two errors — one was by Ausbun on a throw to first base that led to the first Merchants run.  

The Merchants added to their lead with a two-run home run by outfielder Giovanni Martini (Cal State East Bay) in the fifth. It was Martini’s third RBI of the contest.  

In his fourth start, Ausbun pitched five innings and walked two but fell to 0-2 on the season with the loss. His previous longest outing of the summer was July 14 against the San Francisco Seagulls where he pitched 2.1 innings and allowed four hits and two earned runs. 

Pace said Ausbun had a “lot of quick” innings although the walks “hurt” him. 

Sonoma's sloppy play continued in the sixth inning, costing it a run.  

The frame opened with a walk. The next batter hit a single, but the ball was misplayed in right field by outfielder Michael Jones (University of San Francisco) allowing the runners to advance to second and third. Then, designated hitter Max Ghiglieri stole home to make it 6-0. 

The Stompers broke through on the scoreboard in the final inning. With two outs, infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) recorded an RBI single, tallying his 17th RBI of the season.  

The Stompers next contest will be a one-game playoff series Tuesday against the San Luis Obispo Blues at Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube. 

Pace said he feels better about being the “underdog” heading into the playoffs compared to last season. 

“We have nothing to lose,” Pace said. “Go lay it all out there. If you’re the No. 1 seed, you’re expected to win. We don’t have that pressure on us this year.” 

‘We beat ourselves’: Stompers early pitching woes lead to 9-4 defeat to the Crawdads

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Right-handed pitcher Ayden Tinsley (Modesto College) throws the ball July 15 at San Bruno Park in San Bruno, Calif. Tinsley pitched a scoreless inning Saturday during Sonoma’s 9-4 defeat against the Walnut Creek Crawdads., Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers pitching allowed seven earned runs and 11 free passes Saturday in a 9-4 defeat to the Walnut Creek Crawdads. Sonoma also committed five errors. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame his team “handed” the contest to the Crawdads. 

“We beat ourselves,” Pace said. “Lots of free passes. Easier said than done not to give up the free passes. I don’t really know the right recipe right now.” 

Pace also said it was “frustrating” to see his team play sloppy in the field. 

“It’s not very good,” Pace said. “You can’t win playoff games when you commit five errors. It’s a little rough. They won all three phases of the game.” 

Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Sam Matherly (Bellarmine University) struggled with his command in the opening frame, walking three and throwing a hit-by-pitch. A catcher’s interference prolonged the inning as well, ultimately allowing three Crawdad runs to score. 

Matherly departed after loading the bases in the second with two outs, giving way to right-handed pitcher Kyle Seo (Chaminade University – Honolulu). Seo walked the first batter he faced, making it 4-0 Walnut Creek before inducing an inning-ending groundout. 

The Crawdads scored two more runs in the third, aided by a fielding and throwing error from Tino Vasell that put runners on second and third. Two singles — the second that deflected off the second base bag and went into center field — scored both runners. 

In the opening three innings, Sonoma’s pitching allowed 10 free passes — eight walks and two hit-by-pitches but struck out five. The Stompers had a 52% strike rate over 23 batters faced. 

During the fourth, the Crawdads extended their lead by two to make it 8-0. Outfielder Shane Aldridge (Menlo College) hit an RBI double and infielder Lucas Carlisle (Santa Barbara City College) produced an RBI single. 

The Stompers loaded the bases in the fifth and sixth innings but only scored one run on a hit-by-pitch. Infielder Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) struck out to end the fifth. Outfielder Connor Johnston (Bellarmine University) grounded out. 

Pace said his batters must do a “better job” of winning those two at-bats with the bases loaded. 

“I know it’s not easy,” Pace said. “But you gotta keep fighting. That’s baseball, though.” 

The Stompers scored two runs in the seventh, but Walnut Creek countered with another run in the eighth, going ahead 9-3. Sonoma got one run back in the bottom of the frame. Both teams went scoreless in the ninth. 

The Stompers finish the regular season Sunday against the Alameda Merchants at home. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube. 

Stompers bullpen shuts down Merchants Friday in 7-4 win

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) scoops and fires the ball to first base as his hat falls off his head Thursday. Ayala had one hit and recorded one run in four plate appearances Friday at Arnold Field. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers bullpen covered the final five innings without allowing an earned run and walked only two batters Friday in Sonoma’s 7-4 victory against the Alameda Merchants at Arnold Field. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said his bullpen did a “good job” overall. 

“Everyone was on tonight,” Pace said. “Blankenship was good out of the pen; he fired everyone up. Kato had a couple good innings. Laguinto was lights out at the end.” 

Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Micah Marquez (Jamestown University) struggled in the first inning, giving up two earned runs during his third start.  

On the first pitch of the game, Merchants infielder Zach Lewis hit a 360-foot solo home run to left field. Three batters later, outfielder Jackson Nystrom hit an RBI double to make it 2-0.  

The Stompers countered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame, knotting the affair.  

With runners on first and third, the California Collegiate League RBI leader, infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco), produced an RBI single. After another single, this time by outfielder Michael Jones (University of San Francisco), catcher Gage McCown (Cal State Northridge) came through with a sacrifice fly to center field. 

However, Sonoma left runs on the board. Prior to both RBIs, outfielder Connor Johnston (Bellarmine University) was thrown out at the plate after trying to score on a passed ball to the backstop from third with nobody out. 

Pace said Johnston has to “be 100% sure” about going on a passed ball or wild pitch moving forward. 

“If there’s any hesitation, shut it down,” Pace said. “We have zero outs ... It’s 100% or don’t go, there’s no in-between.” 

Marquez settled in after the first, inducing four strikeouts in the next two innings. After a leadoff double in the top of the fourth, Marquez was pulled from the contest.  

Pace said Marquez “settled” into the contest after the first. 

“It’s pretty much all about his location,” Pace said. “The first pitch of the game was up, by the belly button, which is of course easier to hit. He started to get the ball down later on which helped him out.” 

After the St. Helena, Calif., native departed, the Merchants scored two more runs. The first run came on an RBI single by catcher Bennett Johnston. The fourth run scored after a throwing error by Stompers infielder Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) on a potential double play. 

Pace said Sebastiani has to “know the speed of the game” in that situation. 

“You don’t need to make the spectacular play,” Pace said. “I talked to him about it.” 

Marquez was charged with three earned runs in three innings. He allowed four hits but collected four strikeouts on 55 pitches. 

In the bottom of the fourth, Sonoma responded to tie the contest again with two outs. After a nine-pitch battle with runners on first and second, utility player Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) came through with a two-run double into right field.  

In the fifth, the Stompers bats continued to produce. Outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State) broke the tie with a solo home run over the left field wall. Later in the frame, Sebastiani delivered a two-run triple into the right-center field gap to make it 7-4. 

Sonoma’s bullpen kept the Alameda offense quiet for the rest of the contest. 

Right-handed pitcher Scotty Kato (Cal State Monterey Bay) pitched two scoreless innings and allowed two hits. Right-handed pitcher Ken Blankenship (Benedictine University – Mesa) followed Kato with three scoreless frames. 

Pace said Blankenship was “fired up” in his outing. 

“Their dugout was all chirpy,” Pace said. “He chirped at them, he did. After the last inning, I told him, ‘Don’t say a word to them. Talk your shit with how you play.’ He wanted to compete and win. I was proud of him.” 

Right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Joaquin Delta College) was the third and final reliever out of the bullpen. He worked the ninth, picking up his fourth save. 

Sonoma returns to action at home Saturday against the Walnut Creek Crawdads. First pitch will be at 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube. 

“We have to play against them, not ourselves,” Pace said. “If you just play the best game you can, good things are going to happen.” 

‘It was a little weird’: Stompers win 8-6 against Legends with just 3 hits

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Outfielder Wesley Bass swings the bat, timing it up perfectly with the ball. Bass went 1-for-4 with two RBIs and made the game-ending catch in right field Thursday during Sonoma’s 8-6 victory against the Menlo Park Legends at Arnold Field. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers needed only three hits Thursday, scoring eight runs in an 8-6 victory against the Menlo Park Legends at Arnold Field. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that his team was “efficient” with their hits. 

“It was a little weird,” Pace said. “We didn’t have a lot of hits, but we had a lot of walks and stuff like that. We scored some runs and found a way to come out on top which is huge.” 

After its third consecutive victory, Sonoma improved to 24-16 in the California Collegiate League. The Stompers are locked into third place — the final playoff spot — in the CCL North Division standings behind the San Luis Obispo Blues and the Walnut Creek Crawdads. 

Infielder Casey Leavitt-McGee opened the scoring for the Legends in the top of the second with a 411-foot solo home run over the scoreboard in right-center field. The longball was Leavitt-McGee's second of the season. 

In the third, the Stompers took advantage of two errors by Menlo Park to take the lead. After the miscues, infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane) delivered the first run on a fielder’s choice groundout. Infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) brought in the second with another groundout. 

Sonoma picked up its first hit during the fourth. Outfielder Michael Jones (University of San Francisco) lined a single into left field, extending his hitting streak to six games. Later in the frame, the Tucson, Arizona, native scored on a wild pitch to make it 3-1. 

Menlo Park responded with a run in the fifth, but Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Mason Cortez (San Joaquin Delta College) limited further damage.  

Cortez became the second Stompers pitcher to throw five innings this year. The 5-foot-11 right-hander lowered his season ERA from 3.71 to 3.68 in 22 innings pitched. 

After Cortez exited the contest, the Legends tied it 3-3 with a sacrifice fly to left field. However, Sonoma answered with five runs scored to take the lead for good. 

Pace said the ground balls “early on” with Cortez on the mound were “huge.” 

“The guys behind him were making plays,” Pace said. “It was really good infield play and I was pleased with that for sure. And we didn’t have to take Mason out earlier, which helped our bullpen.”  

The first four hitters of the inning reached on three walks and a hit-by-pitch, giving the Stompers a 4-3 lead. Outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State) delivered with a two-run double — his first double of theseason. Catcher Eli Burnham (UC Davis) rounded out the frame with a two-run single, recording his first two RBIs of the season. 

Pace said those were the two hits he “highlighted” in the postgame speech to his group. 

“They both aren’t swinging it great right now, so I think it was huge personally,” Pace said. “To be able to help the team out and get the big knock is really big.” 

Figlar continued to struggle with his command in the seventh, walking two batters and hitting one. Menlo Park took advantage, scoring two runs to make it 8-5.  

The Legends scored another run in the eighth. Stompers right-handed pitcher Sam Schnitzer (University of San Francisco) walked two batters but struck out and induced an inning-ending flyout with runners on first and second. 

Pace said Figlar and Schnitzer “weren’t trying” to hit the edges of the strike zone and their “mechanics” were the reason for the command issues. 

“It’s all about getting your mechanics to be repeatable,” Pace said. “It’s easier for guys with repeatable mechanics to throw strikes.” 

Despite a one-out walk, Stompers right-handed pitcher Alec Murray (Fordham University) pitched a scoreless ninth inning, recording his first save of the season. 

Sonoma continues its four-game homestand Friday against the Alameda Merchants. First pitch will be at 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube. 

Three Stompers Selected in MLB Draft

By Luke Firoozye

While the Sonoma Stompers were busy extending their winning streak over the weekend, the MLB Draft was taking place. Three former Stompers were selected in this year's draft.

Outfielder Paul Contreras ('24 Stomper) went to the New York Yankees in the fourth round with the 127th overall pick. Pitcher Alfredo Capacete ('23 Stomper) was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 14th round with the 417th overall pick, while infielder Mikey Bell ('22 and '23 Stomper) was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 19th round with the 564th overall pick.

The trio became the first former Stompers to be drafted since the team joined the California Collegiate League in 2022.

Contreras became the first former Stomper selected when the Yankees picked him on the first day of the draft. The 20-year-old outfielder from Turlock was drafted out of Cal State Fullerton after earning Big West Co-Player of the Year honors in 2026.

He spent one summer in Sonoma in 2024, helping lead the Stompers to the CCL semifinals. Contreras led the team with six home runs and a team-high 25 walks.

Capacete played his college ball at UC Riverside and Cal Baptist. He came to Sonoma in 2023 as a first baseman and pitcher but found more success on the mound than at the plate. 

In seven relief appearances, Capacete struck out seven batters and posted a 2.08 ERA with two saves. Following that summer, he became a full-time pitcher at UCR.

Bell was selected by his childhood favorite team, the San Francisco Giants, in the second-to-last round of the draft after a standout career at Gonzaga. The infielder spent two seasons with the Stompers in 2022 and 2023, leading the team with 23 RBI in his first year.

He started his collegiate career at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo before transferring to Gonzaga, where he was the back-to-back WCC Player of the Year.

He recently announced that he was transferring to Georgia for his final season of college baseball. It remains to be seen if he will satisfy that commitment or begin his professional career.

Defensive miscues haunt Stompers in 16-7 loss to Crawdads

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) turns his head, looking at the outfield grass July 14 against the San Francisco Seagulls at San Bruno Park in San Bruno, Calif. Vasell went 2-for-4 with an RBI and committed an error at third base Saturday in Sonoma’s 16-7 defeat to the Crawdads. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers committed three errors and allowed 14 hits Saturday in its 16-7 loss against the Walnut Creek Crawdads at Arnold Field. All nine hitters in the Crawdads lineup recorded a hit. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame he felt like his team was “sped up” which led to them “throwing the ball away.” 

“It kept snowballing on us,” Pace said. “I felt like we had more errors than there were actually on the board. We made more mistakes than it actually showed.” 

Walnut Creek pushed across the first two runs in the first inning to open the scoring. The first run scored on a sacrifice fly and the second came across after an RBI groundout to first base. 

Sonoma answered by scoring on a passed ball but left runners on second and third after a strikeout and an inning-ending groundout.  

The Crawdads scored two more runs in the top of the second. Infielder Lucas Carlisle (Santa Barbara City College) hit a double to make it 3-1. Infielder Aidan Robles capped off the inning with an RBI single to left field. 

In the bottom of the frame, Stompers infielder Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) hit a two-run single through the middle of the infield to cut the deficit to 4-3. 

The Crawdads extended their lead with two more runs in the third. Stompers infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) committed a costly throwing error to push the fifth run across for Walnut Creek.  

Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Micah Marquez (College of Marin) exited the contest after allowing six earned runs in 2.1 innings. The St. Helena, Calif., native’s season ERA jumped to 5.23 in 10.1 innings pitched. 

Pace said he felt like Marquez’s pitches were “up” which made it “easier” for the Crawdads to hit him. 

“Even though it’s not high exit velo, it’s easier for them to put the ball in play,” Pace said. “That's baseball though sometimes. That's what happens." 

During the fifth, Walnut Creek scored six runs to make it 12-3 and break the contest open.  

Two runs scored on throwing errors by Stompers right-handed pitcher Keller Ausbun (Colorado State – Pueblo). Another scored on a passed ball that catcher Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) couldn’t secure.  

Pace said it was “frustrating” to see the overthrows and mental mistakes, leading to runs. 

“If you can’t play catch, you can’t play the game,” Pace said. “At the next level, pro ball, they play catch flawlessly.” 

Ausbun was pulled with one out in the fifth inning, giving way to right-handed pitcher Riley Dickey (Modesto Junior College) with one out and a runner on first. The Crawdads picked up two more runs, one scoring on a fielder's choice and the other on a single by catcher Riley Winchell (Chabot College).  

Sonoma battled back, scoring four runs in the sixth inning. Three of the four scored with two outs. 

The rally was kickstarted by Ben Sebastiani, who hit his second RBI single into left field. Vasell then hit a hard-hit single up the middle to make it 12-5. Uriepero finished the inning with a softly hit two-run single past the pitcher and the diving Walnut Creek infielder Alijah Ramos (Cal State East Bay), cutting the Sonoma deficit down to five. 

Pace said he felt like his batters were “swinging” the bat well, especially during the sixth inning. 

“I felt like for a second it got interesting,” Pace said. “Hopefully we can keep the bats going heading into tomorrow.” 

Walnut Creek responded with one run in both the seventh and eighth innings. Winchell hit a solo home run, his fourth of the season, and Ramos recorded an RBI single. 

The Crawdads widened their gap with two runs in the ninth. Designated hitter Sutter Moss (San Joaquin Delta College) hit his third home run and 11th RBI of the season. Outfielder Brandon Clizbe (New Mexico State) recorded a one-run double down the left field line. 

Sonoma finishes the week Sunday on the road against the San Francisco Seagulls at San Bruno Park. First pitch will be at 6:05 p.m. and the game will be streamed on YouTube. 

Stompers bullpen shines in 6-3 bounce victory against the Merchants

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Stompers infielder Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) puts his hands up, gesturing for time to be called to the umpire Sunday against the San Francisco Seagulls at Arnold Field. Sebastiani went 1-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored in Sonoma’s 6-3 victory Thursday against the Alameda Merchants. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers defeated the Alameda Merchants 6-3 Thursday at Arnold Field. Four relievers out of Sonoma’s bullpen allowed one run in six innings while the Stompers offense had 13 hits and went 4 for 13 with runners in scoring position. 

Sonoma improved to 6-2 against the Merchants this season. However, against the two teams at the top of the California Collegiate League North Division — the Walnut Creek Crawdads and San Luis Obispo Blues — the Stompers have struggled. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame he doesn’t “necessarily” feel like the talent gap between the Merchants and the Crawdads are much different, despite the records against each team. 

Stompers infielder Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) hit an RBI single to open the scoring in the first inning. The Hudson, Wisconsin, native tallied his 28th RBI of the season, later hitting his 29th, tied with infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) for the team lead. 

After not scoring in the opening frame, Merchants catcher Bennett Johnston hit a two-run home run to left field to give Alameda a 2-1 lead.  

In three innings pitched, Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Matthew Schallberger (San Joaquin Delta College) allowed six hits but struck out five during his fifth start. 

Sonoma tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the third before turning to its bullpen in the fourth. Right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Joaquin Delta College) struck out the side in the top of the fourth. 

Sonoma answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three runs to reclaim the lead for good.  

The rally was kickstarted with a one-out single by infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State), followed by two consecutive walks. With the bases loaded, infielder Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) hit an RBI groundout. The next two batters, Carlson and Vasell both added to the lead by hitting two out RBI singles into right field. 

Laguinto entered with a 6.39 ERA but continued his recent improvement, allowing just one run while striking out six over three innings. 

Pace said Laguinto has been “locating his pitches much better” compared to the first half of the season.  

“He was getting behind hitters, not attacking them [earlier in the year],” Pace said. “He definitely has a lot more confidence now. He’s a rhythm and confidence type of guy.” 

Sonoma added an insurance run in the eighth inning to make it 6-3, after a throwing error by Alameda infielder Nico Rodriguez.  

After surrendering a run in the fifth, Sonoma’s bullpen shut down the Merchants. Right-handed pitchers Jaxen Rowland (Modesto College) and Alec Murray (Fordham University) both pitched a scoreless inning.  

Despite throwing only 12 pitches in the eighth, Pace didn’t send Murray back out of the ninth so he could be “available this weekend.” 

Right-handed pitcher Mateo Heredia (Cal State Northridge) earned his first save of the season, throwing a scoreless ninth. 

Pace said he was “very proud” of his pitching staff, calling it one of the best performances of the season “across the board.” 

“We had 15 K’s, one hit by pitch and zero walks,” Pace said. “You’re going to win a lot of ballgames when you do that.” 

Sonoma opens a series on the road against Walnut Creek on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Monte Vista High School in Danville.