Sonoma Stompers Drop Second Series of Season with 6-5 Extra-Inning Loss to Pittsburg Diamonds

Brennan Metzger (right) hit a two-run home run in the Sonoma Stompers' 6-5 loss to the Pittsburg Diamonds on Thursday. (James W. Toy III, Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, lost their second series of the season with a 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Pittsburg Diamonds on Thursday night.

The series was only the second between the two teams in 2017, as they haven’t faced each other since the Stompers swept Pittsburg in the first series of the season.

“We’ve just got to keep playing our game. It just goes to show that Pittsburg is a much better team than they were the first three games of the season,” said Stompers left fielder Brennan Metzger.

The Stompers’ only runs prior to the tenth came off of the bat of Metzger, who hit a two-run home run in the sixth that hit the top of the press box in left field.

“I got to a 2-0 count and I was sitting there thinking ‘well, he’s probably going to throw me a fastball right now,’” Metzger said. “Sure enough, it just kind of all worked out and I got it.”

Taylor Thurber, a returning Stomper from the 2016 roster signed earlier in July, put up a strong start against ex-MLB player Travis Blackley on the Diamonds’ side. Australian native Blackley played 82 games and made 26 starts in the Major Leagues for five teams including the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants.

“For me, it was kind of fun actually, because he was a former teammate, we played together in the Giants organization,” Metzger said. “I got a triple off of him, so that was fun.”

Blackley allowed five hits and struck out four in five innings of work, keeping the Stompers scoreless in tandem with Skylar Shaw-Fuss out of the bullpen until Metzger’s jack. On the Stompers’ side of the early pitcher’s duel, Thurber stayed in the game through six and allowed just two earned runs.

The Diamonds evened the score in the next frame on a hard, two-RBI double from Kori Melo.

Both teams remained scoreless until the tenth, when the Pacific Association’s tiebreaker rule allowed the Diamonds to strike for four runs off of Ryan Richardson and Zach Wendorf. The Stompers struck back, coming within one run in the top of the ninth, but were unable to get the tying run around to score.

The first-place Stompers fall to 22-8 on the season while the second-place Diamonds improve to 17-13, leaving Sonoma’s magic number to clinch the first half at five.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Fall 5-4 to Pittsburg Diamonds Despite Solid Pitching

Attached photo caption and credit: Sonoma Stompers first baseman Scott David drove in the Stompers' only two RBIs in Wednesday night's 5-4 loss to the Pittsburg Diamonds. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers.

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, fell 5-4 to the Pittsburg Diamonds on Wednesday night at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field.

Sonoma starter Scott Plaza struck out nine in five innings, allowing two runs as Pittsburg starter Cory MacDonald allowed just five hits through six.

The Diamonds scored their first run on an error by Stompers first baseman Scott David, but David neutralized it by driving in the first Sonoma run. David ended up with both of the RBIs on the night.

“You’ve got to give (MacDonald) some credit, he only gave up a couple of hits to us, but we were able to apply pressure” Plaza said.

Plaza did not let the game get away from him, but MacDonald kept the Stompers’ offense off the board from the third until the sixth. Carranza put the Stompers within one run in the sixth, scoring on a throwing error before another David RBI drove in the tying run.

“We know that we’ve got a good-hitting team,” Plaza said. “We have a lot of faith in our guys, that even when we’re down 3-0 or 5-4 we’re going to come back and they’re going to pick us up.”

Pat Lemmo replaced Plaza and made quick work of the Diamonds, fanning two in his first inning of work. He retired the first five hitters he faced before a few base hits and a walk gave Pittsburg its two-run lead back.

The Stompers threatened in the seventh, scoring on a wild pitch and loading the bases. The rally ended on a hard ground ball fielded well by Diamonds third basemen J.J. Wagner.

Jacob Cox was excellent in relief Wednesday for Sonoma, allowing just one hit in the last two innings of the game.  

The Stompers fall to 22-7 at first in the Pacific Association while the second-place Diamonds improve to 16-13. The first pitch of the series-deciding game is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m.

WOMEN IN SPORTS NIGHT

The Stompers will celebrate Women in Sports Night on Thursday, and want to hear what Stompers baseball means to you or a woman you know. Use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share yours.

Fans can use promo code “THERELISH” to get 20 percent off of tickets for July 6 and merchandise online. Thanks to the Relish, which serves up sports coverage for female fans, the Stompers intend to raise awareness about the 20% average gender pay gap in the United States.

Women can also get 20 percent off at the box office before Thursday’s game.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

The Relish, Sonoma Stompers offer 20 percent off Merchandise and Women in Sports Night Tickets July 6 to Raise Gender Pay Gap Awareness

Stacy Piagno pitches the last inning of the Sonoma Stompers' 13-4 victory over the Vallejo Admirals on Friday. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, is offering a 20 percent off discount with promo code “THERELISH” for Women in Sports Night tickets on July 6 in an effort to raise awareness about the gender pay gap.

As of 2015, women were paid an average of  80 percent of what men were in the United States, so the discount represents the 20 percent pay gap. The code also gets fans 20 percent off of merchandise online and is thanks to the Relish, which serves up sports coverage for female fans.

“The pay gap is real,” wrote Board Chair Patricia Fae Ho in the foreword of a 2017 report by the American Association of University Women. “The good news is that the gap has narrowed considerably in the last hundred years. The bad news is that the gap is still sizable, it’s even worse for women of color, and it doesn’t seem likely to go away on its own.”

The Stompers became the first co-ed professional baseball team since the 1950s when they signed pitcher Stacy Piagno and pitcher and outfielder Kelsie Whitmore in 2016. Later that year, Whitmore made history again as she formed one half of the first female battery in professional baseball history with catcher Anna Kimbrell. The Stompers' commitment to the advancement of women in baseball is in partnership with Virginia Dare, a Francis Ford Coppola winery.

To celebrate women in sports and the Stompers' place in women's baseball history, the Stompers want to hear from their fans. Fans can use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share what Sonoma baseball means to them or a woman they know, or leave a comment on any of the Stompers social media sites. Stories will be featured on game day.  

“Right as I was about to consider giving up baseball, I went to (a Stompers game) and everything changed,” said Twitter user Niamh Mayhew (@ignorant_art123). “I was able to meet and talk to Anna, Stacy, and Kelsie while grabbing some dinner. They are the reason I still want to play.”

Find the Stompers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Sonoma faces the second-place Pittsburg Diamonds on July 6. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. The promo code is only redeemable online and does not apply to jerseys.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Juan Espinosa's Complete-Game Shutout Fuels 5-0 Sonoma Stompers Victory over Pittsburg Diamonds

Sonoma Stompers starter Juan Espinosa pitched a complete-game shutout in Tuesday's 5-0 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds and has allowed just one earned run in his last three starts. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, secured a 5-0 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds on Tuesday behind starter Juan Espinosa, who pitched a complete-game shutout and struck out seven.

“Everything (was working for me,)” Espinosa said. “My cutter was on, my curveball was on, and when I needed my fastball it was there.”

It is Espinosa’s third solid outing in a row. In his last three starts, Espinosa has walked only three, allowed just one earned run, 12 hits and 22 strikeouts. On Tuesday, he threw first-pitch strikes to 30 of the 34 batters he faced.

“We just stuck to a game plan today. We talked about it in the first inning and executed all day, stayed extremely focused. Espy did an unbelievable job of doing that through all nine innings,” said catcher Isaac Wenrich.

The game was a pitcher’s duel in the early on, as Dennis Neal went six and two thirds innings, striking out three and allowing two earned runs. His only blemish on the scoreboard was a two-run home run from Joel Carranza in the first inning.

“You could tell, the first two innings, we were jumping at the first two pitches and it worked out,” manager Takashi Miyoshi said.  

In his last game at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark, Carranza also hit a three-run homer in the first inning. His shot Tuesday is his second homer in two games, as Carranza also sent one over the fence in Sunday’s matchup with the Vallejo Admirals.

The shot on Tuesday was the 51st of Carranza’s Pacific Association career. He leads the league all-time in career HR.

The Stompers play the Diamonds nine times in their next 12 games. Sonoma improves to 22-6 on the season, seven games ahead of the next-best Diamonds. Pittsburg falls to 15-13 overall and will look to gain ground on the Stompers Wednesday at 6 p.m. 

“Nothing’s for sure yet. They can always come back. Tomorrow, I’m just going to be humble again and take it one day at a time,” Miyoshi said.

WOMEN IN SPORTS NIGHT: JULY 6

The Stompers will celebrate Women in Sports Night on Thursday, and want to hear what Stompers baseball means to you or a woman you know. Use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share yours.

Fans can use promo code “THERELISH” to get 20 percent off of tickets for July 6 and merchandise online. Thanks to the Relish, which serves up sports coverage for female fans, the Stompers intend to raise awareness about the gender pay gap in the United States.

Since women make 80 percent of what men make on average, the promo code offers a baseball ticket for 80 percent of the normal price.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Offense Backs Solid Outing From Garkow In 11-3 Victory Over Admirals

Starter Tyler Garkow had a season high 12 strikeouts in the Stompers 11-3 victory over the Admirals Sunday. Garkow allowed only four hits over seven innings of work. 

Geoff Safford, Director of Broadcasting

VALLEJO, Calif.- The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club Presented by Virginia Dare Winery scored at least 10 runs for the fifth consecutive game in Sonoma’s 11-3 victory over the Vallejo Admirals Sunday at Wilson Park. The offensive output supported an outstanding effort by starter Tyler Garkow who had a season-high 12 strikeouts in the victory. 

“This was my second time starting this week so I was definitely feeling ready to go,” Garkow said. “I felt good all week in my bullpen sessions and I just left it all out on the field this afternoon.” 

Garkow scattered four hits over seven innings allowing three runs. Left fielder Nick Akins provided the only offense for the Admirals when he hit a three-run home run in the third to tie the game at three runs apiece.  However, The Point Loma product responded and was in complete control the rest of the way. Garkow only allowed two other baserunners to reach base after the third inning. 

“It was key for me to attack the hitters, and get first pitch strikes,” Garkow said. “Doing so allowed me to retire lead-off batters so I could pitch into the later innings.”

After the Admirals tied the game in the third inning, Sonoma scored eight unanswered runs over the remaining innings to support the effort from Garkow. The offense scored in five consecutive innings from the second through the sixth to take control of the game. 

“Our lineup is a tough one for opposing pitchers to face,” said Hitting Coach Joel Carranza. “It’s fun to hit in this lineup because you know the person following you in the order can do damage if you do not get the job done” 

 Carranza delivered with his best offensive performance of the season finishing 4-for-5 with a home run and three driven in. The Reigning League MVP leads the team in home runs and RBIs.

“Being the hitting coach, I take it upon myself to lead the team by example,” Carranza said. “I try to do all I can to try to spark this offense to get some energy going in the dugout.” 

The Stompers improved to (21-6) overall after their sixth consecutive series victory. Sonoma holds a six-game advantage over the second place Pittsburg Diamonds (15-12) in the league first half pennant standings.  The upcoming series between the two foes will be critical in the race to the end of the first half in the Pacific Association. 
NEXT AT PEOPLES HOME EQUITY BALLPARK
Spend the Fourth of July with the Stompers and enjoy Sonoma’s world-famous fireworks show from the field at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark.

Then, the Stompers will celebrate Women in Sports Night on Thursday, and want to hear what Stompers baseball means to you or a woman you know. Use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share yours.
STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Make Late Run in 14-10 Loss to Vallejo Admirals

Daniel Comstock launched a two-out, three run home run in the top of the ninth inning of Saturday's 10-14 Sonoma Stompers loss to the Vallejo Admirals. (James W Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, fell to the Vallejo Admirals 10-14 Saturday night at Wilson Park in a game that looked a bit different than others played against the Admirals in 2017.

Sonoma came into the contest having outscored Vallejo 99-49 on the season. It was a welcome win for the Admirals, who improve to 8-18 overall and 3-7 in their last ten games.

The Stompers made it interesting in the twilight of the game, tacking on crooked numbers in the last three innings. With two outs in the top of the ninth, Daniel Comstock launched a three-run homer to make the score 9-14. Yuki Yasuda knocked an RBI single after Comstock’s jack, the Stompers’ final run of the game. Comstock went 3 for 5 on the night while Yasuda collected three RBIs. 

It was a nine-run fourth inning from the Admirals that sunk the Stompers. Vallejo managed five singles in a row, allowing the entire Admirals lineup to come to the plate in the inning.  

Reliever Jacob Cox replaced starter Mike Jackson Jr. in that frame and stayed in the game until outfielder Marcus Bradley came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh. He issued two walks and struck out Shawn Payne before a double play ended the inning.  

Bradley was replaced by Kelsie Whitmore in the eighth.  Exactly one year ago, Whitmore and Stacy Piagno make their starting debuts for the Stompers. Whitmore in the outfield, Piagno on the mound.

Other than one run, the Admirals did not get on the board after the fourth. The Stompers head to Wilson Park on Sunday for the series-deciding game between Sonoma, which leads the Pacific Association four-and-a-half games up  with a record of 20-6, and the last-place Admirals.

NEXT AT PEOPLES HOME EQUITY BALLPARK
Spend Fourth of July with the Stompers and enjoy Sonoma’s world-famous fireworks show from the field at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark.

Then, the Stompers will celebrate Women in Sports Night on Thursday, and want to hear what Stompers baseball means to you or a woman you know. Use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share yours.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Offense Erupts in Early Innings as Stompers Win 13-4 Over Vallejo Admirals

Stacy Piagno recorded the last out of the Sonoma Stompers 13-4 victory over the Vallejo Admirals Friday at Wilson Park. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– Stacy Piagno struck out Chevy Clark for the final out of a 13-4 victory by the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, over the Vallejo Admirals on Friday at Wilson Park.  

Piagno struck out two Admirals in one inning of work, securing the victory for Sonoma in a game where four different Stompers recorded multiple hits. Admirals starter Roberto Santana lasted less than an inning and did not record an out, allowing five earned runs–all on walks and wild pitches.

“We knew coming into the game that (Santana) had high walk numbers,” said outfielder Matt LoCoco. “Our approach going into that first inning was just to be patient and it worked out to where he walked five of us in a row.”

Grayson Weber was responsible for the other eight runs, allowing ten hits before being replaced by Demetrius Banks in the third.  

“It’s always good to score a bunch of runs in the first few innings, it kind of sets the tone for the rest of the game. It makes it easier for pitching, defense, guys relax a little more, have a little more fun,” LoCoco said.

Scott David, Brennan Metzger and Masa Miyadera all drove in two runs while LoCoco went 3 for 5. Isaac Wenrich drove in three runs on the night and has driven in nine in his last six games.

“We’re fortunate to have a really good offense here, top to bottom, even guys that aren’t always in the lineup produce well. I think the lineup we have really eases the pitchers when they’re on the mound,” LoCoco said. 

Pat Lemmo replaced starter Ty’Relle Harris in the third and cruised for five more innings, striking out six. At one point, Lemmo retired 11 Admirals in a row. His only blemish was a seventh-inning single and homer that cost him two earned runs. 

“(Lemmo’s performance) was a really good sign that we have another reliever out of the pen who’s strong and confident,” said outfielder Matt LoCoco. “He had really good rhythm, he was commanding every pitch, keeping Vallejo off balance.”  

The Stompers will take on the Admirals again Saturday, having outscored the Admirals 99-49 on the season. With the victory, the Stompers improve to 20-5 at first place in the Pacific Association

NEXT AT PEOPLES HOME EQUITY BALLPARK

Spend Fourth of July with the Stompers and enjoy Sonoma’s world-famous fireworks show from the field at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark.

Then, the Stompers will celebrate Women in Sports Night on Thursday, and want to hear what Stompers baseball means to you or a woman you know. Use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share yours.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

– STOMPERS BASEBALL –

Sonoma Stompers to celebrate Women in Sports Night July 6

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, will celebrate Women in Sports on July 6! 

The Stompers became the first co-ed professional baseball team since the 1950s when they signed pitcher Stacy Piagno and pitcher and outfielder Kelsie Whitmore in 2016. Later that year, Whitmore made history again as she formed one half of the first female battery in professional baseball history with catcher Anna Kimbrell. The Stompers' commitment to the advancement of women in baseball is in partnership with Virginia Dare, a Francis Ford Coppola winery. 

To celebrate women in sports and the Stompers' place in women's baseball history, the Stompers want to hear from their fans. Fans can use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share what Sonoma baseball means to them or a woman they know, or leave a comment on any of the Stompers social media sites. Stories will be featured on game day. 

Find the Stompers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Sonoma faces the second-place Pittsburg Diamonds that night. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Tickets are still available for Women in Sports Night here:

GENERAL ADMISSION | RESERVED SEATING

Get 20 percent off of your tickets for July 6 and merchandise online with promo code "THERELISH" thanks to the Relish, which serves up sports for female fans. Since women still make an average of 80 cents to the dollar every man makes, the Stompers and the Relish figured they deserve 80 percent of a baseball ticket. 

The promo code is only redeemable online and does not apply to jerseys. 

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Sweep San Rafael Pacifics as Veterans Lead Way to 10-6 Victory

Joel Carranza hit a three-run home run in the first inning of Thursday night's 10-6 victory over the San Rafael Pacifics at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– Big swings from the team's veterans lead the way for the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, as it swept the San Rafael Pacifics for the first time this season with a 10-6 victory Thursday. 

"On Monday, I had a meeting and just addressed to everybody what we need to do for this three-game series and they just made a huge adjustment. From the hitters to how they had to pitch, it was successful. I'm very happy," said manager Takashi Miyoshi.

Joel Carranza ignited the Stompers in the first inning with a three-run moonshot that went over the bleachers in left field. It was the 50th home run of his Pacific Association career.

"I've been struggling this series. I've just been trying to do too much, trying to put the team on my back," Carranza said. "That at bat, I tried to slow things down, go back to my approach and things worked out better."

The shot from the reigning Pacific Association MVP came off of reigning Pacific Association Pitcher of the Year Patrick Conroy. Conroy went six innings, allowing 6 earned runs and striking out three.

Yuki Yasuda hit a home run of his own in the fourth off of Conroy, sending the first pitch of the at bat sailing beyond the left-field fence to plate three runs. 

"When Yuki hit the home run, he was kind of hesitating going for the first pitch. So I just told him in Japanese, 'this is go time, you have to swing first pitch,' and he hit the home run," Miyoshi said.

Carranza, Yasuda Matt Hibbert and Brennan Metzger all recorded two hits in the game. 

"There's no selfish players on this team. We're all happy for whoever gets it done as long as it gets done. We just want to win. We have one thing in mind, and that's to win the Championship," Carranza said.

The Pacifics trailed by one in the fourth and two in the seventh. San Rafael managed to chip away at the Stompers' otherwise dominant arms, as starter Scott Plaza came into the game leading the league in wins and reliever DJ Sharabi had allowed just two runs in 13 innings pitched.

The Stompers ascend to 19-5 on the season and 7-4 against the Pacifics, gaining a game on the second-place Pittsburg Diamonds to put them five and a half games up in the standings. The Pacifics fall to 8-15 at third place.

MARTY LURIE NIGHT

KNBR 680 San Francisco Giants pregame and postgame host Marty Lurie was on hand during the game, signing autographs and connecting with fans around the ballpark. Donning his 2014 World Series Ring, Lurie delivered a ceremonial first pitch right on the mark. 

STOMPERS ARE SONOMA

During the pregame ceremony, the Stompers also presented their community partner for last week's homestand, Sonoma Valley Babe Ruth Baseball, with a check for $1,365. Each homestand of 2017 will benefit a local cause.

On Wednesday night, Sotheby's International Realty donated $100 per Stompers run to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley. The Stompers scored ten runs. A portion of the proceeds from this homestand will also go directly to Sonoma Valley Boys and Girls Clubs.

UP NEXT AT PEOPLES HOME EQUITY BALLPARK

The Stompers will spend Fourth of July at home against the Diamonds and invite fans to join them at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark for Sonoma's famous fireworks show after the game. 

Women in Sports Night is later in the homestand on July 7, and the Stompers want to hear from their fans. Use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share what Sonoma baseball means to you or a woman you know. Your story could be featured on game night. The Stompers also look forward to celebrating players Stacy Piagno, Kelsie Whitmore and their groundbreaking place in baseball history. 

STOMPERS TICKETS

Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Win 10-9 in Second Walk-Off Victory Over San Rafael Pacifics in Three Games

The Stompers douse Marcus Bradley, manager Takashi Miyoshi and surrounding teammates after walking off against the San Rafael Pacifics 10-9 Thursday at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, notched its second walk-off victory against the San Rafael Pacifics in three games with a 10-9 extra-inning stunner Wednesday night.

With runners on first and second per Pacific Association tiebreaker rules, Eddie Mora-Loera and Matt Hibbert lead off the bottom of the tenth with a base hit apiece. Marcus Bradley came up with third hit in a row for the Stompers, scoring a pair and winning the game. 

"Being able to (contribute to a rally) twice in one game, you don't get to do it a lot and it feels good" Bradley said. "When you finally start seeing strikes it feels good. You know you can still swing it and get hits."

It was Bradley that also knocked in the first run of the Stompers' five-run seventh inning, going 3 for 5 on the night, scoring two runs and driving in four. Bradley has quietly been an offensive force this season, leading the team in on base percentage at .512 and walks at 24.

"I just can't take him out right now," said Manager Takashi Miyoshi. "Everything he does is just working out. He's hot and he's taking pitches good and hitting the ball."

Sonoma scored three of their runs Wednesday off of San Rafael starter James McReynolds, who had quieted the Stompers offense through the first six frames.

"In the beginning, we struggled and struggled and struggled hitting McReynolds, but again we stayed focused and stayed in the game and just grinded it out," Miyoshi said.

On the Sonoma side, starter Juan Espinosa did some silencing of his own. The only Pacifics run through six came on an error as Espinosa walked just one and struck out nine in five-and-two-thirds innings. 

Both teams managed only seven hits in that span, but combined for a loud 18 runs in the following innings.

The Pacifics scored three runs off of newly-minted Stomper Zach Wendorf in the top of the seventh, but the Stompers evened the score in the bottom of the inning as first baseman Isaac Wenrich shot a single up the middle to score Bradley. Wenrich scored the go-ahead run and went 4 for five on the night. 

"There's a new hero every night. Tonight, Marcus stepped up and I got a couple hits but it always moves down the line for us," Wenrich said.

The game continued to teeter-totter as the Pacifics responded with two runs of their own in the eighth. In the ninth, the Stompers loaded the bases and tied it up on a Masa Miyadera single.

"This team, we never give up," Wenrich said.

With the victory, the Stompers take the series against the Pacifics and improve to 18-5 at first place in the Pacific Association while the third-place Pacifics drop to 8-14. The final game of the set begins Thursday at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field at 6 p.m.

MARTY LURIE NIGHT
Marty Lurie will be joining the Stompers for a game Thursday! The KNBR 680 San Francisco Giants pregame and postgame radio host will be throwing out the first pitch and mingling with fans. Fans will also receive a commemorative photo of Marty, while supplies last. 

Tickets are still available! Purchase tickets for reserved seating areas here and general admission here. 

STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.