Stompers Sweep Diamonds To Finish First Half In 5-2 Win

Chaz Meadows was outstanding on the field defensively, and at the plate in Sonoma's 5-2 win over Pittsburg Thursday. Meadows finished the game 3 for 4 with a double and runs scored.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

Mike Volpe made his second appearance for the Stompers and  his first start of the season Thursday. Volpe was called upon the night after the Stompers clinched a first half pennant, and many Stompers players were given a day off. But Sonoma was still looking to finish the first half on a winning note. Volpe had an extremely rough outing in his first appearance against the Admirals on July 10 in a 6-2 extra inning loss for Sonoma. Everything that could have gone wrong for the right-hander did go wrong. But when Volpe was called upon to start Thursday against the Diamonds, Volpe put that performance far in the rearview mirror.

Sonoma did a little bit of everything tonight against the Diamonds and turned in a great team effort. They got clutch hitting when they needed it, strong pitching, and also played some great defense to cap it off. Sonoma has now won five straight against the Diamonds as they completed the series sweep with a 5-2 win Thursday to close out the first half with a bang.

It was a night that Stompers newcomers shined as four players that were not on the opening day roster made great contributions. Chaz Meadows was at his best defensively, and at the plate as well. Meadows went 3 for 4 with a runs scored. On defense he helped turn a huge double play in the fifth inning that ended the bases loaded threat. He has proven to be a huge asset on the field defensively. With Meadows swinging the bat well in the lead off spot was icing on the cake.

Jacob Cox, and Erik Gonsalves were both fabulous out of the bullpen in their 3 2/3 innings pitched combined. Cox recorded 5 strikeouts on the night and allowed only 1 hit in 2 2/3 innings pitched. Gonzalves pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his second save of the season. Volpe also earned his first win of the season for his effort in 6 1/3 innings pitched.

Stacy Piagno also made her first start in the field Thursday lining up at first base as Daniel Baptista was given the day off on the defensive side. Piagno had made two appearances with Sonoma, but both were on the mound as a starting pitcher. Piagno also made her first plate appearances for Sonoma and reached base in the fifth inning by drawing a walk and went on to score a run in the inning. Her play at first was also solid she could not have done her job any better. She handled every ball that came her way, and was fundamentally sound throughout.

Daniel Baptista was the lead run contributor as he got Sonoma on the board in the third, and fifth innings. Baptista finished the game 3 for 4 with a double and 2 driven in. it was fitting that Baptista knocked in Stacy Piagno with a single in the fifth as the two teammates have become close friends over the past couple weeks.

Sonoma ended the first half with the best record in the Pacific Association at (23-16).  They will begin the second half where the season began over the weekend at Wilson Park, as Sonoma will go head to head with the Admirals. Sonoma played well against the last place Admirals (15-24) in the first half and never lost more than one game in a series against them. Sonoma went 4-2 at Wilson Park in the first half.

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

Stompers Clinch First Half Pennant With Thrilling 8-7 Win

The Sonoma Stompers celebrate on Wednesday after an 8-7 win over the Pittsburg Diamonds that clinched the first half pennant in the Pacific Association.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

The Pittsburg Diamonds trailed the Stompers 8-4 headed into the eighth inning in a game that had so much on the line for both teams. This Diamonds team would not go down without a fight. They had won four games via the walk-off this season and rallied for three runs to cut the lead to one. The fans were sitting on the edge of their seats as the Diamonds loaded the bases with only one out threatening to take the lead.

Even in the pressure situation, Jose Flores was able to get two very important outs to keep the Stompers lead intact. He went back out for the ninth inning and closed out a second consecutive first half championship for Sonoma, as the Stompers held on for an 8-7 win over the Pittsburg Diamonds. Champagne was flowing and it was all smiles on the field after the game. 

Sonoma clinched the pennant with a 22-16 record, doing it in the penultimate game of the first half. This game was like many of the close games the Stompers won throughout a truly competitive league. Even when things were looking bleak when the Diamonds charged back in the eighth inning, bench coach Chris Mathews had a lot of confidence that they would get the job done, “I knew that we had the best guys out their, and with Jose [Flores] on the mound he’d keep us in it. I never doubted our guys, we had worked so hard to get to this moment and I had faith that we would pull it off,” said Mathews.

Veteran leadership is a huge factor on this team, and one of the main clubhouse leaders Joel Carranza proved why he is in that role with a fantastic performance at the plate. Carranza finished 3 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored. Sean Conroy also delivered with a solid start to keep his club out in front. Conroy pitched 6 2/3 innings allowing six hits and four runs to pick up the win.

The Stompers also made the Diamonds pay for the mistakes they made, as Pittsburg committed three more errors. A large part of the four run rally the Stompers made in the sixth was aided by an error made in left field by Rich Mejia.

The Stompers will close out the first half with one more game against the Pittsburg Diamonds on Thursday evening at People’s Home Equity Ballpark. It will be a night of celebration for the Stompers Wednesday, but they won’t have a lot of time to celebrate as the second half of the season begins on the road Friday night against the Vallejo Admirals.

The journey to the Pacific Association title is just beginning for these Stompers. Sure with this win the Stompers have ensured a chance to play for the Pacific Association championship on August 30. But if Sonoma wins the second half as well, this team would clinch the Pacific Association Championship without having to play in a championship game. 

Tickets for future Stompers home games will be available on StompersBaseball.com. On Thursday July 13, all tickets and concessions will be half off to celebrate the first half pennant. Coors Light will also be half off. It has also been announced that Stacy Piagno will start the game at first base for the Stompers.

Fan Merchandise and tickets are also available at The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. For more information contact the Stompers at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

Stompers One Win Away From First Half Pennant After 6-2 Win

Taylor Thurber delivered with a fantastic start in a 6-2 win over the Diamonds Tuesday. Thurber struck out 8 in 8 innings of work to earn the win.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

A ball hit near the end of the end of the bat by Brandon Williams sailed into the left field bleachers and put the Pittsburg Diamonds ahead 4-3 in the 11th inning of a game that was suspended from July 4. It seemed like the only audible sound was coming from the Diamonds dugout as they celebrated the fact that they had the lead. The Stompers would go down quietly in the bottom half of the inning and Pittsburg took the game. There was a break in between games, and the Stompers headed back to the clubhouse to prepare for the regularly scheduled contest. The clubhouse was as silent as Arnold Field was after what occurred.

No Stompers were playing music or games of Mario Kart like they usually do before games. The team knew that they had lost an opportunity. A loss meant the Stompers had only a one game lead in the Pacific Association first half standings. But none of the Stompers seemed fazed, or panicked. Once the second game did begin, it did not take the Stompers long to rewrite the script from the first game.

Taylor Thurber was tasked with being the stopper for Sonoma in only his second start of the season. The young right-hander had pitched beautifully in the pen in late inning situations, but this may have been the most important start a Stompers pitcher had to make all season. Sonoma desperately needed a win to keep the pressure off themselves, and to stay in the outright lead in the Pacific Association. Thurber did not disappoint, as a dominant start has put Sonoma a win away from a first half title.

Thurber took a shutout into the eighth and allowed only one earned run in that inning. In his eight complete innings, he allowed seven hits and two walks while striking out eight, as his command and tempo kept the Diamonds off balanced. Sonoma’s offense was able to provide more than enough as the Stompers bounced back in a 6-2 victory.

Matt Hibbert reached base all four times he came to the plate, scoring three times in all, with the first coming on a solo homer on the very first pitch he saw from Chris Cummins. Hibbert knew the importance of the role he plays as the lead off man for this club on this night, “I know that when I get on base, it jumpstarts this offense and sets the tone for the entire club. It makes their job a lot easier when I have success. It’s all about helping the team and winning ballgames. I feel that I have something to build on after tonight,” said Hibbert.

Jose Flores shut the door on the Diamonds in the ninth and even though it was not a save situation, Flores definitely made his presence felt. He had made five starts before making his first appearance out of the pen Tuesday, as he had been up and down and struggled with command. But Flores found a new swagger on this night with a devastating fastball that touched 95 miles per hour on the radar gun. Sonoma may have just found the right role for the former Brewer farmhand.

With the win, Sonoma (21-16) now leads Pittsburg (19-18) by two games in the Pacific Association with two games left to play in the first half. The task is now simple for the Stompers: If they win one of the remaining games, Sonoma will win the first half pennant for the second straight season. Sean Conroy is scheduled to pitch next in the rotation, and will be coming off one of the most spectacular outings that have been seen in the history of the Pacific Association. He pitched a 10 inning complete game his last time out against the Diamonds in a 6-2 win on July 6.

Tickets for upcoming Stompers home games are available on StompersBaseball.com. Tickets, and fan merchandise are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. If you have any questions, contact the Stompers at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

Stompers Fall In Extra Innings To Admirals 6-2

Mike Jackson Jr. had one of his best performances of the season Sunday, going nine innings and allowing two runs, seven hits, and only two walks.

James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant

The Stompers got some good news that had nothing to do with the game they were playing early Sunday evening at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. The San Rafael Pacifics lost to the Diamonds on a walk off three run homer in the tenth inning by Mike Taylor. The loss by the Pacifics meant that the Stompers could put themselves in great position to win the first half pennant in the Pacific Association with a win at home Sunday against the Admirals.

Sonoma had beaten Vallejo in five straight contests at home, and was looking for their second straight home sweep of the Admirals. However, a loss on Sunday would make things very interesting, as Sonoma finishes the first half with four games against Pittsburg. The Diamonds are the only other team in the league that has a mathematical shot for the first half pennant.

Sonoma went into extra innings for the third time in a week after tying the game at 2 in the ninth on an error by Gadiel Baez that scored Yuki Yasuda. As demoralizing as that must have been for the Admirals, they were able to bounce back their next time to the plate.

Stompers newcomer Mike Volpe had a rough 10th inning as four runs were charged to the right-hander in only 1/3 of an inning pitched. He allowed three hits and also walked 2 before being pulled out of the game. The biggest blow was a two run homer by Wilfredo Petit that soared over the scoreboard in right center. When the dust settled, the Admirals led 6-2, which would be how the game ended as the Stompers fell in the series finale.

Even though the Stompers found a way to tie the game in the ninth inning, Sonoma cannot feel good about their overall performance at the plate. Sonoma stranded 16 batters on base in the game, and did not have a good approach at the plate. They helped the Admirals staff out a lot by swinging at pitches out of the strike zone. Marquis Hutchinson used this to his advantage in his six innings of work by striking out nine batters. Pedro Perez got credit for his first win for the Admirals even though he blew a save in the ninth.

Mike Jackson Jr. was the highlight for Sonoma as the veteran right-hander turned in a fantastic effort against the Admirals. With his team trailing for the majority of the night, Jackson kept his team in the game by allowing only two runs. The charter member of the Stompers made it all the way through nine complete innings, allowing seven hits while walking only two batters. He had good control all night with his slider, and was not afraid to throw it in any count. Even with such a terrific performance, he did not factor in the decision.

Sonoma (20-15) begins that pivotal stretch stretch at home against the Pittsburg Diamonds on Tuesday that will decide the champion of the first half in the Pacific Association. Sonoma will play in two games Tuesday with the first game being the continuation of a game that was suspended because of the July 4 fireworks display. The game is tied at 3-3 heading into the 10th inning.

The Diamonds (18-17) trail the Stompers by two games in the standings. Sonoma can guarantee itself at least a tie for first in the Pacific Association with one win, and can win it outright with two wins. Sonoma is 6-5 overall against Pittsburg this season. It is worth noting that all 11 of those games were played on the road at City Park Field.

Fans who have tickets from the July 4 suspended game can redeem them for entry into the ballpark for the games on Tuesday, July 10 at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. It will be a special start time as the suspended game will resume at 5:30. First pitch of the regularly scheduled game will take place a half hour after the first game ends.

Tickets for future Stompers games will be available on StomperBaseball.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 front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.

Box Score

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.

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