Sonoma Stompers Come Back in Ninth Inning, Win in Extras 9-4 Over San Rafael Pacifics

Marcus Bradley went 2 for 4 with two runs batted in, including the tying run in the ninth inning of Friday's 9-4 win over the San Rafael Pacifics at Albert Park (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Sonoma Stompers

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, pulled off their second comeback victory in two days with a 9-4, extra-inning win over the San Rafael Pacifics on Friday.

“When our backs are against the wall our true talent comes out,” said right fielder Marcus Bradley. “Pressure either breaks pipes or makes diamonds.”

Down to their last two outs and trailing by one run in the top of the ninth, Bradley knocked in the Stompers’ tying run.

“Their pitcher kind of fell into a pitch sequence. I knew after he got his first strike he was going to throw an offspeed pitch so I just sat back and tried to see something up and hit it,” Bradley said. “It felt amazing.”

The Sonoma offense shored up the clutch effort, dousing the Pacifics with six runs in the top of the tenth. After hitting a solo home run in the first, Joel Carranza also knocked in one of the Stompers’ 10th-inning runs. Carranza and Bradley both finished the night with multi-hit games and a pair of RBIs apiece.

Carranza’s teammates followed him with three base hits and a walk to give closer Jacob Cox a six-run lead to work with going into the bottom of the inning. Cox was excellent in relief, allowing no hits and no runs in two innings of work.

While Cox silenced the Pacifics in the last two frames, starter Ty’Relle Harris kept the Stompers in striking distance through eight. He walked just two in that span and did not let the San Rafael lead leak into anything more than two runs.

With the victory, the Stompers improve to 39-16 on the season and 11-5 in the second half, while the Pacifics drop to  6-10  in the second half (23-32 overall) at last place. First pitch of the second game of the series is slated for 6 p.m. at Albert Park on Saturday.

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 Find Groove, Big Offense in Thursday's 8-6 VIctory Over Pittsburg Diamonds

Scott David celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run in the fifth inning on Thursday's 8-6 win over the Pittsburg Diamonds. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, notched their first earth-shaking hit in a handful of games, a three-run home run by Scott David in the fifth inning of Thursday’s 8-6 win over the Pittsburg Diamonds.

“We’re not going to get shut down too many games in a row. It was a good comeback here,” David said.

Sonoma had left 25 runners on base in the first two games of the series. With one swing of the bat, David made the score 5-4 and lit the fuse for Sonoma. David went 3 for 3 on the night with a walk and three runs batted in.

“Early in the season… We came back so many times. Why not the second half? Even in a 5-1 ballgame tonight, I never gave up,” said manager Takashi Miyoshi.

David also started a two-run rally in the seventh inning, leading off the frame with a single. While David provided the fireworks, the rest of the lineup provided the sky. Daniel Baptista and Marcus Bradley picked up two RBIs apiece, Bradley’s being the go-ahead pair.

Matt Hibbert also provided a spark, going 3 for 4 and scoring two of the Stompers’ eight runs.

While the offense shined, the Stompers locked in on the mound after the third. Starter Juan Espinosa allowed four runs through the first three innings, but kept Pittsburg to just one after that frame. Zach Wendorf and Jacob Cox secured the rest of the game, allowing just one hit between them.

With the win, the Stompers improve to 38-16 (10-5) on the season, solidifying their lead at the top of the Pacific Association and breaking a three-game skid–Sonoma’s longest losing streak of the season. The Diamonds drop to 28-26 (7-8) at second.

“We’ve got a great lineup. You’re going to go through skids every once in a while. Three games is nothing,” David said.

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 Drop Close Game 6-4 to Pittsburg Diamonds

Yuki Yasuda went 2 for 4 in Wednesday night's loss to the Pittsburg Diamonds, marking the first time the Stompers have lost three games in a row this season. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, lost their third straight game for the first time this season with a 6-4 loss to the Pittsburg Diamonds on Wednesday night at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark.

The Diamonds took an early lead, managing three runs off of Stompers starter Scott Plaza in the fourth. Other than the two runs they shook out of Dominic Topoozian in the fifth, the Sonoma bullpen mostly quieted the Pittsburg offense.

Topoozian and Zach Wendorf combined to keep Pittsburg off the board for the next two frames. A home run off of DJ Sharabi by Gerald Bautista in the ninth was the only other blemish for the Stompers’ bullpen.

On the Sonoma side, Yuki Yasuda and Daniel Comstock lead the offensive effort. Both the catcher and the second baseman went 2 for 4 with a run driven in. Matt Hibbert also reached base every time he stepped up to the plate.

It was Comstock and Brennan Metzger who scored Sonoma’s first runs of the game in the fourth. Metzger was in the lineup for the first time since July 22.

The Stompers came into the game having scored just two runs in their last two games.

With the loss, the first-place Stompers drop to 27-16 (9-5) on the season. The Diamonds improve to 27-26 (7-7). It was the first time the Diamonds won a game against Sonoma with starter Dennis Neal on the mound.

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 Welcome Former Major League MVP and World Series Champion Vida Blue on Aug. 9, Among Other Promotional Events in August

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, are pleased to announce upcoming events for the month of August, including Vida Blue Night on Aug. 9.

Blue, a former Oakland Athletics pitcher and three-time World Series Champion, will head to Peoples Home Equity Ballpark to sign autographs and throw out the first pitch before the Stompers take on the Vallejo Admirals. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

In his 17-year Major League career, Blue earned All-Star honors six times and is the first of only five pitchers in Major League history to start the All-Star game for both the American and National League. Blue won the American League MVP award in 1971 and was a member of the A’s team in the 1970’s that won three World Series titles in a row.

Tickets still available here:  GENERAL ADMISSION  | RESERVED SEATING

ALSO COMING UP AT PEOPLES HOME EQUITY BALLPARK

The Stompers have also added several other events to their promotional calendar, including Japanese Heritage Night, First Responders Night and Bark in the Park.

Aug. 10 is Japanese Heritage Night and will feature a special pre-game ceremony, plus concourse activities. To participate in this special evening or schedule a group event for Japanese Heritage Night, please contact the Stompers front office.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

On First Responders Night on Aug. 11, the Stompers will offer $5 off at the gate for all first responders with an ID or uniform to honor every day heroes. For $15, fans can also sign up for a post-game Home Run Derby and test their skills against reigning Pacific Association Most Valuable Player Joel Carranza and first baseman Daniel Baptista.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

HOME RUN DERBY TICKETS

Fans can bring their dog to the game on Aug. 18 for Bark in the Park, sponsored by Pets Lifeline. Best-dressed dogs can compete in a costume contest, judged by fan favorite Yuki Yasuda. Pets Lifeline, which seeks to protect and improve the lives of cats and dogs in need in Sonoma Valley, will also be accepting donations, providing information on pet adoptions and participating in on-field games.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Members of both the Empire and Resistance can head to Peoples Home Equity Ballpark for Star Wars Night on Aug. 19 and participate in a costume contest and on-field games.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

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.

Reliever Ryan Richardson Signs with Japanese Independent Team

Ryan Richardson has been a valuable member of the Sonoma Stompers' bullpen in 2017. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– Sonoma Stompers reliever Ryan Richardson will head to Japan after being signed by the Kagawa Olive Guyners of the Shikoku Island League.

In his 2017 season with the Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, Richardson notched a 3.46 ERA in 26 innings. Richardson was also a member of the 2016 Pacific Association Championship Stompers team, throwing a scoreless outing in all but one of his nine appearances.

“This is a great opportunity for Ryan. While we'll miss him as a pitcher and as a person, this is one way the Stompers measure our success; giving players a platform to perform and watching them grow to earn greater opportunities. I'm really happy for Ryan,” said Stompers President and General Manager Theo Fightmaster.

In leaving the Stompers, Richardson joins another organization with championships under its belt. The Olive Guyners were established in 2005 and have since won five Island League Championships, most recently in 2012.

STOMPERS TICKETS
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 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 Short in 6-2 Loss to Pittsburg Diamonds Despite Stellar Defense, Bullpen

Sonoma Stompers outfielders Matt Hibbert (pictured) and Matt LoCoco combined to make the outfield a no-fly zone through most of Tuesday night's 6-2 loss to the Pittsburg Diamonds at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, fell short of overcoming a four-run deficit in Tuesday’s 6-2 loss to the Pittsburg Diamonds.

Sonoma starter Taylor Thurber allowed three runs through six, but the Stompers managed just four hits off of the Diamonds’ Tyler Stirewalt. Stirewalt struck out seven in six innings of work.

"We beat ourselves. I don't think we get beat very often," said designated hitter Joel Carranza. "We left a lot of men on base today and if you don't hit the ball, you're not going to win."

Despite a dearth of hits, the Stompers compiled nine walks on the night. While Sonoma’s offense came primarily from walks, the Diamonds used the long ball. Four of Pittsburg’s six runs came on hits that went over the fence.

Sonoma mounted two bases-loaded threats in the later innings. In the sixth, the Stompers strung together three straight walks but did not bring any of them around to score. In the seventh, a walk sent Derrick Fox home to score.

"When the hits don't work, you've got to try something else," Carranza said. 

The game was punctuated by solid defense from Matt LoCoco and Matt Hibbert in the outfield. The two declared the outfield a no-fly zone as LoCoco laid out to make a graceful diving catch, his second spectacular grab in his last few games.

"I feel like we have the best outfield in the league. Nothing drops," Carranza said. "It's fun, because it makes our pitchers a lot more comfortable.  

Stacy Piagno entered the game for the top of the ninth, pitching a scoreless frame and striking out Pittsburg’s Wes Wallace. Zach Wendorf also pitched a scoreless inning in relief.

"Zach has been really good out of the bullpen lately. He's been just getting the job done, doing what he has to do. We're really pleased with how he's been doing," Carranza said. "And Stacy, she comes out and does her thing. It's always fun to watch her."

The Stompers still lead the Pacific Association, but drop to 35-15 while the Diamonds improve to 27-25 at third place.

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 to Host Japanese Heritage Night Aug. 10

Shortstop Masa Miyadera is one of two Japanese-born starting players on the Sonoma Stompers, who are lead by Japanese-born manager Takashi Miyoshi. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, will celebrate Japanese Heritage Night on Aug. 10 when they face the Vallejo Admirals at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at 6 p.m.

The night will feature a special pre-game ceremony, activities along the concourse and quality, Pacific Association-leading baseball.

Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi became the first Japanese-born manager in the history of American professional baseball when he took the the reins of the team in 2015. Sonoma also has two other Japanese-born players in their starting lineup, fan favorite Yuki Yasuda and shortstop Masa Miyadera.

In addition to Japanese Heritage Night, the Stompers have added several special events to their promotional calendar for the remainder of the season. The team will host former Oakland Athletics star pitcher Vida Blue on Aug. 9, then hold First Responders Night on Aug. 11 as well as Bark in the Park on Aug. 18 and Star Wars Night on Aug. 19.

Find more information on Stompers special events here.

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.

Key and Peel Night to Feature Keys, Peels: Sonoma Stompers April Fools' Day Promotion Comes to Fruition

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club will not host Keegan Key and Jordan Peele on Aug. 8 at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark, but will be offering a whimsical night of baseball instead.

The Stompers announced Key and Peel Night on April 1.

Fans attending the game will receive a blank key as a commemorative token, while supplies last. They will also have a chance to participate in an on-field orange peeling contest and other between-inning games.

In addition to Key & Peel night, the Stompers have added several events to their promotional schedule for the remainder of the 2017 season, including Japanese Heritage Night on Aug. 10, First Responders Night on Aug. 11 and an appearance by former Oakland Athletics star pitcher Vida Blue on Aug. 9.

Find more info on Stompers special events here.

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 to San Rafael Pacifics in a One-Run Pitchers’ Duel

Starter Tyler Garkow delivers in a hard-fought 1-0 loss against the San Rafael Pacifics at People's Home Equity Ballpark. (James W. Toy III)

Sierra Heil / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– Presented by Virginia Dare Winery, Tyler Garkow provided another quality start for the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club in Sunday's 1-0 series-deciding loss against the San Rafael Pacifics.

While the bats were quiet during the night, the pitching was loud. Garkow added eight strikeouts to his season total of 74, allowing just one earned run over seven and two-third innings pitched.

“I felt good. I make sure I prepare well enough during the week and give myself and my team the best opportunity to go out there and win the game,” Garkow said.

Both teams were left scoreless through seven innings, making way for a pitchers’ duel between Garkow and Pacifics starter, Max Beatty. Beatty held the Stompers to just four hits and pitched his first complete game of the season.

“Max Beatty is a good pitcher. He’s well versed. He has plenty of pitches to mix up. I’ve seen a cutter, a two-seam, a change-up, a slider, and he can command it all. He’s got experience as well,” Garkow said.

“He threw a perfect game through five and two-thirds innings… He had everything going tonight,” Catcher Daniel Comstock said.

Comstock showed leadership behind the dish and provided one of the Stompers four hits throughout the night.

“I love throwing to Comstock. For me, Comstock is a guy that really works hard back there and I appreciate it. He’s a leader, for sure,” Garkow said.

Bullpen pitcher Zach Wendorf and right-hander Dominic Topoozian finished the game, collectively allowing just one hit and no runs.

“I’ve gotten to know these guys and their tendencies as people. I talk to each pitcher differently… They’ve done a great job this week and put up some chances for us to win ballgames,” Comstock said.

The Stompers fall to 37-14 (9-3)  on the season while San Rafael improves to 23-28 (6-6). Sonoma looks to bounce back against the Pittsburg Diamonds in another home series at People’s Home Equity Ballpark starting Tuesday.

“Getting shut out is a rare occasion for us. That’s the beauty of baseball. We shut them out last night and scored six runs and tonight they shut us out and score one. Each day is different,” Comstock said.

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.

Harris Pitches Complete-Game Gem in Sonoma Stompers 6-0 Victory Over San Rafael Pacifics

Ty’Relle Harris throws his first career complete game to lead the Sonoma Stompers to victory on Saturday against the San Rafael Pacifics in Sonoma. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Geoff Safford / Director of Broadcasting

SONOMA, Calif.- Ty'Relle Harris threw a complete-game shutout to give the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery a 6-0 comeback victory over the San Rafael Pacifics. Harris went the distance, allowing just two hits to earn his first career complete game victory.

“I give a lot of credit to Daniel Comstock,” Harris said. “We made a lot adjustments from my last start that helped me pitch deeper into the game. I just had to trust my catcher, and my defense behind me.”

After the first inning, Harris did not allow another hit until the eighth. After a single and two walks, Juan Herrera came to the plate with the bases loaded, representing the tying run. Herrera launched a deep fly ball into left center, but Matt LoCoco made an acrobatic leaping catch over the top of the wall to rob Herrera of his second grand slam in two days.

“Off the bat, it looked like a routine fly ball,” said LoCoco. “It just kept carrying all the way to the wall,  I was fortunate to be able to make a play on it. I have no problem going out and making a play for any of our pitchers. They battle during every game, it’s my job to go out and support them. That’s why I'm here.”

Sonoma set the tone on offense in the first inning with a Joel Carranza RBI single. Carranza added to the lead in the third with a second RBI single in a two-run inning to give the Stompers a 3-0 lead. Carranza finished the game 2 for 4 with two driven in.

The win extended the Stompers 37-13 (9-2) lead in the second half standings to five games over the second place Pacifics 22-28 (5-6). Sunday’s rubber match will feature with a fabulous pitching match up between 2015 Pacific Association pitcher of the year Max Beatty and flamethrower Tyler Garkow. A win would put the Stompers in the driver’s seat in the Pacific Association second half pennant race.

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.