The historic season for the Sonoma Stompers came to an end after a 5-2 loss to the one seeded Walnut Creek Crawdads. This CCL North Divisional matchup was characterized by resounding pitching, as Sonoma only mustered two hits on the night. A couple of key runs from the Crawdads off of hits and errors proved to be enough, despite the good effort from the Stompers pitching staff.
Paul Contreras got the only Sonoma hit before the ninth, with a single in the fifth inning. DJ Scott launched a two run shot in the ninth to score the only Stompers runs. Max Handron and Chase Taylor were the only other Stompers to get on with a walk and error.
The game started off quietly for Sonoma, but Walnut Creek was able to threaten in the second. A bloop single that was stretched into a double and then a single up the middle started it for the home Crawdads. But Atkinson earned a popout, strikeout and a chaotic play that resulted in a tag-out on the third base line that got Sonoma out of the inning.
Atkinson finished his day after the third, where he delivered another scoreless inning. The Sonoma starter threw three innings of scoreless work with three strikeouts. Crawdad's starter, Jaxson Byrd, was dominant as he held the Stomps hitless through four innings. Garrett James relieved Atkinson in the bottom half of the fourth, continuing the shutout. Rudy Gonazalez’s defense behind the plate was huge early to aid this effort. In all, quiet starts for both ball clubs.
Paul Contrares got the Stomps in the hit column with a line drive to right center in the fifth, but nothing came of it. The Crawdads scored the first run in their side of the fifth, as Aidan Camberg hit a leadoff double and scored off an RBI single to left. James finished his day after this inning, only allowing this run in his two innings. Sonoma’s Chase Taylor earned his way to third in the sixth inning after a walk and errant throw with two outs. This brought up Max Handron who struck out after an eight pitch battle.
Brent Mallet relieved for Sonoma in the sixth, and runners were able to get on and move to second and third for Walnut Creek. After a crazy play that involved a fly out and two errors, the Crawdads were able to score another before the Stompers got the third out. After going down one, two, three in the top of seventh, Walnut Creek then added another in the bottom half from a pair of hits and fielder’s choice.
This put Sonoma in a tough spot down 3-0 late, a deficit that grew in the eighth after a sacrifice fly and error that added two more. It proved to be enough, as Sonoma scored their only two runs in the ninth off of Scott’s home run. It was too little too late however, as the Stomps fell. Jaxon Byrd and Drew Augiar were too much for Sonoma. Walnut Creek will now host the CCL Championship starting Friday, with the Conejo Oaks traveling from SoCal.
Despite the loss, it was quite the year for Sonoma. Their first ever trip to the CCL playoffs resulted in a wildcard win and the regular season was very successful with 30 wins, 21 in conference. It was not the way this club wanted to go out, but there is a lot to hold their heads high for.
We thank the players, everyone a part of the Stompers organization, and most importantly the fans for an incredible season. We hope to see you all next season as Sonoma will look to build on this season and restart the quest for a CCL Championship.