Sonoma Stompers Defeat Vallejo Admirals 6-5 in Final Regular Season Home Game

The Sonoma Stompers celebrate on the field at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark after securing a 6-5 win over the Vallejo Admirals in their last regular season home game on Sunday. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers last regular season home game of the season began with a helicopter flyover and ended with the team ascending into sole possession of first place in the Pacific Association standings.  

Presented by Virginia Dare Winery, the Stompers ended their regular season schedule at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark in dramatic fashion with a 6-5 victory over the Vallejo Admirals. The two teams have been hovering around first place for most of the second half of the season, taking the lead in tandem. 

“We’re just going to take it one game at a time and keep playing hard,” said manager Takashi Miyoshi. “Mistakes happen, but we just have to pick each other up. Tonight, we trusted each other. From day one, this team has been great.”

In the eighth with one out, Vallejo reliever Tim Holmes loaded the bases with Stompers. His replacement, Andin Diaz struck out two but yielded two runs on a pair of wild pitches to give Sonoma a two-run lead. 

Facing the heart of the Admirals lineup, Cox came in to pitch the top of the ninth and gave up a home run to Tillman Pugh. It was Pugh’s second home run of the game and third in two days. A couple of batters later, a slick double play ended the game. 

Sonoma starter Scott Plaza went four innings and allowed two earned runs, solo shots of the bats of Pugh and Shawn Payne and Pugh. Pugh and Payne also hit a pair of home runs on Saturday. 

“I respect Vallejo. Their players are playing really great baseball,” Miyoshi said. “Compared to the first half, they just upgraded the team. We just really have to keep up.”

Early in the game, the Stompers took advantage of Admirals errors with timely singles, but four runs wouldn’t hold up. In the seventh, the Admirals scored on an error and walked in a run to tie the game. 

Brennan Metzger dazzled on Sunday, taking a three-run home run from Chris Fornaci with a leaping catch in left. On offense, Metzger drove in a third of the Stompers’ runs. Daniel Baptista and Derrick Fox both went 2 for 3 on the night. Fox was one third of the double play that ended the game and drove in one run.

The Stompers have just nine road games left to secure the second-half title and become the outright 2017 Pacific Association champions. The team returns to action Tuesday against the San Rafael Pacifics at Albert Park at 7:05 p.m.

“I just want to thank everyone that showed up to the ballpark this season and the Stompers family who work behind the game,” Miyoshi said. “An independent league team like this, without their support we wouldn’t exist.”

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game. 

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Fall 6-2 to Vallejo Admirals Despite Matt Hibbert's Home Run, Stacy Piagno's Strong Outing in Relief

Stacy Piagno takes the mound during Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Vallejo Admirals at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, sunk back into a first-place tie with a 6-2 loss to the Vallejo Admirals on Saturday.

Stompers starter Juan Espinosa struck out six in six innings, allowing four earned runs. In relief, Stacy Piagno contributed two innings of scoreless ball, extending a nine-inning scoreless streak to 11. 

“Between knowing the hitters and just being confident in myself, both physically and mentally, I think that’s what has made me successful,” Piagno said. “Now that I’m able to continue getting innings I’m just getting more confident and more confident”

Entering to a rousing ovation from the fans, Piagno’s only blemishes were a walk and a single from Nick Akins, Sr.

“She knows herself. She knows what she wants to do with hitters and she attacks them where they’re weak,” said center fielder Matt Hibbert. “It doesn’t matter who you are–Girl, boy, tall, short, whatever. She knows her approach and she sticks with it and that’s why she’s successful.”

Demetrius Banks, the Admirals’ crafty left-hander, pitched seven innings of five-hit, one-run ball and picked up the win. His lone earned run came off the bat of Hibbert, and went over the outfield fence. Hibbert notched the only multi-hit night for the Stompers. 

Most of the game’s offense came by way of the long ball, as both Tillman Pugh and Shawn Payne hit dingers for the Admirals. Pugh and Payne were responsible for four of the Admirals’ six runs on the night.

On defense, Stompers right fielder Matt LoCoco made two excellent catches in right, firing up the crowd at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark.

The Stompers fall to 45-22 on the season, 17-11 in the second half while Vallejo improves to 29-39, 17-11. The series-deciding game is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m.

“We know it’s going to be a grind down the stretch. Vallejo is a really good team right now and we’re right there with them,” Hibbert said. “We just have to treat every game like a one-game playoff.”

DON’T MISS THE LAST STOMPERS HOME GAME
Sunday’s contest is also the last Stompers home game of 2017, when the team will host FOX KTVU 2 for a helicopter flyover to promote their exciting new lineup of Fall shows. The event is part of the FOX Fall Fan Fest and will promote “Ghosted,” “The Gifted” and “The Orville.”

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets are also available at the box office.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Regain League Lead with 3-2, Walk-Off Hit-By-Pitch Victory Over Vallejo Admirals

The Sonoma Stompers celebrate after Yuki Yasuda is hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, securing a walk-off 3-2 victory over the Vallejo Admirals. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, defeated the Vallejo Admirals 3-2 on a walk-off hit by pitch to retake the top spot in the Pacific Association standings.

“We understand that we took the first half, but we want the second half. Vallejo is the only thing standing in our way at this point,” said catcher Isaac Wenrich. “To see how much closer we came as a team tonight really shows why we can pull something like this off”

While Vallejo starter Mahlik Jones worked five strong innings, Taylor Thurber struck out eight through six, walking just two and allowing one earned run.

“Here’s this guy so goofy people underestimate him and then here comes ninety,” Wenrich said.

In the seventh with one out and runners on second and third, Jacob Cox entered the game. He recorded two quick groundouts.

“Cox comes in, gets the huge outs. That’s who he’s been,” Wenrich said. “He’s been in that closer role for a while and all of the sudden we bring him out in the seventh and he looks like a closer.”

His performance in the frame proved a turning point as Cox shut down the Admirals’ rally and paved the way for Sonoma to take the lead on an error in bottom of the inning.

“When our bats might not have it, our pitchers step up,” Wenrich said.

The Stompers continued to flirt with danger. With a 2-1 Sonoma lead and no outs in the top of the ninth, Chevy Clarke reached second when a ball went past Brennan Metzger in left.

Then, a close call on a throw from Isaac Wenrich allowed Clarke to take third. The Admirals tied it on a ground ball from Akins, Sr.

The next inning, the Stompers drew three walks before closer Sammy Gervacio hit Yuki Yasuda with a pitch, securing the Stompers win. The series continues Saturday at 6 p.m. at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Move Back into First-Place Tie With 4-3 Victory Over Vallejo Admirals

Erik Gonsalves pitched four scoreless innings in his first start of 2017 in Thursday’s 4-3 victory over the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Park (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

VALLEJO, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, moved back into first place with a 4-3 victory over the Vallejo Admirals on Thursday. With the win, the Stompers and Admirals’ records both become 16-11, tied at first place in the Pacific Association standings. 

Sonoma took a two-run lead right off the bats of Joel Carranza and Daniel Baptista in the first inning. Baptista went 3 for 4 and drove in half of the Stompers runs on the night. Coming into Thursday, Baptista had recorded a hit in eight of his last ten games. 

“(This win) was huge. Bullpen came up yesterday, shut it down, and did the same thing today. If we have that going, it’s going to be tough to beat us especially if we’re putting runs up early,” Baptista said.

It was the third time in the series the Stompers struck in the first frame. This time, the Admirals did not brew a big inning in the bottom half. Vallejo scored 14 runs combined in the bottom of the first innings of Tuesday and Wednesday's games. 

Instead, starter Erik Gonsalves kept Vallejo off the board until the fifth. Making his first start since the end of the 2016 season, Gonsalves allowed just one hit through four. 

Out of the pen, Stomper Logan Gillaspie and DJ Sharabi also delivered three strikeouts in one inning of relief apiece while Jacob Cox closed it out. It was another solid performance by the Stompers’ pen, as relief arms combined to throw six scoreless innings in Wednesday night’s game as well. 

With the victory, the Stompers avoid getting swept by Vallejo for the second series in a row. 

“It was good that we won the last one. Now we’re back home and the momentum is back on our side,” Gonsalves said. 

THIS WEEKEND AT PEOPLES HOME EQUITY BALLPARK

The two teams face off again this weekend in Sonoma, continuing the fight for sole possession of first place and kicking off the last Stompers homestand of the season. First pitch for all three games is scheduled for 6 p.m. 

On Friday, the Stompers will host fans of two legs and four legs alike for Bark in the Park Night, presented by Pets Lifeline. Bring your costumed critter and enter to win best costume, plus enjoy concourse activities and get adoption information.

Star Wars Night on Saturday also features a costume contest (this time for humans) ahead of Fan Appreciation & FOX Night on Sunday. See previews of FOX’s exciting new lineup of TV, including “Ghosted,” “The Orville” and “The Gifted” and be a part of a pre-game helicopter flyover thanks to Helico Sonoma. 

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game. 

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Fall From First With 13-6 Loss to Vallejo Admirals Despite Solid Bullpen

Stacy Piagno pitched a scoreless inning of work in Wednesday's 13-6 loss to the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Park. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

VALLEJO, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, fell from first place in the Pacific Association standings for the first time in 2017 with a 13-6 loss to the Vallejo Admirals on Wednesday.

The two teams were tied at 15-10 going into the contest, in which Vallejo cast a long shadow on the Stompers with ten runs in the first frame.

Nick Akins Sr. was the primary offensive force for Vallejo, notching six runs batted in in the frame, including a grand slam. At the end of the nearly four-hour game, Akins and Chevy Clarke combined to drive in nine of the Admirals’ 13 runs.

The Admirals recorded twice as many hits as the Stompers in the matchup, out-hitting them 14-7.

Starter Ely Gallego made his first start as a Stomper on Wednesday after coming to the Pacific Association from the Pecos League this week. Gallego lasted just two innings before being replaced by another newly-minted Stomper, Zach Williams.

Williams allowed two more Admirals runs, but struck out five in two innings of work.

His effort was one of a handful of solid Stompers performances out of the bullpen. Stacy Piagno recorded another scoreless inning of work, her ninth in a row dating back to July 15, while Zach Wendorf struck out four and blanked the Admirals in two innings.

Vallejo scored all of their 13 runs in the first three innings as the Sonoma bullpen blanked the Admirals after that frame.

The Stompers will look to avoid their second sweep by the Admirals in a row Thursday at 6:35 p.m. at WIlson Park in Vallejo, Calif.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers to Host Fan Appreciation & FOX Night, Exhibit Network's Exciting New Fall Lineup of Shows

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, are excited to host Fan Appreciation & FOX Night on the final home game of the season at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field on Aug. 20.

The last chance to catch a 2017 Stompers game in Sonoma will feature a helicopter flyover presented by Helico Sonoma plus a peek at the FOX Fall lineup, part of FOX Fall Fan Fest. The Stompers will also be giving away FOX-branded souvenir cups to the first 200 fans.

The Fall FOX roster features a mix of laughs and adventure with “The Orville,” “Ghosted” and “The Gifted.” Starring Seth McFarlane, “The Orville” follows the crew of the U.S.S. Orville, an exploratory space vessel in the year 2417 while Adam Scott and Craig Robinson team up for a quirky, supernatural comedy in “Ghosted.”

Also on Sunday, don’t miss a one-minute sneak peek at X-Men inspired drama “The Gifted.” FOX and Marvel Television present this exciting drama series about an ordinary family who discovers their children have extraordinary mutant powers.

As part of the Fan Appreciation element of the night, 32-year Sonoma State head baseball coach John Goelz will throw the first pitch. In 2015, Goelz became just the 16th head coach in NCAA Division II history to win over 1,000 games. The Stompers will also hold a special pre-game ceremony to give thanks to their most dedicated fans. 

Get Your Tickets Here!

PRESS CONTACT

Hayley M. Slye | hayley@stompersbaseball.com | stompersbaseball.com

Vallejo Admirals Sink Sonoma Stompers 12-3, Tie for First Place in Pacific Association

Scott David went 2 for 4 in the Sonoma Stompers’ 12-3 loss to the Vallejo Admirals Tuesday at Wilson Park. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, relinquished their lone spot at the top of the Pacific Association standings with a 12-3 loss to the Vallejo Admirals on Tuesday.

The loss makes it just the second day in the 2017 season in which Sonoma does not have sole possession of first place. 

The Stompers struck first in the contest as Daniel Baptista drove in one run before starter Dominic Topoozian even reached the mound. In the first professional start of his career, Topoozian allowed five runs and struck out four in four innings of work.

The Stompers didn’t score again until the sixth. Isaac Wenrich gave the Stompers some hope in the frame, sending a two-run blast over the fence in right to cut the Admirals’ lead to seven. Wenrich and third baseman Scott David both ended the night 2 for 4.

By the sixth, the Admirals had already amassed ten runs. On the mound, the Admirals’ Brent Adheen pitched three scoreless innings and allowed just one Sonoma hit.

Despite the wave of runs, there were a few bright spots out of the Sonoma bullpen. Right-hander and newly minted Stomper Logan Gillaspie struck out the middle of the Admirals’ order in the seventh. Picked up from the Monterey Amberjacks of the Pecos League, it was Gillaspie’s first start in a Sonoma uniform.

Following Gillaspie’s strong debut, right-hander Stacy Piagno pitched a scoreless eighth. In her last three outings, Piagno has struck out five and allowed just four hits in nine innings of work.

The Stompers will look to leave the series with a two-game lead in the Pacific Association Wednesday and Thursday at 6:35 p.m. 

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers Starter Ty'Relle Harris Signs With Lincoln Saltdogs of American Association

Ty’Relle Harris takes the mound at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field against the Pittsburg Diamonds during the 2017 season. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Update: Ty'Relle Harris was re-signed by the Sonoma Stompers after pitching one game for the Lincoln Saltdogs. He re-joins the team in Vallejo on Thursday, Aug. 17.

SONOMA, Calif.– Ty’Relle Harris of the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, will head to Lincoln, Neb. after signing with the American Association’s Lincoln Saltdogs.

“Harris’ impact on the Sonoma Stompers speaks for itself. He deserves this opportunity and we wish him well,” said Stompers President and General Manager Theo Fightmaster.

As a Stomper, Harris owned a 3-2 record and 2.33 ERA and was lauded for his expertise, experience and willingness to coach his teammates. In addition to striking out 73 in 65.2 pitched, Harris was presented the Chris Matthews Award on Friday for his leadership in the clubhouse and dedication to the Stompers.

“T got here and there was another grown man in the clubhouse, a fierce competitor out on the mound, someone taking everyone from the guy barbecuing hot dogs right now to Kelsie Whitmore to Mike Jackson and making them better too," Fightmaster said during the ceremony.

Harris becomes the third Stomper this season to move up from the Pacific Association after Ryan Richardson and Tyler Garkow left for the Shikoku Island League in Japan and the WildThings of the Frontier League, respectively. 

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game. 

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Shatter Pittsburg Diamonds in Seventh, Win 9-4 to Secure Sweep

Center fielder Matt Hibbert was explosive on offense in Sunday's 9-4 Sonoma Stompers win over the Pittsburg Diamonds at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, defeated the Pittsburg Diamonds 9-4 on Sunday to protect their one-game lead at the top of the Pacific Association.

In the sixth, the Stompers loaded the bases on two outs. Daniel Baptista came to the plate and launched a double, scoring two and giving the Stompers a 3-1 lead.

Sonoma followed suit in the seventh. 0 for 2 on the night and in danger of ending his 14-game hit streak, Brennan Metzger shot a single up the middle to score center fielder Matt Hibbert and extend his streak to 15.

Metzger’s knock ignited the Stompers offense, which strung together six runs in the frame. The explosive effort came after an eight-run eighth in Saturday night’s game.

“I feel like we just went back to our approach, making starting pitchers throw a lot of pitches early in the game and getting to the bullpen,” Hibbert said. “We’ve been pretty good all year once the pen’s in there.”

Hibbert also delivered on offense in the contest, going 5 for 5 and crossing the plate three times. On the mound, starter Juan Espinosa pitched seven strong innings, striking out five and allowing just one earned run.

“He just deals. He works fast, he keeps people off balance. He’s just smart. I feel like any time we have Espy on the mound we just have a good chance to win,” Hibbert said.

The Stompers were swept by the Vallejo Admirals to begin the week, but responded with their ninth sweep of the season against Pittsburg over the weekend. With Vallejo on a 5-1 run in their last six games, Sonoma has been unable to extend their lead to more than one game up in the Pacific Association Standings.

“It’s a brand new season, it really is,” Hibbert said. “Like (manager Takashi Miyoshi) says, we’ve got to keep up, we can’t stop grinding. We know we’re the team with the target on our backs.”

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Eight-Run Eighth Inning Lights Up Sonoma Stompers in 11-7 Comeback Victory Over Pittsburg Diamonds

Scott David gave the Sonoma Stompers the lead with a three-run triple in the eighth inning of Saturday’s 11-7 comeback win over the Pittsburg Diamonds. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– The lights at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field flickered and went out in the seventh inning of the Sonoma Stompers’ Saturday contest against the Pittsburg Diamonds. The game was delayed as the lights reset, but when they came back on, so did the Sonoma offense. 

The Stompers, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, strung together an eight-run rally in the next inning. After Sonoma capitalized on a handful of errors and walks to tie the game at seven, Scott David hit a towering three-run triple into the gap to give the Stompers a three-run lead.

David was also the one at the plate when the lights went off the inning before. Closer Jacob Cox pitched a quick ninth inning to secure the Stompers’ 11-7 victory.

“That was a great comeback. The whole light situation really worked out in our favor. We came back with new energy after that,” said left fielder Brennan Metzger. “That was wild.”

Prior to the eighth, the Stompers offense flickered, recording just five hits compared to the Diamonds’ 12. Three of those hits came off the bat of Metzger, who extended a hitting streak to 14 games. Metzger also collected four base hits in Friday night’s game.

“It’s just kind of clicking right now. I feel good at the plate, I’m seeing the ball well. Sometimes, you get lucky too,” Metzger said.

Catcher Isaac Wenrich also lit up the Stompers at the plate, driving in four runs on Saturday.

“I’ve been struggling a little bit, and (my teammates) just constantly put that confidence back in me to know that I can still do this,” Wenrich said. “Just having them by my side has made me grow every day. I can’t thank them enough for that.”

On the mound, starter Taylor Thurber allowed three earned runs through four and one thirds innings, striking out four and walking just one. In relief, Zach Wendorf recorded another scoreless outing and continued a run of solid appearances.

The Stompers will look for the sweep Sunday at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.