Caleb Bryson went 3-for-5 with a home run and 5 RBIs in the Stompers win over the Diamonds.
James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers
Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant
The Sonoma Stompers had a night to remember as they annihilated the Pittsburg Diamonds (2-2) by a score of 18-4 at City Park in Pittsburg on Friday. In the game, the Stompers broke three franchise records and tied another in an unbelievable effort. With the win, the Stompers improved to (3-1) and have won three straight since dropping the first game of the season. They also have taken over first place in the early parts of this Pacific Association season.
The Stompers offense went down quietly in the first inning, but exploded with an inning for the record books in the second. 14 Stompers came to the plate, and they put 11 runs on the board in an inning that seemed like it would never end. Both of those numbers broke franchise records and put the game seemingly out of reach as the Stompers led, 11-0.
Unbelievably enough, the Stompers were not done offensively as third baseman Caleb Bryson delivered another huge blow in the seventh. Bryson delivered with a grand slam that soared over the left field fence. The home run was Bryson’s first of the season, and broke another franchise record for the most runs scored in a game with 18. Bryson finished with his best night offensively in a Stomper uniform as the Georgia native went 3-for-5 with 5 RBIs. The Stompers finished with 14 hits as a team in total.
The Pitching performance by the Stompers staff was also stellar on a night where the offense stole the headlines. Starting pitcher Mike Jackson Jr. was outstanding in his six innings, and finished with 12 strikeouts in the game. That tied a franchise record held by fellow starter Gregory Paulino.
The bullpen was also stellar in their three innings of work. Martin Cronin and Juan Espinosa combined to allow only one hit and struck out two. The bullpen has thrown 12 scoreless innings over the past three games.
Game two of the series against the Diamonds will take place at 6 p.m. in Pittsburg on Saturday. The Stompers will try to go for their fourth straight victory, and can also clinch a series win. Sonoma will conclude the three game set with a Sunday 12 p.m. start time.
The Stompers will play their first home game at People’s Home Equity Ball Park at Arnold Field on Tuesday, June 7 as they host the Vallejo Admirals. Oliver Garcia is scheduled to get the start for Sonoma. Sonoma won two out of three games against the Admirals in the opening series of the season.
Tickets for opening night, or any game this season are available on stompersbaseball.com or at the Arnold Field box office one hour before every home game. Term merchandise and tickets are also available at The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. If you have any questions, please contact us at (707) 938-7277. You may also email the team at info@stompersbaseball.com.