By Elakai Anela, Beat Writer
Stompers starting pitcher right-hander Jake Andreas (University of San Francisco) releases the pitch from the rubber Tuesday at Arnold Field. Andreas pitched four innings and collected seven strikeouts in a 10-2 loss. Photo Courtesy of Karsen Kadien / Sonoma Stompers
SONOMA, Calif. — The Walnut Creek Crawdads scored four runs in both the eighth and ninth innings Tuesday in a 10-2 victory over the Sonoma Stompers at Arnold Field. The Stompers defense committed two costly errors in the eighth inning, leading to the rally.
The eighth started off with a two-strike single by outfielder Dylan Perez (Baylor University) followed by another single into center field from infielder Kam Taylor (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College).
Walnut Creek jumped ahead 3-2 after outfielder Daniel Polasek (UC Irvine) hit an RBI groundout to second base. Stompers infielder Misael Uriepero (Youngstown State) struggled to get the ball out his glove, hesitating before throwing to first base to get the out in time but allowed the lead-runner to score.
The Crawdads continued to take advantage of fielding miscues by the Stompers. Sonoma infielder Tino Vasell (University of San Francisco) committed an error on a pop up at third base, allowing another run score in the sequence. Walnut Creek infielder — and former Stomper — Alijah Ramos capped off the inning with an RBI single into left field to make it 6-2.
In the ninth, Sonoma right-handed pitcher Devon Laguinto (San Joaquin Delta College) struggled in his eighth appearance of the bullpen, being charged with all four runs in the inning. The Rohnert Park, Calif., native’s season ERA jumped from 5.14 to 9.82 with a 2.32 WHIP in 7.1 innings.
Stompers manager Zack Pace said postgame that his team “has to capitlize on their big inning” and “not give up a big inning” to the other team.
“We keep finding a way to give up those bad innings,” Pace said. “Our big inning chance, we only got two [runs] today. In their big inning chance, they got four ... we had like 11 or 12 free bases given up today.We also need to play better defense.”
The Crawdads last loss came June 14 against the San Luis Obispo Blues. With the win Tuesday, they have won 12 games in a row and improved to 16-4 in the California Collegiate League North. Sonoma still occupies third place but are 10-12 in CCL North play.
Sonoma’s starting pitcher right-hander Jake Andreas (University of San Francisco) collected seven strikeouts in four innings. Walnut Creek’s starter left-handed pitcher Joey Lorenzini (UC Santa Barbara) didn’tallow a hit and struck out four in the first two innings.
The Stompers opened the scoring with two runs in the first inning. With the bases loaded and one out, infielder Bryson Ayala (Tulane University) — who was 0-for-10 with the bases loaded — hit a single through the left side of the infield. The next batter, Vasell hit a sacrifice-fly to make it 2-0.
Pace said Ayala’s hit was “really nice to see him come through when we needed it.”
“He had two strikes, took a couple pitches,” Pace said. “He got himself a decent pitch to hit and squared up.”
Walnut Creek responded with one run in the sixth inning but left the bases loaded with two outs. Sonoma left-handed pitcher Logan Figlar preserved the Stompers lead, striking out Polasek to preserve the lead.
In the seventh inning, Sonoma right-handed pitcher Sam Schnitzer (University of San Francisco) struggled with his command, walking a batter and surrendering a hit in 13 pitches, before allowing the game-tying run.
Schnitzer and Figlar both struggled with landing on the pitcher's mound. Schnitzer fell over twice while Figlar had to be looked at after an awkward step.
Pace said the landing area was “an easy excuse to make” but not one that he wants his group to have.
“Do you see any other visiting team complain about it? No,” Pace said. “I’ve seen our guys complain ... we should be pitching the best on it. We have all the materials and practice on it all the time. There should be no excuses.”
Sonoma’s offense went quiet after the fifth inning rally. The Stompers recorded only two baserunners over the final four frames.
Pace still “believes in his team” despite the first half struggles.
“I honestly feel like we have a better team than last year,” Pace said. “We’re just not playing to it. Hopefully this team can find a way to gel, come together and play better in the second half.”
The Stompers look to rebounds from Tuesday's defeat as they finish their two-game series Wednesday against Walnut Creek at Monte Vista High School in Danville, Calif. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be streamed live on YouTube.