By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer
Infielder Hunter Carlson trots around the bases after hitting his second home run of the contest against the San Francisco Seagulls on Saturday. Carlson went 3 for 4 with five RBIs in Sonoma’s 14-12 win in San Bruno, Calif. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers
Trailing 12-7 entering the ninth inning, the Sonoma Stompers scored seven runs in the top half of the frame to stun the San Francisco Seagulls 14-12 Saturday night at Tom Lara Field in San Bruno, Calif.
With the victory, Sonoma improved to 7-1 overall and 3-1 in California Collegiate League play.
San Francisco opened the scoring in the first inning after Sonoma committed an error that allowed infielder Emilio Feliciano to reach base. Feliciano later scored on infielder Christian LaMothe's RBI groundout to give the Seagulls a 1-0 lead.
Sonoma starting pitcher right-hander Justin Jones pitched three innings yet surrendered seven hits and five earned runs in his opening start of CCL play.
Both teams went scoreless in the second inning.
Sonoma grabbed its first lead in the third inning with four runs, highlighted by infielder Hunter Carlson's two-run homer to right field.
Catcher Gage McCown started the rally with an RBI double for his first CCL hit, while infielder Tino Vasell added a groundout RBI before Carlson's blast pushed the Stompers ahead 4-1.
An inning later, Sonoma took a 7-1 lead after Carlson hit a three-run blast over the right-field wall for his second home run of the game. The Hudson, Wisconsin native went 3 for 4 with five RBIs, three runs scored and two walks Saturday.
The lead disappeared quickly, as San Francisco scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth to tie the game at 7-7. The Seagulls hit three RBI singles, drew an RBI walk and a hit-by-pitch.
Sonoma right-handed pitcher Mason Cortez lasted one inning in relief, allowing two hits and four earned runs along with four walks while throwing 40 pitches and 20 strikes.
The Seagulls took the lead in the fifth inning, highlighted by outfielder Caid Heflin's two-run single to go in front 12-7.
Right-hander Ethan Rowland allowed two earned runs while recording two outs in relief for the Stompers. He allowed three walks and threw 31 pitches but only 12 that were strikes.
In the eighth inning, the Stompers loaded the bases with two outs, but infielder Bryson Ayala struck out looking on a 2-2 count. In the last two games, the 6-foot-5 shortstop has gone 0 for 4 with two strikeouts with the bases loaded.
Despite going 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position through the first eight innings, Sonoma continued to fight at the plate. The Stompers erupted for seven runs in the ninth inning to take a 14-12 lead.
The rally started with an error by San Francisco infielder Bryce Brooks that allowed infielder Misael Uriepero to score from second base. The Stompers then hit back-to-back RBI singles before Vasell hit a triple down the left field line to tie the game.
With the bases loaded, Sonoma regained the lead when Uriepero drew a five-pitch walk to force in the go-ahead run. Outfielder Nic Sebastiani added another insurance run on a sacrifice fly to center-field to make it 14-12.
Despite allowing seven runs over six innings of relief, Sonoma's bullpen held San Francisco scoreless over the final four innings.
Right-handed pitcher Keller Ausbun picked up his first save after a scoreless bottom of the ninth. Ausbun loaded the bases with nobody out but struck out three consecutive hitters swinging to end the contest.
Sonoma will look to extend its win streak Sunday as it returns home to face the Alameda Merchants. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at Arnold Field.