Sixth inning rally leads Stompers to 7-4 win against Merchants

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Stompers right-handed pitcher Riley Dickey (Modesto Junior College) throws the ball from the mound at Arnold Field on Sunday. Sonoma defeated the Alameda Merchants 7-4 behind a six-run sixth inning. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers scored six-runs in the sixth inning Sunday, powering them to a 7-4 victory over the Alameda Merchants at Arnold Field. Sonoma rebounded after a 10-4 loss Saturday at the hands of the Walnut Creek Crawdads. 

The Stompers improved to 10-11 in the California Collegiate League North while the Merchants fell to 7-10 in division play. Sonoma currently sits in third place of the CCL North but are 7.5 games behind the first place San Luis Obispo Blues. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame there will be “ups and downs” over the course of the 45-game regular season, but thought his team played “pretty good tonight.” 

“Other than the nine free passes, seven walks and two hit-by-pitches, we gave up one hit until the eighth inning,” Pace said. “We got the big inning ... teams win when they have the big inning. We were on the other side of that a lot this week.” 

For the third consecutive contest, the Stompers struck first. Sonoma opened the scoring in the first inning on a four pitch, bases-loaded walk by infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State).  

In his first start after seven relief appearances early in the season, right-handed pitcher Keller Ausbun (Colorado State – Pueblo) pitched two scoreless innings to set the tone for the Stompers.  

In the third inning, right-handed pitcher Shawn McBroom (Cal State San Marcos) — making his first relief appearance of the year after two starts — struggled with his command. In one inning of work, the Antioch, Calif., native gave up three runs and walked two with two hit-by-pitches. 

Stompers infielder Mateo Heredia (Cal State Northridge) committed his second error of the season at third base, leading to the first two Merchants runs.  

Pace said McBroom “can” be a starter moving forward, especially in the “last three weeks of the season” despite his recent struggles. 

“After that [the all-star break] I think he will have a chance,” Pace said. “But I’m going to go with my best guys and see what happens. If he’s throwing well enough to start, we’ll get him in there.” 

Despite outhitting the Merchants 4-1, Sonoma still trailed 3-1 heading to the sixth inning. The Stompers walked seven batters and allowed two hit-by-pitches, leading to the Merchants runs.  

In the bottom of the inning, Sonoma’s offense exploded for six runs to take a commanding 7-3 lead, sending 10 batters to the plate in the frame. 

The rally was started by outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State), who collected a one-out single and then stole second. After three straight walks, outfielder Nic Sebastiani delivered with an RBI single to tie the contest.  

Pace said the approach and base running was what led to the big inning.  

“The three walks were great," Pace said. "You can kind of play station to station. That’s how you have the big inning.” 

The CCL’s RBI leader, infielder Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) gave Sonoma the advantage with a two-run single that ricochetted off the pitcher and into right-field. The Hudson, Wisconsin, native collected RBIs 23 and 24. Carlson is batting .306 with a .985 OPS in 81 plate appearances. 

Sonoma added two more runs. Outfielder Mike Jones (University of San Francisco) hit an RBI groundout before Heredia scored Carlson from second on a single to second base. 

Pace said the small ball was “working” when “they didn’t intend to play small ball,” which led to the rally. 

The Merchants responded with one run in the eighth inning but couldn’t complete the comeback. Sonoma right-handed pitcher Riley Dickey (Modesto Junior College) collected his first save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning 

The Stompers have a day off Monday before starting a two-game series against the Walnut Creek Crawdads. The first contest will be Tuesday at home with first pitch at 6:05 p.m. The game will be live streamed on YouTube. 

‘We got beat in all three facets of the game’: Stompers struggle across the board in 10-4 defeat to Crawdads

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Infielder Caze Derammelaere (Vanguard University) steps forward, preparing himself for the pitch Sunday against the Alameda Merchants. The 6-foot-1 infielder went 1-for-3 with an RBI despite the Stompers falling 10-4 to the Walnut Creek Crawdads on Sunday. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien

SONOMA, Calif. — The Walnut Creek Crawdads defeated the Sonoma Stompers 10-4 Saturday at Arnold Field, scoring four runs in both the fifth and ninth innings. 

Sonoma's bullpen allowed nine runs over the final six innings, the defense committed five errors and the offense went 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that his team got dominated across the board. 

“We got beat in all three facets of the game,” Pace said. “And it wasn’t particularly close.” 

Walnut Creek sports a 10-game win streak and sits in second place in the California Collegiate League North Division with a 14-4 record while Sonoma is 9-11 in league play. 

Despite suffering defeat, the Stompers notched the opening run in the second inning. 

 With two outs and runners on second and third, outfielder Chase Taylor (University of Connecticut) delivered an RBI single to score infielder Mateo Heredia (Cal State Northridge). Stompers catcher Angel Garcia (Bellarmine University) was thrown out at home plate. 

Taylor snapped an 0-for-14 slump. It was his first RBI since June 12, in a contest where the Stompers beat the Menlo Park Legends 8-4. 

The Crawdads responded with a single in the third inning to tie the contest.  

Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Luke Zmolik (Youngstown State) went four innings and struck out four. The Monroe, Washington, native allowed his first three hits and earned run of the season in his fourth appearance. 

Walnut Creek’s starting pitcher right-hander Devin James (Sacramento State) went 3.2 innings with five strikeouts over 17 batters and allowed an earned run.  

After James exited the affair, left-handed pitcher Paul Wheeler entered and shut down Sonoma’s offense during the middle innings. Wheeler didn’t concede a base hit in 2.1 innings and collected four strikeouts.  

During the fourth inning, Sonoma had the opportunity to take the lead but couldn’t deliver.  

The Stompers put runners on second and third base, however, outfielder Trent Keys (San Joaquin Delta College) struck out swinging. After a walk by Garcia, outfielder Ben Sebastiani (College of Marin) and Taylor went down looking to end the rally. 

Pace said the sequence was “100% a momentum shift.” 

“I pointed it out to the team,” Pace said. “The turning point in the game was when we had runners on second and third with nobody out. We had three K’s and a walk; that’s the difference in the game. Every day we work on it. You have to drive the runners in.” 

Walnut Creek took the lead in the fifth inning, maintaining the advantage for the rest of the game. The Crawdads scored four runs on a bases-loaded walk, a wild pitch, a single and a fielder's choice. 

Sonoma’s right-handed pitcher Ethan Rowland didn't record a single out in his fourth appearance and allowed four earned runs. He walked three batters, throwing 19 pitches and only six strikes. The Lafayette, Calif. native holds a 10.80 ERA in 6.2 innings. 

Pace said it was “definitely a cause for concern” that Rowland struggled in relief for Zomlik, who had set the tone for the pitching at the start of the game. 

“It wasn’t a good performance from a pitcher that shows up once a week,” Pace said. “It was a little disappointing ... it was brutal. You got to be ready to go.” 

Both teams didn’t record another run until the seventh inning.  

The Crawdads added to their lead after a catcher's interference call on Garcia kept the frame alive. Walnut Creek scored its fifth run after an error by shortstop Caze Derammelaere (Vanguard University). 

The Stompers answered with a run in the bottom of the frame after a Derammelaere sacrifice fly. Sonoma added two more runs in the eighth after a fielder’s choice and throwing error to cut the deficit to 6-4. 

In the top of the ninth, the Crawdads put away the game for good. Walnut Creek scored four runs — all four were charged to Sonoma’s right-handed pitcher Jaydn Ramos (San Joaquin Delta College). Prior to Saturday's contest, Ramos hadn’t allowed an earned run. 

“He’s young, he needs reps and he hasn’t pitched that much before,” Pace said. “I won’t hold too much against him.” 

The Stompers wrap up their three-game homestand Sunday against the Alameda Merchants. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and the game will be live streamed on YouTube. 

“We’re here to win,” Pace said. “But if you want to get better and be better for yourself and your schools, we have to have that sense of urgency about winning the ballgame.” 

From Venezuela to Sonoma: How Cousins Misael Uriepero and Angel Garcia found their way back to the same field

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Angel Garcia (left) and Misael Uriepero (right) pose together for a photo. The cousins grew up playing baseball together in Caracas, Venezuela, before they both moved to the United States — three years apart — to pursue their baseball journey and receive an education. Now, both play for the Sonoma Stompers. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

When infielder Misael Uriepero steps onto the infield grass at Arnold Field, he isn’t just sharing the field with his teammates. He’s sharing it with family. 

After separate journeys to the United States, Uriepero and catcher Angel Garcia have been reunited as teammates again. Growing up, the cousins were on the same team in Caracas, Venezuela, and in the same academy. 

Sonoma represents a place where both players continue to chase their dreams of playing baseball during the summer, one that neither could’ve imagined when they were younger. 

“We always played together. We practiced together,” Garcia said. “Over there, we were in the same academy and had the same coaches.” 

For Uriepero, his earliest baseball memory came when he was six years old. 

“I hit my first home run when I was six,” Uriepero said. “I was playing for the team of my country. It was probably the earliest memory I had, but I started playing when I was three.” 

A young Misael Uriepero throws the ball on a field in Caracas. Photo Courtesy of Misael Uriepero

Angel was on that team with Uriepero when he hit the home run. That first team became the foundation of a relationship built on baseball, family and faith. 

Growing up in Caracas, baseball wasn’t just a pastime for Uriepero. He spent long, hard hours learning and practicing the game in hopes of getting scouts to recognize him. 

“It meant everything to me. I was trying to sign pro, so I dedicated myself and my whole life to baseball,” Uriepero said.  

Uriepero’s dad, Wilmen, sometimes worked from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. But the minute he got home, he would practice with his son. 

“When he got to the house, he would say, 'Let's go hit,” Uriepero said. “He was never tired when it was about helping my career.” 

Uriepero enrolled in the Academy when he was 12 years old. When he got there, he discovered cleats, gloves, helmets and bats — all equipment he hadn’t seen before.  

The days at the Academy were long and hard. For four consecutive years, Uriepero said he would “practice from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., go home, take a nap and practice again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.” 

Garcia’s upbringing was similar to Uriepero’s. Baseball followed him everywhere he went in the country. 

“In Venezuela, all you do is baseball,” Garcia said. “That’s kind of your way out. You have to dedicate every single hour, minute and second to baseball.” 

Garcia’s family decided to move when he was 13 to give him an education. He moved to Miami, Florida, where he continued to play baseball but began to focus on school. 

“I wanted to have an education, have a plan B just in case,” Garcia said. “Leaving was for the best. I don’t regret it. I love my country, but at the end of the day, now I’m used to being here.” 

Although Garcia left Venezuela, Uriepero stayed in his hometown. Along the way, Uriepero developed into more than a baseball player — he started running track and field and won a national championship at age 15. 

Uriepero stands in the first place at the podium after winning the Venezuelan national championship in track and field at age 15. Photo Courtesy of Misael Uriepero

Yet, baseball was always his priority. But when Uriepero turned 16, scouts didn’t want to see him anymore. His family had to make the difficult choice that Garcia did three years prior: leaving Venezuela. 

“When you turn 16 years old, you’re too old for scouts over there,” Uriepero said. “You have to sign by 16 or 17 unless you’re a pitcher. Our best bet for me to keep playing baseball was to play in high school and get a scholarship to go to college.” 

The transition to the United States wasn’t easy. Uriepero didn’t know how to speak the language and had to be held back a grade year in high school. 

“I didn’t know anything, not a single word of English,” Uriepero said. “When I got to the U.S., I was supposed to be a sophomore. I took a test and failed. I told the professor, ‘I just can’t do it. I don’t know anything.’ That’s why they put me as a freshman.” 

At the same time, he was “anxious and nervous” while getting infused into the culture of the United States. Yet he had no thoughts of ever going back to Venezuela. 

And because Garcia had already established himself in South Florida, he became someone to lean on during Uriepero’s transition.  

“When I got here, him and his family showed a lot of support,” Uriepero said. “They were taking me everywhere at first for school ... I was like going everywhere with Angel, hanging out with his friends to make new friends.” 

Garcia was enrolled at Coral Gables Senior High School but opted to transfer to True North Classic Academy in Miami. Uriepero followed his cousin to True North Classic Academy. 

Both players played together every day. When they didn’t have practice, they went down to the local field to hit together. 

Garcia understood the challenge Uriepero faced when moving to a new country. He had dealt with it years before. 

“I had a lot more time getting used to it, the language and all that,” Garcia said. “For him coming a bit older, it was harder for him to learn the language.” 

Misael stands with a trophy after a game for his high school team, True North Classic Academy in Miami, Florida. Photo Courtesy of Misael Uriepero

After high school, their careers eventually diverged.  

Uriepero developed into an everyday infielder at Youngstown State University. Meanwhile, Garcia continued his career at Coppin State University, where he appeared in every game. 

“At the end of the day, we’re related, but we have a different path,” Garcia said. “Even though we always stuck together and played on the same team, it worked better for him going to Youngstown, and it worked better for me to go to Coppin.” 

But distance never changed their relationship 

“We’re in different states, different schools, but at the end of the day, we both know we’re one phone call away,” Garcia said. “We always talk. Helping each other get better, you know, like with each other.” 

Their reunion with Sonoma happened almost by accident.  

Uriepero had already committed to playing in Sonoma after being recommended by Youngstown State's coaching staff. When another player became unavailable, Youngstown coaches suggested Garcia. 

Soon enough, both cousins were headed to Northern California. For Uriepero, sharing a clubhouse with Garcia again carries special significance. 

"When I got here, I literally played my whole life, high school career and now summer ball with him,” Uriepero said. And like when we went to college, it was the first time in the U.S. we haven’t been playing together ... it means a lot for us to play one more time together.” 

The Stompers’ clubhouse has been a reminder of where their journey started together. Every day, Garcia thinks about the path they both took. 

“Looking back at it, at first it was weird moving and having to do all of that,” Garcia said. “But now that I see it from a different type of perspective, I see that it was for the best.” 

Ultimately playing professional baseball is still the main goal for both cousins. 

For Uriepero, reaching professional would be the culmination of years of sacrifice. 

"It would mean the world," Uriepero said. "For my family, I would make them the happiest person in the world."  

Garcia feels the same way. 

"At the end of the day, that's always the dream we've had," Uriepero said. "Playing in the pros."  

And if only one cousin gets there? The answer comes easily. 

"If he makes it, I will be happy for him," Garcia said. "If I make it, I know he will be happy for me."  

For now, they’re on the same team, in the same clubhouse, chasing the same dream they began pursuing together in Caracas nearly two decades ago. 

Misael Uriepero (middle with the orange wristband) and Angel Garcia (second to right with the Marlins hat) embrace their teammates after a game in Caracas, Venezuela. Photo Courtesy of Misael Uriepero

Uriepero’s 3-for-4 night guides Stompers to win over Merchants

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Stompers infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) stands upright, staring out at the mound. The Caracas, Venezuela native wears his country’s flag on his left arm-sleeve. Uriepero went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, one home run and collected his first two extra base hits of the season Sunday in Sonoma’s 5-2 win over the Alameda Merchants at Arnold Field. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

Sonoma, Calif. — Infielder Misael Uriepero went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and hit his first home run of the season Sunday, leading the Sonoma Stompers to a 5-2 victory over the Alameda Merchants at Arnold Field. 

Sonoma improved to 8-8 in the California Collegiate League while the Merchants fell to 6-6 in the CCL.

Prior to Saturday’s contest, one where Sonoma fell 3-2 to the Menlo Park Legends, Uriepero said he came to Sonoma to “gain weight and hit for power.” He also stated that his first extra-base hit would “happen soon.” 

After Sunday’s victory, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound infielder said he had been “working hard” with the coaching staff on his swing to add power. Uriepero had gone 15 games without recording an extra base hit. He recorded two Sunday. 

“It means a lot to me,” Uriepero said. “Since it’s a wood bat, I’ve been struggling. Getting the extra-base hits for the first time feels really good.” 

For the second consecutive night, Sonoma opened the scoring. With two runners on base in the third inning, Uriepero hit a double to score infielder Trent Keys (San Joaquin Delta College) from second base. Catcher Angel Garcia (Coppin State), Uriepero’s cousin, advanced to third on the hit. 

Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Luke Zmolik (Youngstown State) pitched three scoreless innings and struck out two. After Zmolik left the game, the Merchants responded in the top of the fourth inning by scoring the game-tying run on a double play. 

In the fifth inning, the Stompers took the lead.  

Garcia hit a sacrifice fly into right field to score Keys. With Uriepero batting, infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) stole both second and third on back-to-back pitches. Uriepero then launched the two-run long ball to extend the Stompers’ lead. 

After the Youngstown State University product rounded the bases, the entire dugout poured out onto the field to celebrate with him. 

Uriepero said it “meant a lot” to see the support of his teammates, celebrating with him after the home run.  

“I’ve been struggling the past [few] days and they’ve been supporting me a lot,” Uriepero. “Some of those guys were like, ‘a bomb is coming, I can feel it.’ So, this first time I hit it, that’s why everyone was out there.” 

Through the first five innings of Sunday’s contest, the Stompers stole three bases. In the previous three contests, Sonoma hadn’t attempted one steal. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that his team was stealing bases based on the “situation.”  

“Our guys did a good job of taking advantage of what the other team was presenting us,” Pace said. “We had opportunities to steal those bags and did a good job to put ourselves into good spots with runners in scoring position.” 

In Sonoma’s last two contests, it had gone 5 for 32 with runners in scoring position. During Sunday’s affair, the Stompers went 4 for 11. 

“It was a breath of fresh air to see all that today,” Pace said. “Getting hits with runners on hadn’t been happening before today.” 

The Merchants didn’t go down quietly. With one out, Alameda loaded the bases and forced Pace to bring in right-handed pitcher Riley Dickey (Modesto Junior College) for his Sonoma debut. 

Dickey worked a strikeout and escaped the jam after inducing a flyout to center field. Pace described the outing from Dickey as “big time.”  

“To come in and get both your outs there on six pitches, I think it was, and rescue that inning was huge,” Pace said. “That is what you kind of live for.” 

Sonoma added another run in the bottom of the frame to push the lead to 5-1. Making his Stomper debut, outfielder Mike Jones (University of San Francisco) drove in Garcia. 

The Merchants made it 5-2 in the eighth inning after an RBI double by outfielder Trey Johnson. In the ninth inning with the bases loaded, Merchants infielder Nico Rodriguez grounded out to end the game. 

Sonoma right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Joaquin Delta College) picked up his second save of the year.  

The Stompers will have two days off before they hit the road. First pitch will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday against the Walnut Creek Crawdads at Monte Vista High School in Danville, Calif. Sonoma beat the Crawdads 6-4 on June 5 at home in its last meeting. 

Stompers fall 3-2 to Legends, strand 11 runners on base

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) gets ready in the batters box before the pitch is thrown Saturday. Ayala went 0-for-2 with a walk in the Stompers’ 3-2 defeat against the Menlo Park Legends. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien

Sonoma, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position, left 18 runners on and didn’t record a two out hit in their 3-2 defeat Saturday against the Menlo Park Legends at Arnold Field. 

Sonoma fell to 7-8 in the California Collegiate League while Menlo Park snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to 3-9 in the CCL. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that he “liked what he saw pregame” in batting practice when it came to approach hitting but needs to see his guys “drive them in” with runners on base. 

“Bottom line is that we got to get it done in the game,” Pace said. “I know it’s a different story when a guy is throwing 90 or whatever. Or 80 like tonight. But we have to find a way to do something different.” 

Despite falling short, Sonoma opened the scoring in the second inning. Catcher Gage McCown (Cal State Northridge) doubled and scored two batters later after a single by outfielder Nic Sebastiani. 

Sebastiani’s single continued his uptick in play. After started the year batting 5 for 36 (.138) through the first 11 CCL contests. In the last two games, the Sonoma native has gone 3 for his last 8 at the plate with two RBIs. Sebastiani has raised his batting average to .192 in 53 plate appearances. 

The last time the Stompers faced Menlo Park right-handed pitcher Vincent Braga (Santa Clara University), they didn’t record a baserunner and struck out four times in three innings. Saturday, they tallied four baserunners and scored once and struck out once. 

The Legends tied the game with a single in the third inning, but Sonoma’s pitching held them scoreless from then on until the seventh. 

Stompers right-hander Ethan Rowland served as an opener in his first start of the year. Rowland pitched three innings of one-run ball and allowed three hits and collected two strikeouts. 

Pace said that he planned to “go back” to Rowland as an opener next week unless “something changes.” 

“I was really happy with him. He got a lot of ground balls,” Pace said. “He did give up a couple hits, but they weren’t hit hard.” 

Right-handed pitcher Justin Jones took the ball from Rowland to kick off the fourth inning. The Walnut Creek, Calif., native had started two games earlier in the year after posting a 10.80 ERA in five innings. 

In the fifth inning, Pace met with Jones after he motioned to the dugout with two outs and nobody on. Jones walked the next batter which “prolonged” the inning according to Pace but recorded a strikeout to end the frame. 

Ultimately, the 5-foot-10 right-hander went two scoreless innings and struck out two in 31 pitches. 

Sonoma’s bats remained quiet for most of the night. The Stompers left the bases loaded in the fourth inning after hitting into two lineouts to end the scoring threat. 

“The energy was down because we weren’t getting anything going,” Pace said. “It’s just frustrating seeing guy after guy doing the same thing, not taking a different approach at-bat to at-bat or pitch-to-pitch.” 

The Legends scored a run in the seventh inning to regain the lead. They added an insurance run in the eighth inning to take a 3-1 lead. 

Sonoma responded with a run to make it 3-2 in the eighth inning on an RBI fielder’s choice. However, Sonoma left two runners on base after Sebastiani popped out to end the inning. 

In the ninth inning, pinch hitter infielder Caze Derammelaere worked a leadoff walk for the Stompers. Pinch hitter Tino Vasell then batted for infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) and laid down a bunt to advance Derammelaere to second base. 

Pace said that he “made the call” on the bunt and viewed Vasell as a “better bunter” than Ayala. 

“If it did get to two strikes there, I felt good with Tino’s hitting ability,” Pace said. “Making that move, Tino can go back to third and Caze can go to shortstop if we tied the game.” 

The following two hitters got out to end the contest. Outfielder Chase Taylor (University of Connecticut) flew out on a 2-0 count and infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) struck out swinging. 

Pace said the loss was “frustrating.” 

“We know we have a good team, we know we didn’t play up to our potential,” Pace said. “It’s definitely very frustrating. When they knock you down, you gotta get up.” 

Pace also said the Stompers are “playing down to competition,” something that can’t keep happening as the season goes on. 

“It’s happened multiple times with teams we can bury and get rid of and really put away,” Pace said. “We let them hang around, and they believe. Belief is a big message to teams that are struggling.” 

The Stompers conclude their four-game homestand Sunday against the Alameda Merchants. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Sonoma defeated Alameda 11-8 in the teams' previous meeting June 11. 

Stompers overcome six errors, draw season-high 13 walks in 11-7 win over Legends

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Catcher Andrew Bonfigli points to the Stompers dugout after a base hit in the fourth inning Friday. Bonfigli started his first game since June 14 and went 1 for 2 with 3 walks — he also threw out a base stealer in the seventh inning behind the plate. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

Sonoma, Calif. — The Sonoma Stompers offense drew a season-high 13 walks and provided nine hits Friday in an 11-7 victory against the Menlo Park Legends at Arnold Field. The Stompers improved to 7-7 in the California Collegiate League while the Legends fell to 2-9 in league play. 

Despite committing six errors, the Stompers won their second contest in a row. Sonoma manager Zack Pace said postgame all that matters was his team “got it done.” 

“I thought there was a little bit of bad luck [with the errors]. Some bad hops, the infield didn't play well,” Pace said. “But our guys grinded through it and found a way to end on top which is always good.” 

Both teams worked with a tight strike zone. Sonoma was the team who took advantage of it. 

“I thought it was a really good zone tonight,” Pace said. “Our batters read the game and saw that their arms weren't filling it up.” 

Menlo Park didn’t record a hit in the first inning, yet it scored the opening run of the contest. Infielder Ryder Kelly (UC Davis) drew a four-pitch walk and stole both second and third base before he scored on a fielder’s-choice.  

The Stompers' battery of starting pitcher left-hander Logan Figlar and catcher Andrew Bonfigli allowed three stolen bases in the first. After the opening inning, the Legends didn’t record another stolen base the rest of the contest and were caught stealing one time in the seventh inning. 

Pace said that Bonfigli’s adjustment of staying in the box instead of coming out early while throwing over the course of the game was “fun to see.” 

The Stompers manager also said that his staff “worked” with Figlar after his start in the bullpen to “quicken” his leg kick, so teams aren’t able to read his motion moving forward when stealing. 

“You just can’t have that slow kick if you’re not going to be a read guy,” Pace said. “He needs to get out there and get more reps.” 

Figlar ultimately pitched two innings and allowed one earned run. The Santa Rosa, Calif. native walked and struck out two in 34 pitches. 

The Legends scored another run in the second after Figlar overthrew Garcia at first base, allowing the leadoff runner to advance to second. The runner moved to third on a balk by Figlar and scored on a groundout. 

After a scoreless first, Sonoma drove in three runs to take a 3-1 lead during the bottom of the inning. 

Outfielder Nic Sebastiani (Santa Rosa Junior College) singled to bring home infielder Garcia. Then, on a 3-2 count with bases loaded, infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) gave Sonoma the lead with atwo-run single. 

The Stompers added to their lead by driving in three runs over the next two innings. However, Sonoma left the bases loaded in the fourth and went 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position through the first four frames. 

Menlo Park rallied in the middle innings, tying the game after scoring three runs in the fifth and two in the sixth. Two runs were unearned while the other two were charged to Sonoma’s Mason Cortez (San Joaquin Delta College) who allowed an RBI double and single. 

In his third appearance, Cortez was “stretched out” according to Pace. The 5-foot-11 right-hander went three innings and allowed six hits in his longest outing of the year. 

The next time the Stompers batted, they regained the lead. Two wild pitches and an RBI groundout by pinch-hitter Mateo Heredia (Cal State Northridge) made it 9-7.

Sonoma didn’t relinquish the lead from that point on. It added two runs in the seventh on another RBI groundout, this time by outfielder Wesley Bass (Georgia State), and a single by Garcia into center field. 

The Stompers pitching staff shut down the Legends over the final three innings, allowing only three baserunners. Right-handed pitchers Jadyn Ramos and Devon Laguinto closed the contest. 

The Stompers look to take the series and extend their win streak to three games Saturday versus the Legends. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. 

‘It’s really impressive’: Vasell’s grand slam, four RBI performance against the Seagulls helps Stompers snap four-game losing streak

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) runs out to third base ahead of first pitch for the Sonoma Stompers on May 30, 2026. Vasell went 2 for 4 with four RBIs and a grand slam in the Stompers 8-5 win against the San Francisco Seagulls Thursday. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kaiden / Sonoma Stomeprs

Some players seem to thrive against certain opponents. For Sonoma Stompers infielder Tino Vasell, that opponent has been the San Francisco Seagulls. 

During the last meeting June 6 between the Stompers and Seagulls, Sonoma won 14-12 on the road. Vasell hit the go-ahead triple in the ninth inning to complete a five-run comeback.  

On Thursday, the infielder's grand slam put the Stompers ahead in the first inning. Ultimately, Vasell’s 2 for 4, four RBI night and go-ahead scoring run carried the Stompers to an 8-5 win Thursday, snapping their four-game losing streak at Arnold Field in Sonoma.  

The Stompers improved to 6-7 in the California Collegiate while San Francisco fell to 2-10 in league play. After winning its first two games of the year, San Francisco will stay in last place in the CCL North Division as its losing streak extended to 10. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame the victory was “never easy and a grind” but also said “it was definitely good to get back on the winning track.” 

“We had a couple of tough games against Slo [Blues],” Pace said. “We dropped four games in a row before tonight.” 

Vasell's only multi-hit games this season have come against the Seagulls. The University of San Francisco product is hitting .500 in 10 plate appearances with six RBIs and two walks against San Francisco this year. In the other nine games played this year not against the Seagulls, Vasell has collected only 7 hits and 1 RBI. 

Pace said Vasell’s production against San Francisco is “not necessarily” a trend with the “lack of sample size” but called his two performances against it formidable, nonetheless. 

“After the grand slam, he had seven RBIs [in the last two meetings],” Pace said. “It’s really impressive. Both the home run and triple were backside, to the opposite field.” 

In the first inning, the Stompers recorded five runs on four hits. 

The next batter after Vasell’s grand slam, Wesley Bass (Georgia State) hit an infield single to third base. Bass continued to flash his speed, as he stole second and third base with outfielder Connor Johnston (Bellarmine University) batting. Johnston then drove in Bass with a single to extend Sonoma’s lead to 5-0. 

After the opening inning, San Francisco clawed back into the game behind shutdown pitching and timely offense. The Seagulls pitching staff recorded 12 consecutive outs between the second and fifth innings. 

San Francisco scored its first run on an RBI groundout to shortstop. The Stompers infield played back to concede the run.  

Sonoma starting pitcher right-hander Matthew Schallberger (San Joaquin Delta College) worked three innings. Schallberger surrendered two hits and one earned run but struck out two on 48 pitches before exiting. 

Left-handed pitcher Brady Carvalho (Modesto College) took Schallberger’s place yet allowed two earned runs in the top of the fifth.  

A double drove in the first runner of the frame. The second run scored on a slow base hit up the middle where a miscommunication between both Stompers middle infielders, Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) and Bryson Ayala (Tulane University), allowed the ball to roll into center field harmlessly.  

Pace called the play a “communication issue,” one where both players “yelled, ‘I got it.’ Aside from the base hit, the Stompers escaped the jam without any further damage. 

Uriepero recorded a walk with one out in the bottom of the inning to snap the streak of Stompers base runners not reaching. The Stompers stranded him at third after Vasell grounded out to end the frame. 

Neither team scored until the eighth inning, where the Seagulls drove in two runs to tie the contest.  

A passed ball from right-handed pitcher Sam Schnitzer (University of San Francisco) cut the Stompers lead down to 5-4. Then a single by Seagulls outfielder Derek Waldvogel (Skyline College) tied the game on a hit-and-run with the runner right in front of Vasell blocked the Stompers infielder's view of the ball. 

Pace said the miscommunication in the middle of the infield, the passed ball and the game-tying single were “all awkward plays.” 

“Schnitzer is sort of all over the place. He’s tough to catch. I wouldn’t put that [passed ball] on Angel,” Pace said. “The runner was in Tino’s view at third base, which made it tough on him. I know it’s an excuse and he still should’ve had it, but it was a little different play than usual.” 

Although they gave up the lead, the Stompers responded with three runs to take an 8-5 advantage. The eighth-inning rally was kickstarted on a single by Vasell to left field. Then Johnston hit the go-ahead single, Uriepero drew a bases-loaded walk and Carlson added a hit-by-pitch. 

Sonoma had the opportunity to extend its lead further. However, the Stompers went 3 for 10 with runners in scoring position and 4 for 14 with runners on base in the contest.

Pace said moving forward he “wants to do some hits-and-runs" to mix up the offensive approach.

“We gotta find a way to score more runs,” Pace said. “We gotta put teams away earlier.” 

The Stompers were able to shut down the Seagulls in the ninth inning. Infielder Anthony Scheppler (San Jose State) turned an unassisted double play on a line drive to end the game. Right-handed pitcher Keller Ausbun (Colorado State - Pueblo) picked up his second save of the year against the Seagulls. 

Sonoma continues its homestand Friday against the Menlo Park Legends. In the last meeting between both teams June 14 in Palo Alto, Calif., the Stompers fell 6-3. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. 

“We’ll see how our guys bounce back tomorrow,” Pace said. “After a long ride back, you’re not delirious the next day, but the day after. Hopefully we bring the energy tomorrow.” 

Stompers finish road trip winless after 11-inning loss to Blues

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Relief pitcher right-hander Luke Zmolik high-fives his teammates he walks off the mound at the end of the sixth inning. Zmolik pitched one scoreless inning with two strikeouts despite the Stompers losing 3-2 in extra innings to the Blues at Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

The Sonoma Stompers lost their third straight game Wednesday, falling 3-2 in 11 innings to the San Luis Obispo Blues at Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Sonoma’s losing streak extended to four games. It finished its three-game road trip with three losses.

The Stompers fell to 5-7 in California Collegiate League play while the Blues improved to 12-2. 

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame the last four games have been “on him.” 

“We’re in a little rut right now,” Pace said. “Not putting it together at the same time. That’s the game; that’s life sometimes.” 

Sonoma’s starting pitcher left-hander Taber Fast pitched three scoreless innings. He didn’t allow a hit and walked two runners on 46 pitches. 

The Stompers got on the board first in the fifth inning to make it 1-0. Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) hit a double before he stole third base with two outs. The 5-foot-10 infielder then scored on an error committed by infielder Brady Alves (Butte College) in the middle of the diamond. 

Blues starting pitcher right-hander Quincy Winkler (Cal Poly) threw six innings and picked up seven strikeouts. The Templeton, Calif. native surrendered three hits and one run, but none earned. 

Neither team scored again until the eighth inning, when the Blues tied the game 1-1.  

Sonoma right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Joaquin Delta College) recorded the first two outs of the inning before he walked back-to-back batters. Then, San Luis Obispo infielder CJ Moran (University of San Diego) hit the game-tying single into right field.  

Laguinto limited the damage to only a run, as he ended the inning with a groundout. The Rohnert Park, Calif. native now holds a 3.60 ERA in four appearances this year. 

Both teams went scoreless during the ninth inning, forcing the contest into extra innings.  

Under the extra-inning tiebreaker rule, Sonoma took a 2-1 lead in the 10th inning.  

Infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) drew a four-pitch walk and McCown laid down a sacrifice bunt. On the bunt, San Luis Obispo right-handed pitcher Chance Jasso (Cal State Long Beach) threw the ball away to an unoccupied first base bag. The error allowed Sonoma’s ghost runner, outfielder Nic Sebastiani (Santa Rosa Junior College), to score from second base. 

The Stompers had the runners on second and third with no outs and the lead but couldn’t deliver a much-needed insurance run.  

Infielders Caze Derammelaere (Santa Rosa Junior College) and Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) both grounded out. Outfielder Trent Keys (San Joaquin Delta College) struck out swinging. In Keys’ plate appearance, he was hit-by-a-pitch in the hand but swung. 

Pace said, “there’s not much you can do about that.” 

“It’s the way the ball is bouncing for us right now,” Pace said. “Not getting the runners in on second and third was huge. I guarantee you we probably win if we get that in.” 

The Blues took advantage in the bottom of the frame to tie the game 2-2.  

Infielder Diego Murillo hit an RBI single into left field with one out — it was his first hit in five plate appearances. Yet, right-handed pitcher Mateo Heredia preserved the tie for Sonoma by recording two straight outs to end the inning. 

The Stompers struck out three consecutive times and failed to advance the runner at second in the 11th inning.  

San Luis Obispo completed the comeback in the bottom of the 11th. Designated hitter Miles Mador (Indiana University) produced the RBI single into the left-center field gap. Outfielder Wesley Bass’ (Georgia State) throw to home plate came up short and was off target.  

Ultimately, Sonoma went 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position. After the Stompers struck out 18 times Tuesday, Sonoma suffered 15 punchouts at the plate Wednesday. 

“We’re not getting runners in when we need to get them in,” Pace said. “We’re going to continue to get better. We’ll be alright. It’s better to struggle at this now than at the end of the year.” 

Sonoma returns Thursday to Arnold Field in Sonoma looking to snap a four-game losing streak against the San Francisco Seagulls. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. 

Stompers held to 1-hit, fall 6-0 to Blues in third straight loss

By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer

Relief pitcher right-hander Alec Murray throws the ball Tuesday. Murray pitched two innings but allowed two earned runs and three hits in the Stompers 6-0 loss to the Blues at Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Photo Curtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers

The Sonoma Stompers (5-6 in the California Collegiate League) were held to one hit and struck out 18 times Tuesday as their season-high losing streak reached three games with a 6-0 loss to the San Luis Obispo Blues (11-2 in the CCL) at Sinsheimer Stadium in San Luis Obispo, Calif. 

Making his first start of the year, Blues right-handed pitcher Connor Mendez (Oregon State) struck out 11 of the 15 batters he faced and held a perfect game through five innings before being pulled from the contest.  

Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that Mendez’s three-pitch mix was “tough on the hitters.” 

Sonoma’s starting pitcher right-hander Jake Andreas (University of San Francisco) matched Mendez through four scoreless innings and picked up seven strikeouts. The Saint George, Utah, native has yet to allow an earned run in two starts this season. 

“It was an outstanding job out of him,” Pace said. “He had their hitters on the defensive mode and that’s what you want from your starter.” 

After Andreas exited the contest, San Luis Obispo opened the scoring in the fifth. Two singles and a sacrifice fly by outfielder Cesar Chavez (Cal State Los Angeles) pushed the Blues ahead 1-0.  

Sonoma ended the Blues combined perfect-game bid with a walk and broke up the no-hitter attempt later in the inning when infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) reached on an infield single. 

Sonoma loaded the bases with one out in the sixth but failed to score. Infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) struck out looking and catcher Hunter Carlson (Georgia State) — the CCL RBI leader with 16 in 11 games — flew out to right field to end the threat. 

Pace called the inning a "tipping point." 

"It was a big point in the game, for sure," Pace said. “It was our chance to get something rolling and we didn’t come through. Hopefully we can do it next time.” 

In the bottom of the sixth, catcher Miles Mador (Indiana University) hit a solo home run to make it 2-0. Sonoma right-handed pitcher Alec Murray left the contest after he surrendered three hits and two earned runs. 

The Blues added to their lead with two RBI singles and two RBI groundouts in the eighth inning to blow the game open. Sonoma right-handed pitcher Gage McCown (Cal State Northridge) recorded only two outs and allowed four earned runs while facing six hitters. 

Sonoma struck out three times in the top of the ninth to end the contest. The Stompers suffered 18 total strikeouts in 33 batters and had only six base runners reach safely. 

Pace said the Stompers hitters will “have to keep on working” on their approach and in the cage to get back to the early-season offensive success. 

The Stompers will finish their four-game road trip Wednesday against the Blues. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. 

“We have to put the ball in play. We have to get more than one hit. We have to get more than zero runs,” Pace said. “We have to score to win tomorrow, you know ... we gotta find a way to put runs on the board.” 

STOMPER OF THE WEEK (1): HUNTER CARLSON

By Ryan Metcalfe

Hunter Carlson earned the first Stomper of the Week honors after collecting nine hits in his first five games for Sonoma. He smashed two homers and drove in 10 while scoring four times. He’s among the CCL leaders in several categories including a whopping 1.500 OPS.

“I’m definitely happy with the way things are going,” said Carlson, who hails from Hudson, Wisconsin and plays baseball at Georgia Southern in Atlanta. “I’m seeing the ball well and my swing is coming together well.”

Not surprisingly, Carlson comes from an athletic family. His dad Brent played baseball at St. John’s College in Minnesota. His mom Kristin ran cross country at Michigan Tech. His sister Abby played soccer at North Texas. Sports dominate the left-handed hitting catcher’s time off the diamond. He enjoys bowling, golf and lifting weights. He also enjoys being a Stomper.

“It’s a good environment and I have great teammates,” Carlson said. “I’ve never been to California before. This is a beautiful part of the country. The boys are fun to be around and they have a good time.”

His manager Zack Pace says he’s glad to have him and is impressed by the way his teammates gravitate toward him.

“Hunter is an amazing teammate,” Bryson Ayala said. “He’s helping me with my swing. He cares about all his teammates having fun while we’re playing and he pushes everyone to be the best version of themself. He’s the spark that gets everyone going.”