Eric Mozeika impressed with four shutout innings out of the bullpen in Sonoma's 8-4 win.
James Toy III/ Sonoma Stompers
Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant
The Sonoma Stompers (6-3) took the rubber match of the three game series against the Vallejo Admirals (4-5) on Thursday night by a score of 8-4. Sonoma has now won every series they have played in this season. They did so tonight by using a formula that has worked very well for them so far. Sonoma’s offense was able to put a crooked number up on the board early in the game in the bottom of the second, and the bullpen made sure that the lead would be more than enough.
The huge inning came in the second inning for the Stompers as they put seven runs on the board. Derrick Fox had a two-run double in the inning, and Caleb Bryson also had a two-run single on a ball that took a hop right over Vallejo second baseman Pedro Perez. The key to the inning though was the Stompers ability to stay patient at the plate as they drew three walks in the inning. Even in the at bats that did not result in a walk, Sonoma worked the count and waited for the pitcher to make a mistake. The Stompers would never look back from their second inning success at the plate.
Three year Stomper veteran Mike Jackson Jr. turned in another good start for Sonoma, earning his second win of the season in as many starts. The right-hander threw five innings, allowing three earned runs, and struck out three. Jackson Jr. showed great poise on the mound after a rough start to the game that saw the Admirals take an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Yet the veteran was able to regain focus and gave Sonoma the outing they needed.
Eric Mozeika was the only weapon the Stompers needed out of the pen after Jackson Jr. departed, and turned in some of his most impressive work on the season. He threw four strong innings with no earned runs, only two hits, and a walk. His slider was devastating and he consistently frustrated the Admirals at the plate. Mozeika earned his first save of the season, in a ‘fireman’ role for Sonoma. The Stompers righty hasn’t allowed an earned run to cross the plate in the last 7 2/3 innings he has pitched.
Sonoma will now hit the road for the weekend to face the Pittsburg Diamonds. It will be the second weekend in a row that Sonoma will make an appearance at City Park Field. Sonoma fell just short of a series sweep last weekend, and will look to continue their offensive success at one of the best hitters parks in the Pacific Association. Coverage of all three games will be available on the radio on stompersbaseball.com, and the TuneIn app.
Tickets for any Stompers home game are available on stompersbaseball.com. Fan merchandise, and tickets are also available at The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in beautiful downtown Sonoma. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@stompersbaseball.com.