Matt Hibbert provided a large portion of Sonoma's offense Wednesday in a 6-3 loss to the San Rafael. Hibbert finished the game 3 for 5 with an RBI and one run scored.
James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers
Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant
Sonoma knew the challenge that they were facing Wednesday night in game two of their series in San Rafael. The Stompers had a good showing in game one, and the Pacifics fell behind the Stompers in the Pacific Association standings. The Pacifics played with a different energy Wednesday, and had a lot of help from a great pitching performance.
Both teams know that whoever wins this series will be in the drivers seat for first place in the Pacific Association. The Pacifics turned to veteran starter Nick DeBarr to try to turn the tide in the series. DeBarr has been around the block a time or two as he has suited up for 17 different minor league teams since 2002.
DeBarr’s job was to shut down the Stomper lineup that has been great this season to pull the Pacifics back to a tie for first in the Pacific Association. The tall right-hander was not fazed by the importance of this game, pitching a beauty in a 6-3 win for San Rafael over the Stompers.
DeBarr really set the tone for the game in his seven innings of work. Sonoma (14-11) scored one in the first inning to jump out front early, but that would be the only earned run Sonoma would get off of him. Sonoma only mustered two hits after the first inning as well. DeBarr struck out a season-high eight while walking only one. He was able to get ahead of hitters early in the count on a consistent basis.
Stompers starter Jose Flores also threw seven innings but did not fare as well as his counterpart picking up the loss. The fourth and fifth innings were key for San Rafael (14-11), as five runs came in during those two innings off Flores. He also had a few balls not bounce his way, as the Stompers defense committed three errors behind him. The Stompers defense has been a bit off in the series, having committed seven errors in the two games so far. Flores allowed nine hits and five earned runs while striking out four.
Matt Hibbert had almost half of Sonoma’s seven hits as he finished the game 3 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI.
First place will be on the line tomorrow in the Pacific Association, and the Stompers will send Sean Conroy to the mound. The Stompers opening day starter has started to find his groove in his last two starts, and Sonoma will look for a clutch performance from the right-hander. Conroy has not faced the Pacifics this season, but will have familiarity with some of the Pacifics players from last season. There will be a lot riding on the performance from Conroy to decide who will lead the Pacific Association after Thursday night.
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