By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer
Stompers infielder Caze Derammelaere went 2 for 4 in the contest, picking up two RBIs including a go-ahead two-run single in the fifth inning.
The Sonoma Stompers defeated the California Red Tails for the second straight day, completing a sweep, Friday night at Arnold Field in Sonoma, California. The Stompers overcame an early deficit to secure a 6-4 victory and remain undefeated on the season.
The Red Tails struck first in the second inning. After an error by infielder Ben Sebastiani put runners on second and third, consecutive singles gave the visitors a 2-0 lead. One hit dropped in front of infielder Anthony Scheppler, while the other found its way through the right side of the infield.
Sonoma answered with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.
The rally began when designated hitter Ryland Heckman laid down a sacrifice bunt. The Red Tails overthrew first base on the play, allowing two Stompers runners to score. Two batters later, outfielder Trent Keys delivered an RBI single to tie the game.
The successful small-ball sequence wasn't something Stompers manager Zack Pace called from the dugout intentionally.
"I didn't call the bunt; I had him do it on his own," Pace said after the game. "I kind of want to see if they will do it on their own these first few games. I did emphasize today how huge that was and what that leads to."
The Stompers took their first lead of the game in the fifth inning when infielder Caze Derammelaere drove in two runs with a single, putting Sonoma in front for good.
Pace praised Derammelaere's all-around approach and leadership on the field, pointing him out as one of the leaders of the group early on.
"He's going to play the game the right way. He's going to play the small-ball game. He's going to play good defense," Pace said. "He's what a coach wants; he says the right things. He's a great glue guy for us."
After allowing two runs early, Sonoma's pitching staff settled in and dominated the middle innings. Stompers pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts while limiting the Red Tails' offense the rest of the way.
Sonoma added an insurance run in the eighth inning, a run that proved crucial in the ninth.
Right-handed pitcher Wesley Harwell opened the frame by issuing four consecutive walks, forcing Pace to make a change. He turned to right-handed pitcher Gage McCown, who had been scheduled to start Saturday's game,
McCown recorded the final three outs by striking out the No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6 hitters in order to seal the victory.
"It was a great job out of Gage," Pace said. "He picked up a teammate, and that's all you can ask for from a pitcher."
Sonoma will look to stay undefeated Saturday night when it hosts the Bercovich Honors at Arnold Field to conclude non-league play. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m., and the game will be streamed on YouTube.