Story written by Stomper intern Sam Basich
Sonoma, CA
Friday, the Solano Mudcats (8-12) reversed roles after their home loss on Monday, traveling to Arnold field to face the Sonoma Stompers (7-13).
The first runner to reach base for either team was Alejandro Lara, reaching on an error single to give the Mudcats their first base runner. The next batter, catcher Trey Topping, roped a single to right field, placing runners at first and third with two outs. The “beer batter” of the night, Cole Santander, changed the narrative in his first at bat, mashing an RBI single, creating a 1-0 early Mudcat lead.
The Stompers marched right back, however, as center fielder Alex Leopard continued his hit hitting streak with a lead off triple to right center field, turning on the wheels to beat a high relay throw to third. Leopard wasn’t done running, looking like a cheetah as he slid through home plate to nod the game up at one. The Stompers first four were far from done though, as catcher Colton Lomanto’s single would give 1st baseman Jack Gallagher the opportunity to give the Stompers the lead. “Gally” went above and beyond, driving a ball over the left field wall to give the Stompers a first inning 3-1 lead.
The second inning was one leaving Stompers fans confused on how to feel, as despite giving up one run, they avoided a multitude of hits on great strategic pitching by starter Kyle Dickey. After two base runners for the mudcats to begin the inning,shortstop Alex Goveia made an unbelievable play to save a base hit. A double play would be the result. But the defensive rally would be halted, when center fielder Kenny Decelle pulled a ball down the line to score one Mudcat base runner and leave the bases loaded for catcher Trey Topping. But the Mudcats would strand 3, with Dickey drawing a strikeout to end the inning. The Stompers would go quietly in their half of the third.
The third and fourth innings went by in a flash, with the Stompers and Mudcats stranding one base runner a piece in each of the innings leaving the score at 3-2 as the inning came to a close.
Kyle Dickey would roll through the 5th inning, striking out two batters and getting help from Mikey Bell in the form of an outstanding play at third base.
The Stompers failed to add any insurance in the 5th, despite a couple of stolen bases by the on base machine, Alex Leopard.
The 6th inning had the fans of both teams on their toes, as Kyle Dickey began the inning with two quick outs, however this took a turn for the worse. Back to back singles and a walk loaded the bases for the mudcats, with the dangerous Kenny Decelle stepping up to the plate. Decelle, despite bringing one in to score earlier in the game, would fail to repeat, grounding out to end the inning. The Stompers, again, went quietly in the sixth.
The action resumed in a great way in the seventh with the mudcats striking first. Back to back singles and a walk loaded the bases with nobody out for the Mudcat shortstop Tyler Bossetti.
Bossetti capitalized in a big way with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Alejandro Lara from third base. Outstanding relief pitching by Garrett James would keep the game at bay, leaving two Mudcats stranded on the base paths.
After stretching in the middle of the seventh, the Stompers came out loose and ready to rock. Davis Cop singled to right, sending the third baseman Mikey Bell to second with nobody out. One out later, the Stompers would load the bases after Alex Leopard was hit by a pitch. In a strange way to take the lead, the Mudcat pitcher, Collin Madeiros, balked a run across, surrendering the lead to the Stompers, a lead they would never get back. That same at bat, Alex Goveias' pop out into foul territory would end in an RBI, with Davis Cop barely sliding safely into home plate. But the Stompers would add some much needed insurance, taking a 5-3 lead through seven.
The 8th inning was the last line of offense for the Mudcats, giving it their best shot to tie up or take the lead heading into the final inning of play. The rally began with a lead off double by third baseman Jaden Jones followed by a one out single by Decelle. After an Alejandro Lara walk, the bases were loaded as Brady Routon came on to get out of the jam. After hitting the Mudcat catcher, Trey Topping, Routon got back on track, getting a double play ball that kept the Stomper lead at 5-4.
This is how the ballgame would end, with both teams going down quietly in the ninth. A big Friday night CCL win for the Stompers, and their second in just five days against the Mudcats, starting to get their number.
Today, July 2nd, the Stompers travel to Monte Vista High School to take on the Walnut Creek Crawdads, a team that has fared well thus far. The Mudcats head home, just for the night, before heading to Lincoln in the morning to play the Potters.
We’re back here at Arnold Field on Sunday and on Monday for 4th of July fun, so be sure to get your tickets at http://www.stompersbaseball.com/buytickets