Stompers Win Fourth Straight In 8-6 Victory Over Admirals

Stacy Piagno made her second start for the Stompers in Sonoma's 8-6 victory over the Vallejo Admirals Saturday.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

So many things went right for the Vallejo Admirals Saturday night. The Admirals jumped out to an early lead in the second inning with a three run rally and took advantage of some defensive miscues by the Stompers. They also came up big in the clutch scoring four runs in the game with two outs. But the Stompers would not go away and were right in the ballgame going into the seventh inning.  Sometimes it does not have to be pretty for a team to get the job done, and Saturday night was a prime example of that for Sonoma.

The Stompers three-run rally in the seventh proved to be the difference in Sonoma’s 8-6 win over the Admirals. Sonoma has made a habit of scoring runs in bunches this season, but the seventh inning from Saturday's game  was an inning that Sonoma scored in very unconventional ways to take the lead.

The Stompers scored two runs on two wild pitches and another on an RBI groundout by Daniel Baptista to bring in Yuki Yasuda to give the Stompers a 7-5 lead. It was not a moon shot home run by Caleb Bryson, or speedy base running that got the job done tonight. It was about Sonoma taking advantage of what Vallejo gave them. Sonoma started the inning by loading the bases with nobody out, and jumped all over the Admirals when they faltered.

The three run rally in the second inning off Stacy Piagno ultimately cost her a chance to go deeper in the game. The rally in the inning was partially fueled by a throwing error on a pickoff attempt by Piagno, and on a ball hit to right field that was misplayed by Cody Bishop. Defensive miscues have played huge roles in both starts made by Piagno. Piagno would only be charged with one earned run on the evening in two innings pitched.

Juan Espinosa continued his fantastic season out of the bullpen by closing out the game in the ninth inning. Espinosa made sure that no ninth inning drama would take place by striking out the side, earning his third save of the season in the process. The Miami native has not allowed an earned run in his last 6 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen, accumulating 10 strikeouts and only two walks in that stretch. Espinosa also has the lowest ERA of any bullpen pitcher on the team at 2.34.

Gregory Paulino also earned his third win of the season as he entered in long relief of Piagno in the third inning. Paulino allowed three runs on five hits while striking out six in 6 innings. Paulino tied Mike Jackson Jr., and Sean Conroy for the team lead in wins this season.

Sonoma (20-14) has some breathing space atop the Pacific Association for the first time during the first half. They have battled for positioning at the top with the San Rafael Pacifics for the majority of the first half. However, the Pacifics (18-17) have lost four of their last fives contests and have fallen 2 ½ games behind Sonoma in the Pacific Association with five left to play for the Stompers. The ‘magic number’ for Sonoma to clinch the first half pennant has all of a sudden become a small number at 3.

The Pacifics have been slumping at the wrong time while Sonoma has played some of their best baseball coming down the stretch as they have now won four in a row. Sonoma will look to win their fifth in a row against the Admirals Sunday evening in the series finale at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. Sonoma has beaten the Admirals five straight times at home, and in eight of their last nine combined.

Tickets for future Stompers games are available on StompersBaseball.com. Stompers gear, and tickets are also available at The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

Stompers Score In 4 Straight Innings To Crush Admirals 9-2

Mason Morioka led Sonoma's offense in a 9-2 victory with a fantastic night at the plate. Morioka finished 3 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Sonoma received a much-needed day of rest Thursday after playing 10 straight games without a day off. Sonoma looked fresh and ready for the stretch run to the end of the first half of the season. Sonoma also had a lot of fresh new faces in the clubhouse as well, as three players made their Stomper debuts Friday. The opponent in the Vallejo Admirals was one Sonoma was very confident with. Sonoma had only lost two games all season against them, and swept the Admirals the last time they visited People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field in June. There was no change to the trend on this night.

After the Stompers failed to score in the first three innings, Sonoma’s offense exploded for nine runs total from the fourth through the seventh. Sonoma got a clutch base hit into right field by Mason Morioka to score two runs with two outs in the fourth and the Stompers never looked back from there. Morioka finished with the team's best night offensively as he went 3 for 4 with two runs batted in and two runs scored to help Sonoma beat the Admirals 9-2. 

Although starter Oliver Garcia did not make it fifth inning because of a problem he had with his pitching hand, the Stompers staff did not allow Vallejo to do much of anything offensively. Vallejo totaled only three hits as a team. They did have eight walks as a team, but couldn’t capitalize as they left 11 runners stranded on base. 

Erik Gonsalves had his best night out of the pen this season throwing three scoreless innings to earn his first save of the season. He allowed only one hit and two base runners in those innings. Gonsalves also struck out three batters using his great slider that frustrated Admirals hitters. Jacob Cox made his presence felt with Sonoma in his first outing with the club by earning his first victory. The Fresno native pitched two innings allowing one run in relief of Oliver Garcia. 

Shortstop Chaz Meadows and right fielder Cody Bishop were the two other players that made their Stomper debuts Friday. Both players performed well, and raised some eyebrows in the process. Bishop finished 1 for 4 with two driven in and Meadows finished 2 for 4 with two runs scored.  Meadows also made multiple great stops at short and showed off a powerful arm. Sonoma had struggled a bit on defense in recent weeks, and Meadows definitely looked like a player that could improve their defense dramatically.

Sonoma (19-14) has now won three straight games and will look to continue their dominance of the Admirals Saturday night. Sonoma is now 11-2 is games played against the Admirals. 

Saturday will be a very fun night at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field as Stacy Piagno will make her second start of the season for the Stompers. Piagno last pitched on July 1 in the historic event when she and Kelsie Whitmore started on the same night for Sonoma. Piagno’s arrival in Sonoma has been very well documented, and she will look to continue to blaze a trail for women in baseball everywhere. 

Tickets for future Stomper home contests are available on StompersBaseball.com. Stompers gear, and tickets are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. For more information, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com

Box Score

Yasuda's 3-Run Night Propels Stompers To 6-4 Win

Yuki Yasuda had one of his best nights at the plate this season in the Stompers 6-4 win Wednesday over the Diamonds. Yasuda was 3 for 4 with a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored.

James Toy III/ Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Taylor Thurber has one of the most interesting routines when pitching on the mound that you will ever see. He is always moving around on the mound. Moving his hat, the rosin bag, anything he can find. Thurber hides the ball very well, and uses deception even better. Thurber had been used out of the bullpen exclusively until Thursday when he made his first start for the Stompers against the Diamonds at City Park Field. He did not disappoint. 

Sonoma was able to provide some help offensively, as the biggest inning of the game was a four-run fourth inning that put Sonoma in the lead for good, 6-2 on their way to a 6-4 victory. Yuki Yasuda hit his second ‘Yuki Bomb’ of the season over the left field wall to put an exclamation point on the inning off Chris Cummins. That homer proved to be the difference in the game as Yasuda finished the game 3 for 4 with two runs scored and three RBIs. 

Caleb Bryson had another impressive day at the plate as well going 1 for 2 with a double and two walks. Bryson has made some great adjustments at the plate by staying more patient, and has been able to work more counts in his favor. His double in the fourth was hit to one of the deepest parts of the ballpark in left center and went off the wall. 

Juan Espinosa was sensational once again coming out of the bullpen in his 2 1/3 innings for Sonoma. Espinosa entered for Taylor Thurber in the seventh to get the final out and took Sonoma to the finish line to earn his second save of the season. Espinosa allowed only two hits and struck out three in his work out of the pen. 

Thurber allowed four runs on eight hits for Sonoma in his 6 2/3 innings while striking out five. Two runs scored in the seventh off Thurber when a ball hit by Andrew Rubalcava hit off of Mark Hurley’s glove in left for a double. 

Sonoma will be in an interesting position Thursday as they will have an off day. The normal off day is Monday in the Pacific Association, but this day off will give the Stompers some much needed rest after playing nine straight days. Sonoma will be back in action Friday to begin a three game series at home facing the Vallejo Admirals. Sonoma has enjoyed great success against Vallejo this season as they have won every series they have played against them. Sonoma swept the Admirals the last time they visited People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field.

The Stompers (18-14) remained tied for first place in the Pacific Association with the Pacifics as San Rafael bounced back with a 7-4 win against the Admirals in Vallejo. San Rafael will play one more game in Vallejo Thursday before heading to Pittsburg to face the Diamonds over the weekend. 

Sonoma and Pittsburg will resume the opener of this past series that was suspended due to the fireworks display on July 12 in Sonoma. The game will resume in a 3-3 tie going into the top of the tenth inning. Sonoma has guaranteed a series win with two wins in Pittsburg and can complete a series sweep with a win in that game.

Tickets for upcoming Stompers home games can be purchased at 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 contact the Stompers at info@stompersbaseball.com. 

Box Score

Conroy's 10 Inning Masterpiece Carries Stompers To 6-2 Win Over Diamonds

Sean Conroy turned in a performance for the ages in a 10 inning complete game for the Stompers. Conroy allowed only 6 base runners, and struck out 8 on his was to a victory for Sonoma.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

In the bottom of the seventh inning the Pittsburg Diamonds had a runner on third with only one out in a 2-2 ballgame. Brandon Williams hit a ball up the middle that hit starting pitcher Sean Conroy right in the leg on a line. Time seemed to go in slow motion as Conroy fell to the ground, picked up the ball, and underhanded it toward home with Nick Oddo charging toward the plate. Somehow, some way, Conroy recorded an out that could have saved the game for the Stompers.

Many pitchers would be forced to come out of the game after something like that, and there would be no shame in it. But this was not an ordinary pitcher on an ordinary evening. Conroy was able to get out of that jam in the seventh, and went back out there for the eighth, showing toughness that has made him a leader of the Stompers pitching staff.

He was far from done at that point, and he continued to get stronger on the mound even as his pitch count soared over 100 late into the contest. “Wow, that is going to be an easy act to follow,” said Taylor Thurber with a huge grin on his face. Thurber is scheduled to start on Wednesday for Sonoma, and what he was witnessing wowed more than just his teammates.

Sean Conroy did not just throw a complete game on Tuesday. He threw a 10-inning complete game to carry the Stompers to a 6-2 win over the Diamonds. The second year pro threw 135 pitches with 90 strikes, allowing only six base runners while striking out eight in his masterpiece of a game. It's the first 10-inning complete game 

The most surprising part was that after the game, Conroy was just like he always is. He was not over excited, or bouncing off the walls with adrenaline. He celebrated after striking out Jordan Hinshaw to win the game, but was quick to get back to his normal, even keeled self. In the words of Conroy, it was as easy as just playing catch like he always does.

“I told Mason [Morioka] before the game that my arm felt better today than it has all season. After that it was just about staying focused and hitting my spots. When the ball hit my leg, that gave me some extra adrenaline to finish off the game,” Said Conroy.

Sonoma and Pittsburg remained tied going into the tenth, the second night in a row the two teams went to extra innings. Sonoma finally was able to break through with the hit they needed when Derrick Fox singled up the middle with runners at second an third to give Sonoma their first lead of the game at 4-2. Sonoma would add two more in the inning on a throwing error by catcher Tyler Nordgren to make it 6-2.

Caleb Bryson added his eighth home run of the season in the game, tying him with Brent Gillespie of San Rafael for the league lead. Morioka reached three times, including two walks.

Sonoma (17-14) is knotted up with the Pacifics atop the Pacific Association standings as San Rafael lost to the Vallejo Admirals 11-6 on Tuesday. Pittsburg (15-16) remained two games back in the standings overall. The aforementioned Thurber is scheduled to get the start against the Diamonds at City Park Field in the finale of the series on Wednesday. Thurber enjoyed great success in his last appearance against the Diamonds on June 23 in relief.  Thurber threw four scoreless innings in a 6-3 Stomper win.

Tickets for upcoming Stompers home games are available on StompersBaseball.com. Tickets, and fan merchandise is also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. For more information, contact the Stompers at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

Fireworks Cause Game To Be Suspended Against Diamonds

Daniel Baptista has been swinging a hot bat as of late, and his success continued Monday. Baptista was 2 for 4 with a home run and an RBI.

Rick Bolen/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

July 4th is always a festive occasion at ballparks all across the country. One of the many traditions that go along with the Fourth of July is of course a fireworks display to close out the evening. People gather from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the magic in the sky. However, the fireworks scheduled for Monday evening caused confusion at People’s Home Equity Ballpark as the game approached extra innings. 

As the game progressed, the sky got darker, and the time of the impending fireworks show grew nearer. After the end of the ninth inning, it was decided by the umpires that the game could not continue due to the start of the show. Furthermore, a curfew issue also came into affect, and the game was ultimately postponed to be made up at a later date. The game against the Pittsburg Diamonds was postponed in a 3-3 tie and will resume in the top of the 10th on a date that has yet to be determined. 

The entire situation was very bizarre, and left many fans confused. However, Sonoma had a chance to end things in the bottom of the ninth but could not come through. Sonoma had runners at the corners with one out, but could not get the winning run to the plate. Even though the outcome of this game has yet to be determined, it must still leave a bad taste in the Stomper’s mouth due to missed opportunities.

Sonoma led 3-1 going into the seventh inning but a two run rally tied the game for Pittsburg, and Sonoma gave up another late inning lead after blowing a 6-0 lead Sunday. John Contreras hit a ground ball to the shortstop Derrick Fox that went right under his glove that resulted in the tying run to come home in the inning. 

Sonoma got out to a good start thanks to some offensive fireworks in the third. Daniel Baptista and Joel Carranza hit back-to-back home runs in the inning to put Sonoma on top, 2-1. It was the first time that Sonoma had gone back-to-back this season. It was Baptista’s second of the season, and Carranza’s sixth. Sonoma added another run in the fourth to make it 3-1. But that lead did not stand up.

One positive that can be drawn from this weekend as a whole were the fabulous crowds at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. Every game was a capacity crowd, and the Stompers acknowledged the support of the community by making a $2,000 donation to the Sonoma Valley Babe Ruth League. Teams like the Stompers would not exist if it were not for the development of young players in youth leagues like the Babe Ruth league. 

Sonoma will now head to Pittsburg for games two and three of the series starting Tuesday night. Sean Conroy is the scheduled starter on Tuesday night, and will look to get the Stompers back on track at City Park Field. Conroy has faced the Diamonds twice this season, and has not earned a decision so far. Sonoma is 1-1 when Conroy starts against the Diamonds. 

Tickets for upcoming Stompers home contests are available on StompersBaseball.com. Fan gear, and tickets are available inside The Fan Shop at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information contact the Stompers at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers Split Doubleheader Sunday Against Pacifics

Gregory Paulino was stellar in Sonoma's first game of a home and away doubleheader Sunday in San Rafael. Paulino took a perfect game into the seventh, and pitched seven shutout innings in a 2-0 Stompers win.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

The Sonoma Stompers had an abnormal start to their Sunday against the Pacifics. Not only were they playing on the road in a game that was rescheduled from June 16, but also there was a cow-milking contest on the field before the game. The odd beginning must not have fazed Gregory Paulino as he turned in a pitching performance for the ages in game one of the home and away double header. 

The righty Paulino from the Dominican Republic was absolutely dominant and retired the first 18 batters he faced. With the game being a shortened seven-inning contest, Paulino had a chance to pitch a seven-inning perfect game. In the fourth inning, Paulino got two of San Rafael’s toughest hitters in Brent Gillespie and Miakel Jova to break their bats in consecutive at bats. Jova’s bat splintered at the hands and went flying up the third base line. As the game progressed, it was clear that Paulino was doing something special.

Zack Pace broke up the perfect game in the seventh inning with a single to center field on the first pitch of the inning.  Paulino was able to eventually settle in and finished the game off without allowing a run. Paulino allowed two hits total and struck out three to carry Sonoma to a 2-0 victory over San Rafael in game one at Albert Park. 

Sonoma was able to do just enough offensively thanks in part to aggressive base running. Sonoma finished with three steals in the game with their aggressive approach. Sonoma scored both of their runs via groundouts with runners at third. The victory gave Sonoma momentum as they headed back to Sonoma for game two of the doubleheader Sunday night. Sonoma (16-13) had also tied San Rafael for first in the Pacific Association, which meant game two would decide who would lead the Pacific Association. 

Everything seemed to be going the Stompers way early during game two. Sonoma’s offense was clicking, and Mike Jackson Jr. got off to a good start on the hill. Sonoma looked poised to take the lead back. But San Rafael would never go away, and Sonoma let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers.

A five-run sixth inning for San Rafael was the key to the game. Brent Gillespie launched a three run bomb over the right field wall off Austin Delmotte to cap the huge rally, and put San Rafael on top 8-6. Sonoma led 6-0 after the third inning but the Pacifics would not be denied and responded with three runs in the third and the five run rally in the fifth to put themselves in the lead. 

Sonoma would battle back with their backs against the wall trailing by three runs at 9-6 with a three run rally to tie in the bottom of the seventh. But Sonoma’s bullpen could not keep the Stompers in the game and San Rafael took down Sonoma 11-9 in eight innings.

This was the second largest deficit Sonoma had given up this season, and San Rafael seemed destined to win this game. They did not pack it in after the Stompers jumped out to an early lead, and were able to battle back and weathered a Stompers comeback attempt to hold on for the win. The Pacifics (17-13) now lead the Stompers (16-14) by one game in the Pacific Association. San Rafael will have an off day tomorrow before taking on the Vallejo Admirals in their next series Tuesday.

Sonoma will have no time to think about Sunday’s tough loss as they will be back in action Monday for the Fourth of July holiday to face the Pittsburg Diamonds. It will be the first game of a three game series. Game one will be at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field, and the final two games will be in Pittsburg. 

Jose Flores is scheduled to get the ball Monday for the Stompers. The Stompers usually enjoy an off day on Mondays, but will not get a day off until Thursday. It will be imperative that starters pick up the slack to make up for the lack of rest.

Tickets for the special Fourth of July matchup are still available on StompersBaseball.com. Fan Merchandise, and tickets are also available inside The Fan shop located at 234 West Napa Street. For more information, contact the Stompers at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

Paulino Spectacular As Stompers Win Doubleheader Opener

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

The Sonoma Stompers took game one of a home and away double header at Albert Park over the Pacifics by a score of 2-0. The game was a 7-inning affair that was a game that was rescheduled due to a light malfunction on June 16. Gregory Paulino was dominant as he set down the first 18 Pacific batters that he faced on his way to a victory in 7 innings pitched.

Paulino took a perfect game into the seventh inning, but Zack Pace lined a single into center field on the very first pitch of the seventh for the Pacifics first hit. Paulino allowed a second hit to Chase Tucker before closing the door on the Pacifics. Paulino struck out three and had no walks in his seven innings to pick up his second win of the season (2-2).

Sonoma used a little small ball to scratch across 2 runs with 2 RBI groundouts. Yuki Yasuda hit one in the first, and Ethan Szabo followed suit in the second. Those would be the only runs the Stompers would score off Patrick Barnett, but Barnett was left on the hook for the loss (0-2).

Sonoma, and San Rafael will head to People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field for game 2 of the double header later Sunday evening with first pitch coming at 5 p.m. The Stompers (16-13) are now tied with the Pacifics for first place in the Pacific Association. The Winner of the game later Sunday will take the lead of the Pacific Association alone.

Tickets for upcoming Stompers games are available on StompersBaseball.com. Fan merchandise, and tickets are available at The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

Stompers Even Series With 5-1 Win Over Pacifics

Joel Carranza and Sonoma's offense was solid with 11 hits combined. Carranza finished 3 for 4 with three RBIs in the Stompers 5-1 win Saturday.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Sonoma had a long week coming into Saturday against the San Rafael Pacifcs. They hadn’t played their best over the last three games, and it led to three straight losses and San Rafael taking a two game lead in the Pacific Association. Sonoma needed a spark Saturday to get back in the win column. The team needed to refocus and find a way to bounce back. Sonoma didn’t do so by firing each other up, or working harder off the field. They came back stronger thanks in part to a little relaxation.

Sonoma did not take batting practice this afternoon, and spent much of the afternoon hanging out in the clubhouse. Sean Conroy has become known as the video game master and everyone wanted a shot at him.

After a long nine game road trip that wrapped up Thursday, and the media frenzy extravaganza Friday, the team probably needed just a little time to refocus. “The key for us tonight was just getting a little time to relax the body and mind before we went out there today. We had some fun in the clubhouse, and came out tonight loose and ready to go,” said third basemen Caleb Bryson.

The relaxation approach worked for Sonoma on the field as the Stompers took game two of the series at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field by a score of 5-1 over the Pacifcs.

Sonoma looked sharp at the plate with three players finishing with multiple hits in the lineup. Joel Carranza’s two-RBI single into left center field in the fourth inning capped a three run inning to give the Stompers a 4-0 lead. Sonoma never looked back.  Carranza finished 3 for 4 with three RBIs in the game.

Pacifics Starter Patrick Conroy was outstanding in his first start against Sonoma on June 15 as he pitched seven shutout innings. But it was a different story Saturday as Sonoma’s offense racked up 11 hits and five total runs off Conroy on their way to a win. “Conroy does not vary the type of pitches he uses a lot, and we really tried to stay aggressive on the first pitch and it worked out well for us,” said Bryson.

Oliver Garcia  and the bullpen turned in a great performance tonight as well. Garcia got credit the win for the success he had in his five innings of work. Garcia allowed only four hits and struck out four on his way to his second win of the season (2-0).

Juan Espinosa and Austin Delmotte were fantastic out of the pen in four innings combined. They allowed only one hit combined while shutting out the Pacifics offense. Espinosa’s effort in the sixth was the highlight as he came into the game with runners at the corners with nobody out. Espinosa pitched out of trouble beautifully and capped the inning off with a double play. Espinosa pitched three innings without allowing a hit. Delmotte pitched a clean ninth allowing only one hit to polish things off. Delmotte has not allowed an earned run in the last 10 innings that he has pitched.

Sonoma will have a unique day Sunday in a home and away doubleheader against the Pacifics. Game one will be at Albert Park Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m. On June 16, the Pacifics cancelled the game scheduled for that night due to a light malfunction. Sonoma will then return to People’s Home Equity Ballpark Sunday evening for the originally scheduled matchup at 5 p.m.

Tickets for upcoming Stompers games are available on stompersbaseball.com. Stompers Fan gear, and tickets are also available at The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street. For more information, contact the Stompers via email at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

Stompers Shatter Barriers In Historic Moment For Women In Baseball

Stacy Piagno (left) and Kelsie Whitmore (right) both were in the starting lineup Friday against the San Rafael Pacifics. Sonoma became the first co-ed baseball team since the 1950s in the process. 

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Scoreless half innings occur in baseball routinely. At many levels, it is more common to have a scoreless inning than one that nets a run. But something was different about the scoreless top of the first at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. Cheers rained down from the packed crowd, and even tears came from the eyes of many people watching the affair. 

Stacy Piagno, a 25-year-old from St. Augustine, Florida walked off the mound without allowing a run to come home. She was joined by left fielder Kelsie Whitmore, who made the final out in that half inning, in a truly monumental moment for the game of baseball. The Stompers became the first co-ed professional baseball team since the 1950s.

A female on a baseball field is not something that is a societal norm. Two on the field together at the same time is unheard of at the professional level. That is what occurred Friday in a moment that left many speechless. “The magnitude of being a part of this evening has not sunk in for me at all. It feels like just another game but I know that it wasn’t just a routine game. One day I will look back on this whole experience and realize how truly cool it was to be a part of this moment,” said bench coach Chris Matthews.

Matthews truly at a loss for words, and it was evident that this moment did mean a lot to him. It meant a lot to a lot of people as a media frenzy swarmed downtown Sonoma. The one main takeaway from everything that occurred was that this had nothing to do with the media, cameras, or likes on social media. It was about giving two players an opportunity to play that truly deserved the chance to compete like any great ballplayer does. 

The result on the field did not go Sonoma’s way in an 8-4 loss to the Pacifcs, but there were so many positive things that could be taken from this game. Tonight was a night about breaking barriers and dated social constructs. This team has taken a huge step forward in that regard. 

Evidence of this was seen after the game with Piagno in conversation with fellow pitchers Martin Cronin and Eric Mozeika. When the lights turned off and the crowds dispersed, they didn’t go their separate ways. Instead, they went over strategy and talked about daily routines in the clubhouse. She had been accepted into the pitching staff as just another player. In the eyes of her teammates she was there to improve her craft, and become a better professional. 

Being a professional entitles many things. Whitmore did what any professional hitter is supposed to do in her first at bat in the second inning on her way to a walk. She laid off some junk, and reached base by staying patient. Piagno retired San Rafael’s most feared hitter Jake Taylor twice in her outing. Piagno allowed two earned runs on five hits in two innings pitched. 

The most impressive showing of professionalism was seen in their class off the field. With media attention and screaming fans surrounding them when their job was done, they handled the entire situation like any ballplayer should. Whitmore seemed to have a permanent smile on her face and handled everything with grace. Piagno took countless pictures with fans after the game, and both players signed autographs. 

No matter what is in store for either of these women from here this will be a huge step forward for baseball, and that is the most important thing. It was Whitmore’s hope that others like her will also be heard from soon. “I hope girls watch and realize that they can play baseball if that’s what they want to do. I just want to show them that it’s possible,” said Whitmore. 

After the dust had cleared, and the stadium has long since emptied, there seems to be a feeling of contentment in the air. Something truly special happened in this little town in Northern California. The season will go on with many games still to go but nothing will ever take away the magnitude of what happened this evening. The Stompers blazed a trail for others to follow. For the first time America’s pastime will not just be a pastime for men but for anyone who feels the desire to be a part of this incredible game. 

Tickets for future Stompers home games are available on StompersBaseball.com. Fan Merchandise, and tickets are also available at The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information, contact the Stompers at info@stompersbaseball.com. 

Box Score

Two Woman Ball Players Have Been Signed To A Minor League Team

The Sonoma Stompers have signed Kelsie Whitmore and Stacy Piagno to contracts.

JP Raineri/Rob Furtrell

Originally Published: Jezebel

Aimee Lutkin, Contributing Writer

In a historic hire, 17-year-old Kelsie Whitemore and 25-year-old Stacy Piagno have joined the Sonoma Stompers, with positions in the left field and on the mound, respectively.

The Washington Post reports that there hasn’t been a professional co-ed baseball team since three women played in the Negro Leagues of the 1950s. The Stompers have featured other nontraditional players in their line-up before, including a 67-year-old MLB star Bill Lee, who became the oldest person to get a professional win. But they insist that this isn’t a publicity stunt. Sonoma GM Theo Fightmaster told MLB.com:

“This isn’t a one-day event... That’s been done a dozen times. Let’s give women a chance to be part of a team, let’s give women a chance to play against men. What will they learn? What have they not been coached because they haven’t had the same coaching as boys? I remember being really disappointed with my sister’s coaches because they coached the girls a lot different than how I was coached.”

“They’re going to play however much they earn... They are not going to be in the starting lineup every night so we can sell more tickets. It’s a big game on July 1 and they’ll both be in the lineup, and after that we’ll see what their performance dictates.”

The Sonoma Stompers are in a partnership with Francis Ford Coppola via his winery, and he apparently has some influence on the decision, saying in a statement, “When watching Major League Baseball, I always wondered why there couldn’t be a co-ed team. It’s the one major sport in which weight and strength come less into play. So when my Sonoma winery became involved with the Stompers, I had the opportunity to turn this thought into a reality and recruit these amazing women capable of playing alongside men.”

Both women are also set to play for Team USA this fall in the Womens’ Baseball World in South Korea, and are obviously amazing players. Controversy over the rules against women playing in the MLB has swirled for a long time, and though Fightmaster says he essentially believes it is possible, women are held back in their development as players by their gender segregation:

“While many believe it’s only a matter of time before we see a woman playing in the MLB, I’ve learned over the past several months that there are many steps in between where we are and where we should be in terms of women in this sport... We hope this sends a message to the rest of the baseball world that there is room for women and girls in this game – from Little League to the Major Leagues.”