By Jordan Kimball, Beat Writer
Guided by three home runs and a dominant pitching performance, the Stompers cruised to an 8-2 victory over the PNT, claiming the No. 1 seed in the CCL North in their regular season finale.
Stompers manager Zack Pace narrowed his goals at the beginning of the season. After leading Sonoma to a 30-win campaign, the seventh-year head coach had nearly checked off everything on his 2024 list. Yet a few things remained. Pace wanted consistency. His intentions for the Stompers were simple: to play good, quality baseball. Nothing more, nothing less.
On his list: keeping the line moving. Usually a single-game goal, Pace looked for his players to string together hits, capitalize on free passes and, as a result, score runs. Then came pitching. He didn’t need dominance, just strikes, few freebies and a staff that stays steady when the lights get bright — eventually with a deep run in sight.
“There’s nothing better than winning a championship. That’s goal number one,” Pace said before the season began. “Staying locked in on every pitch and trying to win the little battles to win the big battle at the end.”
If Sonoma checked the boxes, Pace knew his squad would be well on its way to the CCL playoffs, ideally with favorable seeding. After Sunday’s 8-2 win over the Philippines National Team, the Stompers (31-17, 25-15 CCL) had done just that, clinching the top seed in the CCL North in their final regular season game.
“I try not to get emotional cause it’s been a long summer, and I know how our guys grinded,” Pace said postgame. “They brought a good attitude, and that’s all we ask. Just really proud of this group.”
In the CCL, champagne bottles aren’t popped after big wins. Partly because most players aren’t of the legal drinking age. But it’s also because the job’s not finished. It’s a cliché yet truthful saying in sports. What’s there to celebrate when the postseason hasn’t even begun?
For Sonoma, though, all week has been a celebration. A surprising fall to the Seagulls on Wednesday started things on the wrong foot, but it was short-lived. The Stompers took the non-league California Tigers to extra innings, bounced back against San Francisco and demolished the PNT 18-2 on Saturday. A spot on the CCL North side of the bracket was already reserved for Sonoma. Until Sunday, though, which spot remained undecided.
It’s easy to get comfortable after an 18-2 win, Pace said, especially when you’re playing the same team the following day. But in his postgame meeting Saturday, Pace’s main message was that Sunday would be a “dogfight.” He advised his team to play it like game No. 1.
Right from the jump, the enthusiasm, energy and youthful fight that’s shown on Opening Day were displayed on both sides of the ball for the Stompers. Sonoma State’s David Howard took the mound and shoved in front of his home crowd.
Yet it was the bats that fueled Sonoma to the 8-2 victory. The Philippines were running low on arms. They used five pitchers Saturday and three more the day prior. Therefore, Jayden Bagalayos — who carries a 9.90 ERA — received the ball for the PNT.
As his ERA suggests, his command and ability to get outs while limiting runs hadn’t quite been up to par. That continued Sunday, with Quinn Medin reaching base for the 13th straight plate appearance with a walk. Max Handron then ripped a line drive into center field. With immense speed, the ball rolled toward the 450-foot sign, allowing Handron to ease into third base with a standup triple.
That wasn’t all for the newly signed Australian professional. Handron recorded two home runs on the day, both solo shots to add to the Stompers’ lead.
“Some people can just really hit, and he can do it. It’s really fun to see him succeed in his hometown before he gets a professional career going,” Pace said of Handron.
Handron’s a walking highlight reel; Just look at the Stompers’ X account. It’s no secret Handron’s got juice on offense, but it influences the way his teammates also perform.
Since joining the team, San Francisco State’s Kyle Olimpia has bounced around the infield. After an injury sidelined starting shortstop Colton Boardman, Olimpia hopped in to play the anchor. His rise has been inspirational to Pace and his staff.
One week ago, Olimpia hadn’t seen live pitching since the Gators’ season concluded on May 3. Against the Philippines, he tallied three hits, including his first home run of the summer, a three-run shot to bring Sonoma’s lead from three to six. Meanwhile, at shortstop, Olimpia’s meshed with Handron to turn three double plays.
The Stompers strung together hits. Fortunately for Pace, they delivered on the mound, too. In four innings, Howard was lights out. The junior surrendered just three knocks and two walks, shutting out the PNT while lowering his ERA to 3.19.
Chris Albee, Devon Laguinto and Harun Pelja also pitched scoreless frames for Sonoma, recording three combined strikeouts while allowing five hits. As for the Philippines’ runs, Christian Klostermann allowed one, while Braden Guentz’s ninth-inning performance gave up another.
But in a game where Pace had a clear plan and the Stompers were fighting for first, the chances of a last-place PNT comeback were slim to none. As Guentz threw the final pitch — a diving pop-out to Olimpia in shallow left field — Sonoma showcased its regular celebrations.
There was no dogpile. No champagne. Just a few high fives, because everyone knows the job’s far from finished.
“We’re not done yet,” Pace said. “We’ve still got more baseball.”