Erik Gonsalves pitched four scoreless innings in his first start of 2017 in Thursday’s 4-3 victory over the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Park (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)
Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations
VALLEJO, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, moved back into first place with a 4-3 victory over the Vallejo Admirals on Thursday. With the win, the Stompers and Admirals’ records both become 16-11, tied at first place in the Pacific Association standings.
Sonoma took a two-run lead right off the bats of Joel Carranza and Daniel Baptista in the first inning. Baptista went 3 for 4 and drove in half of the Stompers runs on the night. Coming into Thursday, Baptista had recorded a hit in eight of his last ten games.
“(This win) was huge. Bullpen came up yesterday, shut it down, and did the same thing today. If we have that going, it’s going to be tough to beat us especially if we’re putting runs up early,” Baptista said.
It was the third time in the series the Stompers struck in the first frame. This time, the Admirals did not brew a big inning in the bottom half. Vallejo scored 14 runs combined in the bottom of the first innings of Tuesday and Wednesday's games.
Instead, starter Erik Gonsalves kept Vallejo off the board until the fifth. Making his first start since the end of the 2016 season, Gonsalves allowed just one hit through four.
Out of the pen, Stomper Logan Gillaspie and DJ Sharabi also delivered three strikeouts in one inning of relief apiece while Jacob Cox closed it out. It was another solid performance by the Stompers’ pen, as relief arms combined to throw six scoreless innings in Wednesday night’s game as well.
With the victory, the Stompers avoid getting swept by Vallejo for the second series in a row.
“It was good that we won the last one. Now we’re back home and the momentum is back on our side,” Gonsalves said.
THIS WEEKEND AT PEOPLES HOME EQUITY BALLPARK
The two teams face off again this weekend in Sonoma, continuing the fight for sole possession of first place and kicking off the last Stompers homestand of the season. First pitch for all three games is scheduled for 6 p.m.
On Friday, the Stompers will host fans of two legs and four legs alike for Bark in the Park Night, presented by Pets Lifeline. Bring your costumed critter and enter to win best costume, plus enjoy concourse activities and get adoption information.
Star Wars Night on Saturday also features a costume contest (this time for humans) ahead of Fan Appreciation & FOX Night on Sunday. See previews of FOX’s exciting new lineup of TV, including “Ghosted,” “The Orville” and “The Gifted” and be a part of a pre-game helicopter flyover thanks to Helico Sonoma.
STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.
For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.