(James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)
BOX SCORE
SONOMA, Calif. – After a debut to remember for Tyler Sharp last weekend against the Clippers, the right-hander pitched another outstanding game for the Sonoma Stompers Friday night as the Stompers split their series with the Pittsburg Diamonds.
Sharp delivered another eight-inning start, striking out five with no walks allowed. He also allowed just one run on four hits, all of which game in the first three innings.
Sharp retired the final 16 batters he faced and 21 of his last 23, throwing five consecutive 1-2-3 innings to end the outing.
“Slowly, but surely everything started working for me,” Sharp said. “Once my command was on, it was over from there. Definitely a good outing.”
He received both defensive and offensive support from Kam Stewart, who connected for a two-home home run and fielded 10 ground balls for outs over the eight innings Sharp pitched.
After the Stompers scored two in the third inning on a Rob DeAngelis double to take a 2-1 lead over Pittsburg, Stewart launched his seventh round-tripper of the season to left field with two outs, scoring Daniel Comstock and giving Sonoma a 4-1 lead.
His homer came after making all three defensive outs in the top half of the inning, including a play for the second out that was reminiscent of the jump throw Derek Jeter was well-known for as a Yankee.
Stewart also recorded the first two outs of the seventh inning, making it five consecutive grounders and outs.
“With Tyler getting me all those ground balls, all I can do is have his back and get the job done for him,” Stewart said. “
Jacob Cox took over in the ninth inning and shut the door, locking down his 15th save of the year with a 1-2-3 inning. He now sits just three saves away from tying Sammy Gervacio’s single-season Pacific Association record of 18 saves, which he set last season with the Vallejo Admirals.
The Stompers embark on a six-game road trip beginning Saturday with two games in Vallejo before an off day Monday and trips to Martinez and Napa.