The Sonoma Stompers celebrate after Yuki Yasuda is hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, securing a walk-off 3-2 victory over the Vallejo Admirals. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)
Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations
SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, defeated the Vallejo Admirals 3-2 on a walk-off hit by pitch to retake the top spot in the Pacific Association standings.
“We understand that we took the first half, but we want the second half. Vallejo is the only thing standing in our way at this point,” said catcher Isaac Wenrich. “To see how much closer we came as a team tonight really shows why we can pull something like this off”
While Vallejo starter Mahlik Jones worked five strong innings, Taylor Thurber struck out eight through six, walking just two and allowing one earned run.
“Here’s this guy so goofy people underestimate him and then here comes ninety,” Wenrich said.
In the seventh with one out and runners on second and third, Jacob Cox entered the game. He recorded two quick groundouts.
“Cox comes in, gets the huge outs. That’s who he’s been,” Wenrich said. “He’s been in that closer role for a while and all of the sudden we bring him out in the seventh and he looks like a closer.”
His performance in the frame proved a turning point as Cox shut down the Admirals’ rally and paved the way for Sonoma to take the lead on an error in bottom of the inning.
“When our bats might not have it, our pitchers step up,” Wenrich said.
The Stompers continued to flirt with danger. With a 2-1 Sonoma lead and no outs in the top of the ninth, Chevy Clarke reached second when a ball went past Brennan Metzger in left.
Then, a close call on a throw from Isaac Wenrich allowed Clarke to take third. The Admirals tied it on a ground ball from Akins, Sr.
The next inning, the Stompers drew three walks before closer Sammy Gervacio hit Yuki Yasuda with a pitch, securing the Stompers win. The series continues Saturday at 6 p.m. at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field.
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.