Erik Gonsalves was outstanding in the Stompers 8-2 win over the Pacifics. Gonsalves pitched eight innings and struck out five to get his first win as a starter this season.
James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers
Geoff Safford, Media Relations Assistant
The Stompers picked quite the moment for Erik Gonzalves to make his first start of the season. Gonzalves had not started a game for the Stompers since August 31 of 2014. He started Saturday in a game that had first place in the second half on the line in the Pacific Association against the Pacifics. The moment was not to big for Gonzalves as he turned in a fantastic performance on the mound in an 8-2 win in Game 2 of the series at People’s Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field.
Gonzalves was in control for most of the night in eight innings of work. Gonzalves allowed five hits and struck out five and walked only 2 batters in those innings. When the Pacifcs did threaten to score runs, Gonsalves was able to get out of jams by inducing three double plays. The only blip on the screen for the right-hander was a two run homer by Mike Taylor in the eighth inning. This was not his first battle against the Pacifcs he has had over the years, and he knew how to approach this game.
“I was just trying to pound the bottom of the zone against their lineup. I’ve faced guys like Jake Taylor and Zack Pace a number of times and knew how to attack them as a pitcher,” said Gonsalves. “The double plays were also key, they are always a pitcher’s best friend.”
The Stomper offense wasn’t on the same pace they were Friday, but provided more than enough support for Gonsalves so he could pick up his first win as a starter. Randy Santiesteban was a perfect 3 for 3 with three runs scored. Scott David also continued his torrid start with the Stompers with another multi-hit night. David was 2 for 4 with 2 home runs and five driven in. So far in three games, David is 8 for 12 with nine runs scored and six driven in.
Even though the Stompers (42-29, 19-13 second half) have won five straight against the Pacifics (39-32, 18-14 second half) Sunday’s series finale is huge for both teams. Sonoma now leads the Pacifics by a game in the second half, and three games in over all record in the Pacific Association. A win would put the Stompers in great position to win the second half pennant. Sonoma has three games remaining against the Pacifics during the last weekend of the regular season in San Rafael next weekend.
Tickets for the series finale against the Pacifics, and the final series of the season are available on stompersbaseball.com. Fan merchandise and tickets are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. For more information about the team, contact the Stompers front office at info@stompersbaseball.com.