STOMPERS SWEEP DIAMONDS TO EVEN SEASON SERIES

(James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers took revenge on the Pittsburg Diamonds, sweeping them Thursday and Friday after being swept in the last series they faced the Diamonds.

Thursday’s game ended in a walk off, with Daniel Comstock singling in two runners for the 11-10 win. Friday’s game was closer, as the 5-2 final was dominated by pitching and a big offensive inning from each team.

The Diamonds jumped out ahead early in game one, leading 8-1 through four and a half innings, with Miles Williams’ fourth home run of the season being the only offense of the game. The Stompers bats got to work in the sixth inning, scoring five runs on five walks and one hit.

Sonoma tied the game in the bottom of the eighth, drawing two more walks and collecting a pair of hits. Williams collected his second hit of the game with an RBI single and Kenny Meimerstorf extended his season-opening hit streak to seven games in the same manner.

Robbie Kidd and D.J. Sharabi combined for four hitless innings out of the bullpen, combining for seven strikeouts to keep the game close and provide the Stompers with a chance to win.

“We kept grinding out at-bats and hats off to our bullpen,” Comstock said. “They kept us in the game and gave us a shot to chip away and battle back and we put some good AB’s together.”

Comstock’s leadoff single with the international tiebreaker rule in effect scored Rob DeAngelis and pinch runner Marcus Bradley to carry momentum into Friday’s game for the Stompers.

“It’s unbelievable,” Comstock said. “We were down 8-1, there was no panic, there was a sense of calm in the game, we were always in the ballgame with our bats.”

While Pittsburg once again scored first, Sonoma countered quickly, putting up five runs in the fourth inning on four hits, including DeAngelis’ first hit with the team, a two-run triple and a two-run moonshot of a home run from Meimerstorf.

Starter Ethan Gibbons carried the team all night long, with the hits and runs he gave up in the third inning being the only ones the Diamonds managed all night long.

“Once I got my rhythm after they scored the two runs in the third, I really just settled in, for me my fastball control is everything.” Gibbons said. “Once I was able to establish my fastball down, I was having a lot of fun out there.”

After seven innings with seven strikeouts, he handed the ball off to Robert Maislin and Jacob Cox, who struck out four over the final two innings to increase the Stompers record in 2018 to 5-3.

“That’s a tough job,” Gibbons said. “It was nice to see them come out, great job.”

Sonoma travels to San Rafael Saturday for a 5 p.m. game against the Pacifics before facing the Diamonds in Pittsburg at 1 p.m. Sunday.

STOMPERS SPLIT SERIES WITH SILVERADOS

(James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers took their third loss of the season and first at home on Wednesday night, falling 8-5 to the Napa Silverados.

Starter Ty’Relle Harris, who was an important performer in the Stompers’ 2017 campaign, returned to the roster and went four innings, allowing five runs and five hits.

Defensive miscues doomed the Stompers, who were unable to make up the deficit at the plate. Sonoma’s five runs made for a season low. In their first five games, Sonoma scored 44 runs.

Stompers manager Zack Pace brought center fielder Marcus Bradley in to pitch the ninth. Bradley struck out the side, meaning Sonoma position players have pitched three hitless innings this season with five strikeouts.

Bradley, Kenny Meimerstorf and Mitchell Ho all extended their season-long hitting streaks to six games. While the Stompers mounted a comeback in the ninth, bringing the tying run to the on-deck circle twice, they failed to comeback all the way, dropping to .500 on the season.

Sonoma looks to rebound as they welcome the Pittsburg Diamonds in to town Thursday and Friday for a two-game set with first pitch slated for 6:05 p.m. both days.

SONOMA STOMPS SILVERADOS IN FUN-FILLED HOME OPENER

(James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif. – The first matchup between the newly-minted Napa Silverados and the Sonoma Stompers brought the longtime rivalry between the two valleys to the baseball diamond Tuesday night in Sonoma.

On the field the Stompers won 6-4, as both teams delivered strong pitching performances culminating in the Stompers’ lowest-scoring game to date this season. The difference was a throwing error in the third that allowed Marcus Bradley to advance to third and scored two.

Errors were a trend in the game, as another throwing error by Napa shortstop Nick Kern sent two more Stompers runs to the plate in the seventh.

Mitchell Ho hit his fourth home run in as many games, while Bradley continued to deliver offensively, turning in a three-hit performance, his third multi-hit game.

Starter Dominic Topoozian pitched five strong innings with six strikeouts en route to the win, but credited the rest of his team with the victory.

“There’s no quit, there’s no panic in these guys, even if things don’t go our way, we’re always fighting,” Topoozian said. “We all got each other’s back, we know that deep down.”

Following Topozzian’s performance, the bullpen combined to allow two runs over the final four innings, striking out four, capped off by Jacob Cox, who earned his first save of the year.

Off the field, the Stompers welcomed new concessions partners Palooza Brewery and Gastropub into the fold. The Kenwood-based restaurant delivered gourmet burgers and hot dogs as well as elevated fare like lobster rolls and truffle fries.

“It’s amazing to work with Palooza owner Jeff Tyler and general manager Patrick Odenthal. Hats off to them for all of their hard work in renovating the concessions stands and delivering quality ballpark food,” said Stompers general manager Brett Creamer.

Nearly 400 fans attended the event, which saw Mayor Madolyn Agrimonti throw the ceremonial first pitch and local trio the Cork Pullers deliver a spirited performance of the Star Spangled Banner.

The game was the first at home for new manager Zack Pace and first-year general manager Creamer.

“Without my entire team, especially the front office staff, interns, seasonal employees and baseball operations staff, we couldn’t have pulled it off. Six months of preparation have panned out and it was great to see the community support on top of that,” Creamer said. “Plus, we got the W.”

STOMPERS SPLIT OPENING WEEKEND WITH A PAIR OF WINS AND LOSSES

(James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers began their 2018 season with a bang, scoring 25 runs and crushing six homers in their first two games against the Martinez Clippers. Sonoma swept Martinez in the latter’s first-ever Pacific Association games before being swept by the Pittsburg Diamonds over the weekend.

Thursday May 31 | Stompers 13, Clippers 2

The Stompers offense exploded in Thursday night’s league opener, starting with a four-run first inning in which the Stompers sent nine batters to the plate. Daniel Comstock’s six runs batted in, including two home runs, highlighted the team’s 13-run effort.

“We communicate in the dugout. As a unit, we are able to gain information from others. I couldn’t have done what I did without my teammates,” Comstock said. “We came in with good energy and good approaches, not trying to do too much with the baseball. We let the game come to us.”

On the other side of the ball, Stompers pitchers limited Martinez to just two runs on three hits. Together, the Sonoma staff held the Clippers hitless in all but one inning.

Friday June 1 | Stompers 12, Clippers 9

The Stompers’ dominance continued into Friday. Sixth-inning home runs from Mitchell Ho and Eddie Mora-Loera fueled Sonoma’s comeback from an early six-run deficit.

Comstock also connected for his third homer of the season while Miles Williams added insurance in the seventh with a dinger of his own en route to a 12-9 Stompers win.

“One through nine, anyone can do it at any time and that’s a big plus,” Williams said.

Saturday June 2 | Stompers 3, Pittsburg 18

The power parade continued Saturday, with Kenny Meimerstorf hitting his first professional home run and Ho and Williams each adding their second of the season. Despite the over-the-fence heroics, The Stompers lost 18-3.

In an effort to conserve the Sonoma bullpen, Head Coach Zack Pace sent catcher Comstock and outfielder Williams to the mound in relief. The pair each pitched a scoreless inning, and Williams’ frame was punctuated by two strikeouts.

Sunday June 3 | Stompers 6, Pittsburg 8

While Sonoma lost both games against their rivals in the East Bay, the team combined to score 13 runs over two days. On the year, the Stompers have scored 38 runs in four games, coming out to an average of nearly 10 runs per game.

The bottom half of the lineup continued to deliver, with Williams and Ho each blasting their third homer in as many games. The pair also contributed to a string of doubles that started a  two-run, fourth-inning rally.

Starter and two-time Pacific Association Pitcher of the Year Patrick Conroy struck out four batters in his first seven outs. Vijay Patel, who relieved Conroy, added five strikeouts in two and a half innings of relief.

The Stompers will return home on Tuesday to face the newly-minted Napa Silverados having hit 10 home runs in their first four games. First pitch at Palooza Park at Arnold Field is set for 6:05 p.m., with Dominic Topoozian slated to take the mound.

FOUR HOME RUNS CARRY STOMPERS TO 12-9 VICTORY OVER CLIPPERS

(James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

MARTINEZ, Calif. – For the second season in a row, the Sonoma Stompers began the year 2-0, defeating the Martinez Clippers 12-9 Friday night.

While Martinez jumped out to an early 7-1 lead, Sonoma climbed back to a two run deficit in the fourth, when they scored four runs on two hits and four straight bases-loaded walks.

Home runs were a theme in the contest, with four Stompers crushing round-trippers in the game. After hitting two Thursday, Daniel Comstock connected for a solo shot to center in the second inning, then Mitchell Ho and Eddie Mora-Loera each sent their first ball of the season over the fence in a six-run sixth.

Miles Williams gave the Stompers insurance in the seventh with a solo home run of his own, the Stompers’ 12th and final run of the game.

“I feel like whenever your teammates are hitting well, it’s contagious,” Williams said. “Our camaraderie is really good and it translates on the field. I feel if you come out to watch us play, you can see that.”

Relievers Daniel Bodishbaugh, Zach Wendorf, Brandon Erickson, Jacob Cox and Robert Maislin combined to allow two runs in six innings, keeping the Clippers to just three hits.

The Stompers head to the East Bay Saturday to face the Pittsburg Diamonds in a two-game set. First pitch at Winter Chevrolet Stadium is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

Daniel Comstock hits two home runs in Sonoma Stompers 13-2 win over Martinez Clippers

MARTINEZ, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers exploded offensively in their league-opening 13-2 win against the Martinez Clippers Thursday night. It was the first game in franchise history for the newly-minted Clippers. 

Sonoma struck early, tagging the Clippers for four runs in the first and nearly batting around. Daniel Baptista, Daniel Comstock and MItchell Ho all recorded RBIs in the frame.

Comstock went 3-5 on the night, including a three-run, opposite-field shot in the seventh. Two innings later, the Stompers’ backstop crushed another two-run, no-doubter over the fence. He was responsible for the final five Sonoma RBIs of the night.

Sonoma pitching held Martinez to just two runs on three hits, all of which came in the third inning, meaning the Stomper pitchers held the Clippers hitless in the remaining eight frames.

Vijay Patel contributed three hitless innings while fellow Stompers newcomers Robbie Kidd, Robert Maislin and DJ Sharabi threw a scoreless frame each to conclude the game.

The Stompers will face the Clippers again on Friday night, looking to start the season with consecutive wins for the second year in a row. First pitch at Joe DiMaggio Field at Waterfront Park is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Sonoma Stompers release final 2018 roster

Right-hander Juan Espinosa is one of several returners on the Sonoma Stompers 2018 squad. (Nick Badders / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– Ahead of the league opener tonight in Martinez, the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club has released its full 2018 roster.

In addition to exciting newcomers like 2017 Defensive Center Fielder of the Year Miles Williams, the Stompers are proud to bring back several Sonoma stalwarts.

Infielders Daniel Comstock, Kevin Farley, Daniel Baptista and Eddie Mora-Loera all started for the Stompers last season and will join the team once again in 2018. Outfielder Marcus Bradley and pitchers D.J. Sharabi, Zack Wendorf, Jacob Cox, Dominic Topoozian and Juan Espinosa also return.

Sonoma also welcomes newcomers like infielder Rayson Romero out of Sonoma State and former Royals prospect Patrick Conroy. Conroy, a two-time Pacific Association Pitcher of the Year, will serve as the team’s pitching coach.

The roster under first year manager Zack Pace also includes pitchers Daniel Bodishbaugh, Brandon Erickson, Ethan Gibbons, Robbie Kidd, Robert Maislin and Vijay Patel. Rounding out the Opening Day roster are Mitchell Ho, Kenny Meimerstorf, Wesley Phillips and Kam Stewart.

Kelsie Whitmore and Stacy Piagno will be trying out for Team USA women’s baseball this summer starting June 7. Piagno threw a seven-inning, one-run game en route to becoming only the third woman since the 1950’s to pick up a win in a men’s professional baseball league last season.

Join broadcaster Nick Badders for the league opener against Martinez at 6:30 p.m. on the Stompers Mixlr Channel.

FULL SONOMA STOMPERS 2018 ROSTER

Pitchers

33- Daniel Bodishbaugh

38- Patrick Conroy

29- Jacob Cox

23- Brandon Erickson

15- Juan Espinosa

17- Ethan Gibbons

30- Robbie Kidd

5- Robert Maislin

10- Vijay Patel

11- DJ Sharabi

27- Dominic Topoozian

22- Zach Wendorf

Catchers

6- Daniel Comstock

20- Mitchell Ho

Infielders

44- Daniel Baptista

35- Kevin Farley

2- Eddie Mora-Loera

8- Rayson Romero

3- Kam Stewart

Outfielders

4- Marcus Bradley

12- Kenny Meimerstorf

14- Wesley Phillips

18- Miles Williams

Read more here.

ABOUT THE STOMPERS

Established in 2014, the Stompers have three Pacific Association Championship appearances and one title. In addition to being featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame several times, the Stompers were the subject of New York Times Bestseller "The Only Rule is it Has To Work" by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller.

STOMPERS TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

Our home opener is June 5! To purchase Stompers tickets and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.

Stompers complete spring training exhibition games

Returner Zach Wendorf throws a pitch at Petersen Field in Sonoma during Sonoma Stompers spring training. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club faced the newly-minted Napa Silverados for the first time in exhibition games last week and ended preseason play against the San Rafael Pacifics on Sunday.

“Spring training is going great. I feel like we have a good group of guys.” said Stompers manager Zack Pace. “They can definitely play some ball and I’m really excited to get the year going.”

The Stompers avoided a loss to their new rivals, ending Game 1 with a 2-2 draw and taking Game 2 4-1. The streak ended against a more familiar foe, as the team fell 4-2 and 9-2 against the Pacifics.

The Stompers’ spring training squad featured newcomers as well as several returners, including right-hander Juan Espinosa, infielders Eddie Mora-Loera, Daniel Baptista and Daniel Comstock, and outfielder Marcus Bradley.

“It’s great to see the camaraderie among the players already. I think it shows we’ve been successful in recruiting high-character guys,” said Stompers general manager Brett Creamer. “I’m looking forward to seeing them interact with the community this summer and can’t wait for opening day.”

The Stompers will face the Silverados again on June 5, the first game of the season in Sonoma. The Pacific Association season officially begins on May 31, when the Stompers take on the Martinez Clippers in Martinez.

“I’m most looking forward to starting the grind and trying to get better each day,” Pace said.

ABOUT THE STOMPERS

Established in 2014, the Stompers have three Pacific Association Championship appearances and one title. In addition to being featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame several times, the Stompers were the subject of New York Times Bestseller "The Only Rule is it Has To Work" by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller.

STOMPERS TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

The Stompers home opener is June 5! To purchase tickets and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.

Red Grape returns as official restaurant of Stompers spring training

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is proud to announce it’s second consecutive year of partnership with the Red Grape, the official restaurant of Stompers spring training.

The Red Grape, which will provide post-game meals for Stompers players on select spring training days, is known for their delicious thin-crust pizza. Owners Carol and Sam Morphy offer their guests a relaxed dining environment just off the Sonoma Plaza complete with a classic brick oven and a large patio.

“The support of the Red Grape during our spring training is invaluable to us,” said Stompers General Manager Brett Creamer. “Their food is incredible, and I know our team appreciates the hospitality during their first few days back in town.”

Spring training officially begins on Tuesday, when the Stompers face each other in an intersquad game at Peterson Field in Sonoma. On Wednesday, the team is set to play its first exhibition game against the Napa Silverados at 1 p.m. at Seawolf Diamond at Sonoma State.

Fans can see several returners on new manager Zack Pace’s spring training squad, including championship game starter Ty’Relle Harris and stalwart right-hander Juan Espinosa. Fan favorites and Bay Area natives Eddie Mora-Loera, Daniel Baptista and Daniel Comstock also return.

The Stompers home opener is slated for June 5 at Palooza Park at Arnold Field. To purchase Stompers tickets, visit stompersbaseball.com, call (707) 938-7277 or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Palooza partners with Sonoma Stompers to bring gastropub-style cuisine to Arnold Field

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is proud to bring top-quality cuisine from Palooza Brewery and Gastropub to the ballpark in 2018. To reflect the partnership, the Stompers home field will go by a new moniker for the season–”Palooza Park at Arnold Field.”

“I’m thrilled to have Palooza at the park this year,” said Stompers General Manager Brett Creamer. “We’re located in an area that is one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. Sonoma Stompers concessions should reflect that, and now they do.”

Fans can now take in Stompers baseball while enjoying Palooza’s fresh lobster rolls, garlic fries and brussels sprouts as well as lighter fare, like hummus and pita. Specializing in creating dishes with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, Palooza uses the highest quality meats and makes all of their sauces, pickles and dressings in-house.

“The thing I’m most looking forward to is bringing the community together and having a Sonoma County-worthy experience at the ballpark. It’s going to be a great time,” said Palooza owner Jeff Tyler.

Palooza will also partner with the NorCal Beer Geeks to put on a beer festival at Palooza Park on Fourth of July. After the game, fans can stay to watch the world-famous Sonoma fireworks show from the outfield.

The Palooza partnership will exist alongside new and returning concessions partners including Mary's Slice Shack made-from-scratch pizza slices, Barking Dog Roasters coffee and local snack companies SmashMallow, Dang, KRAVE jerky, AQUAKOLA and U Gottabee Nutz. 

Fans may also enjoy enjoy catered service of delicious Palooza food and Leese-Fitch wine offerings in the Leese-Fitch Wine Lounge, the Stompers’ most luxury seating section.

The Stompers begin their home schedule at Palooza Park at Arnold Field on June 5. Palooza is located in Kenwood at 8910 Sonoma Highway.

ABOUT PALOOZA BREWERY AND GASTROPUB

Palooza Brewery and Gastropub is a neighborhood gathering place where thoughtfully-sourced food comes together with a friendly environment. Since 2014, Palooza has been serving artisan cocktails, house-brewed craft beer, wood-fired pizza, top-quality meats and house-made condiments.

ABOUT THE STOMPERS

Established in 2014, the Stompers have one Pacific Association championship under their belt as well as several historical moments. In addition to being featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame several times, the Stompers were the subject of New York Times Bestseller "The Only Rule is it Has To Work" by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller.

STOMPERS TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

Opening Day at home is June 5 at Palooza Park at Arnold Field. To purchase Stompers tickets and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.