(James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)
MARTINEZ, Calif. – For the second season in a row, the Sonoma Stompers began the year 2-0, defeating the Martinez Clippers 12-9 Friday night.
While Martinez jumped out to an early 7-1 lead, Sonoma climbed back to a two run deficit in the fourth, when they scored four runs on two hits and four straight bases-loaded walks.
Home runs were a theme in the contest, with four Stompers crushing round-trippers in the game. After hitting two Thursday, Daniel Comstock connected for a solo shot to center in the second inning, then Mitchell Ho and Eddie Mora-Loera each sent their first ball of the season over the fence in a six-run sixth.
Miles Williams gave the Stompers insurance in the seventh with a solo home run of his own, the Stompers’ 12th and final run of the game.
“I feel like whenever your teammates are hitting well, it’s contagious,” Williams said. “Our camaraderie is really good and it translates on the field. I feel if you come out to watch us play, you can see that.”
Relievers Daniel Bodishbaugh, Zach Wendorf, Brandon Erickson, Jacob Cox and Robert Maislin combined to allow two runs in six innings, keeping the Clippers to just three hits.
The Stompers head to the East Bay Saturday to face the Pittsburg Diamonds in a two-game set. First pitch at Winter Chevrolet Stadium is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.