Joel Carranza went 3 for 5 with two home runs and four RBIs on Sunday.
James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers
Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant
The Pittsburg Diamonds (6-6) were able to come up big in the clutch and stole one in the final inning in a 9-8 win over the Stompers (7-5). Sonoma’s offense was great throughout, but the bullpen was unable to hold the lead and the Stompers dropped their first series of 2016. Eric Mozeika picked up the loss for Sonoma, and Jeff Lyons got a win for Pittsburg.
Sonoma was on the board right away thanks to a two run homer by Joel Carranza in the top of the first. Carranza had a huge day at the plate and finished 3-for-5 with 2 home runs, and 4 RBIs. The Stompers as a team finished with 13 hits combined. Five different Stompers finished with multiple hits in the game. Derrick Fox was the other leading RBI man as he finished 2 for 4 with two doubles and two RBIs. However, the Diamonds were able to battle offensively and came up huge when it mattered the most.
Starting pitcher Oliver Garcia was at times very effective on his way to a six-strikeout performance. But he was only able to pitch five innings, and that put a lot of pressure on a bullpen that had been used a lot in recent days. That proved to be the deciding factor in the game as Sonoma’s bullpen fell apart down the stretch. Six of the Diamonds nine runs scored came during the final three innings.
A two run home run by Joel Carranza put the Stompers out in front 8-6 in the top of the ninth inning and it looked like the Stompers would be able to hold on for the victory. But in the bottom half, the Diamonds put together a rally that resulted in a win for Pittsburg.
The Diamonds were able to load the bases in the bottom of the ninth thanks in part to two walks by Eric Mozeika, and the Diamonds were set up for a big inning. The Diamonds got the big hit they were looking for from Jordan Hinshaw as he smacked one into the left center field gap to clear the bases to win the game for Pittsburg.
Sonoma will now head home, and will face the 2015 league champion San Rafael Pacifics (5-7) for the first time this season. The Pacifics have gotten off to a bit of a slow start in 2016, but have the pieces to put together another run at the championship. Slugger Jake Taylor will be the biggest threat to Stompers pitchers as he leads the Pacific Association in home runs (5), and RBIs (15).
Tickets for all Stompers home games are available on stompersbaseball.com. Wednesday June 15 will be a big day at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field, as the Stompers will host Giants great J.T. Snow. Snow will be available to mingle with fans and sign autographs at the game. He will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Tickets for that game are still available. You may also purchase tickets, and fan merchandise at The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the team at info@stompersbaseball.com.