Story written by Stompers Intern Sam Basich
SONOMA, CA
Today, the Lincoln Potters (8-1) traveled to Sonoma to take on the Sonoma Stompers (3-1).
The game began with a hint of optimism for the Stompers, with pitcher Zach Garcia striking out two and sending the potters back to the dugout with nothing to write home about. On the offensive side, things were off to a hot start, as center fielder Jackson Castillo singled followed by a one out walk by second baseman Max Handron which ultimately led to runners on second and third with two outs. However, a fly out by Mikey Bell would leave two Stompers stranded.
The second inning was where the Potters really took control, when first baseman JT Waldon walloped a two run homer after a single by third baseman Trey Furrey. Looking to really open the game wide open, Potter catcher Matt Lee hit a deep double to right center, but was left stranded on base along with another Potter base runner to end the inning.
The next two innings rolled along quietly for the Stompers, but not for the Potters, as a double by Jeffrey David doubled the Potters lead making it a 4-0 ballgame. Through four, the Stompers would trail 5-0, as another run was tacked on via a double by Trevor Tishenkel gracing the outstretched glove of Stomper right fielder Dakota Duffalo.
The game was highlighted by six innings of fantastic pitching by Anthony Perez, striking out six batters and allowing only three hits with two walks.
The final run of the game would come in the form of the first of two errors by Stomper shortstop Mikey Bell. The Stompers showed defensive resilience despite the rough inning, getting out of a two-runner situation and allowing only one more hit for the remainder of the game.
Reliever Aidan Lombardi supplied another great outing for the Stompers, striking out three batters with one hit allowed over two innings following his fantastic two inning outing Friday night against the Walnut Creek Crawdads.
Despite no runs on the board, Max Handron continued hitting well for the Stompers, adding a hit to his tremendous .450 average to start the season. Other hits for the Stompers came from Dakota Duffalo, Jackson Castillo, and Jacob Weiss.
A tough offensive game for the Stompers with multiple runners left in scoring position, accompanied by a flurry of walks, including six by pitcher Eric Woodrow, made it a tough climb back into the ballgame, one which the stompers were unable to muster. The final score was 6-0 in favor of the Potters.
The Stompers will take the trip to Fairfield tomorrow to face the Solano Mudcats for the first time of the season, while the Potters head back home to rest up until Tuesday when they face the Gold Sox for a fourth time this season.