Keen Leads Stompers Past Admirals In Complete Game Gem

Randy Keen made a name for himself in his Stomper debut throwing a complete game in the Stompers 6-1 victory of the Admirals Thursday. Keen struck out nine and allowed only four hits.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

The Stompers entered the rubber match of the series against the Admirals with a little bit of uncertainty as starting pitcher Randy Keen made his Stompers debut on the mound Thursday for the Stompers. Not only was it Keen’s debut, but it came in a huge spot with the Stompers in the middle of a pennant race in the second half in the Pacific Association. But Keen proved that he was up to the challenge in a magnificent performance on the mound in the 6-1 win over the Admirals Thursday night at People’s Home Equity Ballpark.
 
Keen went the distance in his first start with the Stompers allowing only one run on four hits. Keen allowed a solo home run and two singles in the first inning. But after that point Keen slammed the door shut on the Admirals allowing only one more hit in the final eight innings.

 Keen overwhelmed the Admirals by keeping the ball down and in the zone. Keen threw 74 of 107 pitches for strikes and struck out nine batters on the night. Even though Keen was making his debut, he and catcher Mason Morioka made it seem as though they had been working together for a while longer. Keen a native of Napa was able to put on a show in front of a lot of family and friends that were in attendance.

“I had a good feel of all my pitches and I knew I could put it wherever I wanted to. Morioka always knew the right pitch to call and we were on the same page all night,” said Keen. “I just wanted to come out here to help this team in any way I could. To pitch the way I did in front of family and friends was unbelievable. I feel numb right now; I can’t put into words how amazing of a moment this is for me.”

Sonoma’s offense provided more than enough help for Keen highlighted by a three hit night for Joel Carranza. Carranza was 3 for 5 with 3 driven in. Carranza gave the Stompers the lead in the third on a three run blast into right center field. It was Carranza’s fifteenth home run of the season which is tied for the most in the Pacific Association. Carranza also singled home a run in the seventh to extend the Stompers lead. 

The Stompers (45-30, 22-14 second half) did not gain a game on the the San Rafael Pacifics (40-35, 19-17 second half) as they won in Pittsburg by a score of 10-3. That means the second half champion will be crowned in a weekend battle in San Rafael beginning Friday. If the Stompers win one of the final three games of the regular season at Albert Park, they will be champions of the Pacific Association for the first time in franchise history.

Box Score

Host Family Appreciation Ceremony To Take Place Thursday Night

There will be a special ceremony honoring all of our host families before the final home game of the regular season Thursday at People's Home Equity Ballpark.

Geoff Safford/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

There are great plays made on the field by Stompers players during many summer nights in Sonoma. They play the game they love at a professional level something very few can say they have done. But none of the home runs, strikeouts, or diving catches made in the field by Stompers players would be possible without the help of our host familes. Our host familes open the door to their homes every summer  to players and coaches and provide much more than just a place to lay their head at night. They form a true bond with Stompers players and a place they can call home. 

Before the final home game at People's Home Equity Ballpark Thursday night the Stompers will invite host family members onto the field for a special host family appreciation ceremony. Host family members will have an opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the game and deserve recognition for the great things they have done for the Stompers organization. They will always be members of the Stomper Family.

Seventh Inning Home Run The Difference In 8-5 Loss To Admirals

Derrick Fox was on base four times in the 8-5 loss to the Admirals Wednesday. Fox was 2 for 3 with two walks and a run scored in the game. 

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Sometimes a few mistakes can be all the difference between a win, and a loss in a game of baseball. The Stompers entered the second game of the series against the Admirals with a ton of confidence having won five straight contests. But two powerful swings off the bat by Vallejo ended the streak in an 8-5 loss to the Admirals Wednesday. 

Possibly the biggest swing of the night came in the seventh for Vallejo when Joe Hicks launched a three run home run to extend the lead to 8-2. Sonoma rallied for three runs in the bottom half of the seventh but the three run shot by Hicks proved to be the difference in the game. The home run by Hicks was also in a two strike count with two outs off of Jose Flores. The Admirals second home run came in the third on a two run blast by Patrick Moriarty in a three run inning for the Admirals off Juan Espinosa. The home run by Moriarty was also on a two strike pitch. Espinosa did not have his best stuff Wednesday allowing four runs and four walks in 5 2/3 innings. 

Despite Vallejo’s good night at the plate, the Stomper offense missed a few opportunities to score more runs than they did. Marquis Hutchinson allowed four runs on six hits and six walks in six innings. But two double play balls killed off Stomper rallies in huge moments to thwart possible rally opportunities. The Stompers also stranded ten runners on base in the game. Derrick Fox and Mark Hurley were the only Stomper hitters to finish with multiple hits. Hurley was 2 for 4, and Fox was 2 for 3 with 2 walks.

For the second consecutive night the Stompers (44-30, 21-14 second half) got a huge lift from the Pittsburg Diamonds as they defeated the San Rafael Pacifics (39-35, 18-17 second half) 4-3. That meant the Stompers retained their three game lead in the second half standings in the Pacific Association. Sonoma would clinch the title tomorrow night with a win, and a San Rafael loss. If the Pacifics win, the champion of the second half will be decided over the weekend when the Stompers take on the Pacifics in a three game series at Albert Park.

The rubber match of the series against the Admirals Thursday will feature a start from Oliver Garcia. Garcia has been effective in his last two starts going 2-0 with 14 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched. They will face Roman Gomez a pitcher the Stompers haven’t faced since July 15. Gomez and Garcia faced off on opening day in Sonoma on June 7 and will go against each other once more in the final game of the regular season at People’s Home Equity Ballpark.

 
Tickets for the final home game of 2016 are still available on StompersBaseball.com. It will be the finale of Fan Appreciation week, and the Stompers will be giving away big prizes to a few lucky fans in attendance thanks to our friends at Krug Family Hotels. All ticketed fans in the ballpark are eligible to win one of six staycation getaways, three at Sonoma Valley Inn and three at Dry Creek Inn. Each hotel is providing a one night Getaway, a two night Getaway and a three night Getaway at these beautiful wine country properties. Use them yourself, or use them for family members who are coming to visit the area.  One Getaway will be drawn each inning for the first six innings. Don't forget to put your name in the drawing box when you enter the ballpark. 

Box Score

First 150 Fans Receive 2016 Stompers Team Photo Wednesday Night

The 2016 Stompers team photo will be given out to first 150 fans in attendance courtesy of our friends at Rick Bolen Photography and Copy Store & More LLC.

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

You will want to get the the ballpark early Wednesday August 24 when the Stompers face off against the Admirals because the first 150 fans through the gate will get a free copy of the 2016 Stompers team Photo courtesy of Rick Bolen Photography and Copy Store & More. The Stompers have enjoyed a lot of success this season, and this photo will be a great way to remember the team that has brought so much joy to the city of Sonoma. It is also Fan Apprication Week at People's Home Equity Ballpark and a few lucky fans will also receive prizes courtesy of the Sonoma Stompers. 

Tickets for the game are still available on StompersBaseball.com. There are only two games left in the regular season so don't miss your chance to see your 2016 Stompers before its to late. Get all of your Stompers gear inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers Win Fifth Straight 6-0 Over Admirals

Taylor Thurber pitched six shutout innings in the Stompers 6-0 win over the Admirals Tuesday. Thurber allowed only four hits and struck out five to earn his seventh win of the season.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

The Stompers entered the final week of the regular season in a great position having taken a two game lead in the second half standings in the Pacific Association. They had also won four straight coming into Tuesday’s game against the Vallejo Admirals. The ace of the pitching staff Taylor Thurber was on the mound Tuesday looking to bounce back from a rough outing in his last start on August 17 in Vallejo. Thurber did so in a big way, and the offense kept on rolling in a 6-0 victory at People’s Home Equity Ballpark. 

Thurber pitched 6 shutout innings to earn his seventh victory of the season. Thurber now leads the staff in wins, and is 6-2 overall as a starter. Thurber limited the Admirals to four hits and struck out five. Kida De La Cruz picked up the loss for the Admirals. 

The Stompers got their offense going in the third inning with two extra base hits. Randy Santiesteban hit a solo shot into left center field to get the Stompers on the board. Later in the inning, Scott David launched a double into left center field to score Matt Hibbert to give the Stompers a 2-0 advantage. David kept his hot streak alive with a 3 for 5 night at the plate. David has at least one single in all five games he played in with Sonoma. Santiesteban was also 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 driven in. 

Ryan Richardson, and Sean Conroy finished things off with three scoreless innings out of the pen. Richardson has been a solid addition since joining the team on August 5 and has only allowed 3 earned runs in 11 2/3 innings pitched. Conroy also appeared for the second time since he was activated from the inactive list on August 17 and pitched a scoreless ninth getting a strikeout to end the game on a nasty slider.

The Stompers (44-29, 20-13 second half) got a little bit of help from the Pittsburg Diamonds as they defeated the San Rafael Pacifics (39-34, 18-16 second half) 6-3 at City Park Field Tuesday night. That San Rafael loss combined with the Game 1 victory gives Sonoma a three game lead in the second half standings over the Pacifcs with only five games to play in the regular season. 

The Series against the Admirals continues Wednesday with Juan Espinosa facing off against Marquis Hutchinson. Hutchinson got knocked around in his last start on August 17 against the Stompers as ten runs (five earned) crossed the plate in five innings of work. It was the second largest run total Hutchinson had allowed this season. It will be a tough task to slow down the Stomper offense as they have averaged over eleven runs a game over their five game winning streak.

Tickets for the final two games of the regular season are available on StompersBaseball.com. Tickets and fan merchandise are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score 

It's Rawhide's Favorite Day Of The Season: Bark In The Park!

Rawhide is telling everyone about Bark In The Park on Tuesday, August 23, which will be presented by Pets Lifeline. It was Pets Lifeline who helped Rawhide find a new home in Sonoma.

Julie Leitzel/@Move2Marin, Twitter

Two years have passed since the Sonoma Stompers’ beloved mascot, Rawhide, has joined the team and both parties could not be happier. For those who don’t remember, Rawhide did not always call Arnold Field his home. His roots trace back to the Cow Palace, where he was the mascot of the short-lived San Francisco Bulls hockey team, until the Pets Lifeline shelter rescued him in 2014. He was then moved from his temporary home to a permanent one with the Stompers before the 2014 season began. The two will partner up once again on Aug. 23 for the Sonoma Stompers Third-Annual Bark in the Park Night.

Since Rawhide’s arrival to Sonoma, the transition couldn’t have gone smoother. Rawhide can be spotted on the field or around the dugout at almost any point during the game having fun with fans, stirring up trouble with rival players, or even getting down to some ballpark tunes.

With his humble beginnings, Rawhide could not express more gratitude towards his new home, “After leaving the Bulls a little over two years ago, I was so nervous about my new home,” Rawhide said through a Bull-to-English interrupter. “The kind people at Pets Lifeline were contacted by the Stompers in the spring of 2014 and I have been so grateful to find such a nice community as the Stompers to call my ‘forever home.’”

Since his adoption, Rawhide has fit in perfectly with the team. Whether it be leading the Y-M-C-A dance or officiating a race around the bases, it’s nearly impossible to miss Rawhide’s role on the Stompers. Rawhide has been a huge hit with young and old fans alike, never leaving a fan’s high five hanging or turning down a photo opportunity.

“Rawhide has been a key member of our team for last couple of seasons,” general manager Theo Fightmaster said. “It’s hard to think of the Stompers without him coming to mind.”

Fightmaster and Pets Lifeline Executive Director, Nancy King, were key members in Rawhide’s adoption, watching him turn from a shy bull in the Pets Lifeline shelter to an integral member of the organization today.

Rawhide can be seen at many Stomper events around The Historic Sonoma Plaza, and elsewhere, going virtually everywhere the team does.

“I just want to do my part in helping the Stompers win as many games as they can this year,” the Bull said. 

The Stompers have won the first half of this season, and look to win the league by either winning the second half, or the championship game to be played at the end of the season.

Look out for Rawhide at all the Stompers’ home games this season. He can be seen dancing around and having fun during the game, or leading the crowd as the rally leader between innings. So one things for sure, it isn’t a Stompers game without Rawhide!

ABOUT PETS LIFELINE
Before 1982 there were no local animal shelters or resources available to help the
Sonoma Community cope with the problem of stray and abandoned animals. This lack
of animal services motivated a handful of dedicated animal lovers to join together to
create a local animal welfare organization. Thanks to the support and dedication of this
unique community, the shelter property on Eighth Street East was purchased, and Pets
Lifeline was established.

During its first years of growth, animals were housed in makeshift quarters or placed in
temporary foster care. Our main effort was to find new homes for stray dogs and cats
(those not lucky enough to be reunited with their owners). Adoptions were scheduled
"by appointment only" because of limited resources.

The Shelter as we know it today was built and opened in 1987 to accommodate 12 dogs
and 20 to 30 cats. With the help of foster care volunteers we are able to help many
more animals than our licensed capacity allows. Visitors are encouraged to come to the
Shelter to see our dogs and to socialize with the cats and kittens in our two-community
cat’s rooms.

For more information, visit www.Petslifeline.org.

Eight Run First Inning Highlights 17-10 Win Over Pacifics

Chaz Meadows hit a grand slam in the first inning in the Stompers 17-10 win over the Pacifics. It was Meadows' first career home run as a professional.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

For the second time in the series the Stompers trailed the Pacifics by two headed into the bottom of the first inning. In the game on Friday, the Stompers quckly erased that deficit and rolled to a victory. Sonoma once again had a rebuttle Sunday in the series finale at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. The first eight hitters in the first inning reached base, and they all scored in an incredible eight run rally. The Stompers would score fifteen runs in the first three innings and finished off a three a game sweep of San Rafael  by a score of 17-10. 

Pacifics starter Nick DeBarr never recorded an out in the first inning before he was pulled from the game. The big blow in the inning was a grand slam by Chaz Meadows down the left field line to give the Stompers an eight run advantage. Both Derrick Fox, and Daniel Baptista also had two run doubles in the inning. The homerun for Meadows was not only the first grand slam he had hit, but was also the first home run he had hit in his professional career.

“I kind of knew off the bat that it was going out but there was a lot going through my mind when I hit it,” Said Meadows. “It was such a great feeling seeing the ball go over the fence. I could not have asked for a better moment for my first professional home run.”

Oddly enough, the Pacifics hit total was higher than the Stompers at 15 but the Pacifics pitching staff also walked nine batters in total in the game. Both offenses combined for 27 runs, and 26 hits. Daniel Baptista had another productive night finishing 2 for 6 with a home run and four driven in. Sunday’s performance wrapped up an unbelievable week at the plate for the first baseman. Baptista was 14 for 31 with three home runs and fifteen driven in during this week alone. 

The Stompers (43-29, 20-13 second half) sweep of the Pacifics (39-33, 18-15 second half) puts them two games clear of San Rafael with only six games remaining in the season. Sonoma will take on the Vallejo Admirals (30-42, 15-18 second half) in a three game series starting Tuesday in the final home series of the season at People’s Home Equity Ballpark. The Stompers and Pacifics will meet again during the final weekend of the regular season at Albert Park. At one point during the season the Stompers were 3-9 against the Pacifics, but have completely turned the tables by winning six straight against them. The Stompers have outscored the Pacifics 70-23 in their last six games. 

Tickets for the last three home games of the season are available on StompersBaseball.com. Tickets and fan merchandise are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stomper front office at info@stompersbaseball.com. 
Box Score

Gonsalves Delivers Solid Outing In 8-2 Win Over Pacifics

Erik Gonsalves was outstanding in the Stompers 8-2 win over the Pacifics. Gonsalves pitched eight innings and struck out five to get his first win as a starter this season. 

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

The Stompers picked quite the moment for Erik Gonzalves to make his first start of the season. Gonzalves had not started a game for the Stompers since August 31 of 2014. He started Saturday in a game that had first place in the second half on the line in the Pacific Association against the Pacifics.  The moment was not to big for Gonzalves as he turned in a fantastic performance on the mound in an 8-2 win in Game 2 of the series at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. 

Gonzalves was in control for most of the night in eight innings of work. Gonzalves allowed five hits and struck out five and walked only 2 batters in those innings. When the Pacifcs did threaten to score runs, Gonsalves was able to get out of jams by inducing three double plays. The only blip on the screen for the right-hander was a two run homer by Mike Taylor in the eighth inning. This was not his first battle against the Pacifcs he has had over the years, and he knew how to approach this game.

“I was just trying to pound the bottom of the zone against their lineup. I’ve faced guys like Jake Taylor and Zack Pace a number of times and knew how to attack them as a pitcher,” said Gonsalves. “The double plays were also key, they are always a pitcher’s best friend.” 

The Stomper offense wasn’t on the same pace they were Friday, but provided more than enough support for Gonsalves so he could pick up his first win as a starter. Randy Santiesteban was a perfect 3 for 3 with three runs scored. Scott David also continued his torrid start with the Stompers with another multi-hit night.  David was 2 for 4 with 2 home runs and five driven in. So far in three games, David is 8 for 12 with nine runs scored and six driven in. 

Even though the Stompers (42-29, 19-13 second half) have won five straight against the Pacifics (39-32, 18-14 second half) Sunday’s series finale is huge for both teams. Sonoma now leads the Pacifics by a game in the second half, and three games in over all record in the Pacific Association. A win would put the Stompers in great position to win the second half pennant. Sonoma has three games remaining against the Pacifics during the last weekend of the regular season in San Rafael next weekend. 

Tickets for the series finale against the Pacifics, and the final series of the season are available on stompersbaseball.com. Fan merchandise and tickets are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

David's 4 Hit Night Fuels 13-4 Win Over Pacifics

Scott David impressed in his home debut with a 4 for 4 performance Friday in a 13-4 win for the Stompers. David reached base in all five of this plate appearances.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Friday’s pivotal series against the San Rafael Pacifics in Sonoma began with offensive fireworks right from the start. Jake Taylor had a two run homer in first inning to give the Pacifics an early advantage. His fourteenth home run of the season gave him the lead in that category. Taylor’s lead in the home run category would not last long, and neither would that two run lead as the Stompers scored early and often in a 13-4 win over the Pacifcs

The Stompers offense was on fire for the second consecutive night with 18 hits as at team. The Stompers have outscored their opponents by a score of 26-8 over there last two games. It was also the fifth time in the last ten games that the Stomper have scored thirteen runs and they have outscored their opponents 65-15 in those five games combined. The Stompers have won four straight against San Rafael and scored thirteen runs in three of those four games. 

The Stompers offense scored eleven runs in innings five through seven to put the game well out of reach. Joel Carranza tied Taylor for the home run lead in the Pacific Association with a three run shot in the sixth. Carranza was 2 for 5 with four driven in. Mark Hurley also homered to right for his fifth homer of the season. Hurley was 1 for 4 on the night with two driven in. 
The newly acquired Scott David was absolutely sensational for Sonoma at the plate finishing a perfect 4 for 4 with an RBI and four runs scored. David is 6 for his first 8 at the plate and has reached base nine times in total in two games. The 2015 Pacific Association batting champion has continued right where he left off in this league with immediate success.

“David has played in some other leagues before coming out here and knows what it takes to be successful,” said bench coach Chris Matthews.  “I was really happy the approach our entire team to go out and be aggressive. We are executing at the plate against our competition and we just need to stay focused and keep the intensity level high the rest of the way.” 

Oliver Garcia picked up his fifth win on the mound in six innings. Garcia allowed two runs on five hits and struck out four. Adam Ogburn was also effective out of the pen in his 1 1/3 innings of work to close out the game. Ogburn struck out three of the four batters he faced. Ogburn has fared extremely well in his first three appearances with Sonoma. In 3 1/3 innings he has yet to allow a hit and has 6 strikeouts. 

The Stompers (41-29, 18-13 second half) tied the Pacifics (39-30, 18-13 second half) in the second half standings with the victory and took a two game lead in overall record. The next two games of the series will be critical for both teams heading into the final week of the season. Sonoma has found a winning formula over their last 16 games going 12-4 in those games to put themselves in this position in the second half. 

Tickets for the final two games of the series against the Pacifics are available on StompersBaseball.com. Stompers merchandise and tickets are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stompers at info@stompersbaseball.com. 
Box Score

Baptista Ties Franchise Record For RBIs In 13-4 Win Over Admirals

First baseman Daniel Baptista tied a franchise record with seven RBIs in the Stompers 13-4 win over the Admirals Thursday. Baptista was 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and a double. 

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Sonoma had never lost two games in a series against Vallejo before this week. The Admirals had their eyes on a sweep Thursday after two straight one run victories. But the Stompers had other plans in the series finale at Wilson Park. The offense jumped on starter Marquis Hutchinson in the top of the first with a seven run rally and never looked back in a 13-4 win over the Admirals. Daniel Bapista delivered with a three run home run in the inning to get the scoring started. That would only be the beginning of a fabulous night at the plate for the big first baseman. 

Baptista had three extra base hits in the game and finished 3 for 4 with two home runs. Baptista hit his second home run of the game in the fourth inning to drive in three more runs. Baptista came within just a few feet of a third home run in the sixth on an RBI double into left center field. Baptista finished the game with seven runs driven in on the night a season high for the team. That also tied the franchise record for most runs batted in one game. Baptista now shares the record with his teammate Joel Carranza who set the mark in 2015.Baptista was happy about his performance, but was more worried about helping out his team.

“I actually did not know that I tied the franchise record that is really amazing,” said Baptista. “When I come up to the plate I’m not trying to do to much. I go up there to do what ever the team asks me to do. It feels incredible to tie that record, but I just want to do what it takes to get a win.”

For the third time in the last nine games, the Stompers scored thirteen runs in total on thirteen hits. Five Stomper hitters finished with multiple hits. Mark Hurley closed a fantastic series in Vallejo with a 2 for 4 night. Hurley was 6 for 13 in the series. Scott David also made an impact in his Stompers debut going 2 for 4 with two walks and three runs scored. 

Juan Espinosa got credit for his second win of the season as a starter in his six-inning effort. Espinosa allowed six hits and four runs over the six innings with seven strikeouts. Sean Conroy also pitched for the first time since August 3 in two innings of relief. Conroy allowed no runs on two hits. That was a very positive sign for the right-hander who seems to be on the mend after coming off of the inactive list. 

The Stompers (40-29, 17-13 second half) will begin the biggest series of the season thus far Friday in a showdown against the San Rafael Pacifics (39-30, 18-12 second half). Sonoma trails San Rafael by only one game in the second half standings, but leads by one game in overall record. The Stompers had their struggles against the Pacifics in the first half but are 6-3 over their last nine against their bitter rivals. The winner of this three game series at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field will be in the drivers seat going into the final week of the regular season in the Pacific Association. 

Tickets for all three games of the showdown against San Rafael are available on StompersBaseball.com. Fan Merchandise, and tickets are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

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