SONOMA - The Stompers have gotten off to a hot start in non-conference play, but in conference play they have had a tougher time.
The Stompers picked up a big win against the Mudcats on June 21 in comeback fashion as the Stompers would score two in the seventh inning and six more in the eighth, thanks to pinch hit RBIs from Logan Azem and Brandon Marion, picking up a 8-4 victory.
The Stompers bats have been solid up to this point, but the pitching has been subpar to start. The pitching, which resembles a small football roster, has shown signs of improvements in recent games against the Walnut Creek Crawdads on June 11, and the Novato Knicks on June 16 and 17. A player to watch out of the bullpen is closer Sean Flowers, who has a 2.57 ERA with nine strikeouts in seven innings of work.
It’s not all bad for the Stompers, as their current record is 13-9 overall. The 12 wins have come from opponents in-conference and non-conference such as the Alameda Anchors, Novato Knicks, and Fresno Athletics. Highlights for the Stompers early in the season, have been the Martinez brothers who individually hit grand slams in the same game against the Alameda Anchors. This is the first time in franchise history that a pair of brothers have each hit a grandslam in a season let alone the same game.
Arnold Field has been electric since the start of the season with Athletics Hall of Famer, Dave Stewart and Sonoma Mayor, Sandra Lowe throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The Stompers started the season with 685 fans in attendance on Opening night. Sonoma Little League Night and Pride Night, which are staple promotional nights, saw a combined 900 fans. Pride Night, a dedication to former Stompers pitcher, Sean Conroy, who was the first openly gay professional baseball player.
The Stompers will finish their three game series against the Mudcats on June 22 at 5pm in Solano. Returning back to Arnold Field on Friday and Saturday against the East Bay Admirals and Menlo Park Legends with a 6:05pm first pitch for both games. The Stompers have partnered with Parkpoint Health Clubs to bring Health and Wellness night to Arnold Field on Friday, June 23rd. Parkpoint Health Clubs is the official gym of the Sonoma Stompers. PHC features a pool, hot tubs, steam room, locker room, weight room, and group classes. Tickets for those games and all Stompers home games can be purchased at stompersbaseball.com.