Story written by Stompers intern Sam Basich
Serving as the season finale at home for the Stompers, the Novato Knicks made the short drive down to Arnold Field in Sonoma to attempt a season sweep against the Stompers in three contests.
The Knicks took control of the ballgame at a packed Arnold Field right from the get go, as multiple hitters were able to reach base, with center fielder Damone Hale ultimately coming across to score on a passed ball by pitcher Orlando Leon, who was just one pitch away from escaping the inning.
After drawing first blood, the Knicks came stabbing back in the second and third innings, bringing one more across to score in the second on yet another passed ball, this time with right fielder Wyatt Davis coming into score who’s name will come up here again shortly. Leon got some help defensively after a dazzling double play turned by Alex Gouveia kept it at 2-0.
The third is where the Knicks busted the ballgame wide open, bringing five runs in to score. The first was an RBI single by catcher Donny Ratfield, followed by a long double with two outs by 1st baseman Joey Taddie. This double nearly cleared the previously loaded bases, with two more Novato Knicks coming in to score. Their fifth and final run of the third was driven in by second baseman Riley Cronin, leaving the game at 7-0 through three.
Sadly, the rout would continue, when shortstop Anthony Pomilia coming in to score for the Knicks on an RBI Triple by right fielder Wyatt Davis made the score 8-0.
After 3 more Novato Knick runs in the 5th to bring the score to 11-0, the Stomper hitters would finally stop the bleeding. Alex Gouveia, the shortstop and leading average hitter for the stompers, drove in the catcher, Christian Reynolds with the bases loaded. The very next batter, “funky” Josh Medina grounded into a fielder's choice, with 1st baseman Garrett James coming across for the second run in the inning. The rally would come to a close after run number three though, with Alex Leopard scoring on a base knock by designated hitter Davis Cop. The score would stick at 11-3 until the top of the 8th inning.
With the bases loaded and nobody out, the Stompers would elect to take the easy outs, as two runs would score for the Knicks on consecutive ground outs into a fielder’s choice.
The Stompers would gain one final run back after a groundout by Garret James brought in the base stealing Christian Reynolds for the Stompers fourth run of the ballgame.
The score would stay at a final of 13-4 in favor of the Novato Knicks.
With that, the Stompers end the season with a final home record of 14-16, with two regular season games on the road left to go.
Tune in next Summer to a new and improved squad of Stompers looking to turn things around in 2023.