(James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)
SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers held their fourth annual Pride Night Friday at Palooza Park at Arnold Field and for the fourth straight season, came out victorious, topping the Martinez Clippers 10-5.
Early on, the game stayed close with both teams scoring three runs over the first four innings. Three first inning hits for the Stompers, capped off with a two-RBI double from Kenny Meimerstorf tied the game after one inning, then a bases loaded walk from Rob DeAngelis tied the game again in the fourth.
The Stompers took control in the fifth and didn’t look back, scoring in each of their final four innings, seven total in the second half of the game.
Patient eyes all across the lineup resulted in nine walks in that timespan. Sonoma also sent two sacrifice flies to the outfield and Meimerstorf capped off the offense outpouring with a two-run homer in the eighth, his eighth home run of the season, increasing his lead in the Pacific Association.
Seven Stompers recorded a hit in the game, with seven scoring a run and six driving one in.
Dominic Topoozian made his fifth start of the season and picked up his fourth win in the process, striking out five over seven strong innings.
“It was hot today, but it’s fun to compete when it’s warm, especially when the bats are alive,” he said. “We’re confident in one another, fighting each pitch. Being able to win on these days is huge.”
Topoozian, who prides himself on his control and ability to throw strikes, issued a first pitch strike to 25 of the 31 hitters he faced, putting both himself and the team in a position to come out on top.
Despite Martinez scoring twice in the ninth, Brandon Erickson was able to escape further danger and finished off the ballgame in the ninth, securing the team’s fourth straight victory on Pride Night.
Looking ahead, the Vallejo Admirals will come to Sonoma for games Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s game will feature a 6:05 p.m. start and is #SonomaStrong night, benefiting the Rebuild Northbay foundation. The team will be celebrating our resilient community and welcome a few local organizations actively working to alleviate the effect of the fires.