Third basemen Caleb Bryson getting into defensive position at Peterson Field in Sonoma, California.
Geoff Safford/ Sonoma Stompers
Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant
The Stompers seem to be hitting their stride at just the right time as the regular season is quickly approaching.
The Sonoma Stompers defeated the Pittsburgh Diamonds, 7-3 in the Stompers' penultimate game of spring training at Peterson Field in Sonoma.
The Stompers pitching staff did a good job of keeping Sonoma in the game early before the Stompers offense was able to get into gear. They did a great job of pitching out of trouble at many points in the game including pitching through a bases loaded, one out situation in the top of the fourth inning.
The game entered the late innings in a tie, as the Diamonds were able to battle back from a 3-1 deficit with runs during the fifth and seventh innings. But the high-pressure situation did not seem to phase the Stompers as they played some of their strongest innings overall. This included great work on the mound from right-hander Taylor Thurber and southpaw Matt Picucci.
The offense chipped in with their best inning of the game with a four-run eighth to put the Diamonds away for good. The Stompers showed great patience at the plate in the inning as the Stompers took the lead with a bases loaded walk by Matt Petrone. Oliver Garcia blew the Diamonds away in the top of the ninth to put an end to the game.
This game was the final game that the Stompers will play in spring training against a Pacific Association opponent. Sonoma will play their final exhibition game on Saturday morning as the team will head into San Quentin State Prison to play against the inmate All-Star team.
The beginning of the regular season is right around the corner for the Stompers as they open the season on the road in Vallejo on May 31 against the Admirals to begin a three game series. Opening night at home for the Stompers will be on June 7 at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field against the Admirals.
Tickets for the opening series, and all home games are available at stompersbaseball.com. They are also available at The Fan Shop located on 234 West Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For any questions, or information email jack@stompersbaseball.com, or call (707)-938-7277, extension 12.