Kristian Gayday celebrates his 3-run homer with Daniel Baptista.
James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers
im Livingston, Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations
All of a sudden, the reeling Stompers are facing a possibility that didn't seem all that realistic three weeks ago.
That was before their week long series against Vallejo, where they took five of six from the Admirals at home ahead of a key week long series against San Rafael, where the Pacifics were looking to break away from the Stompers and force a championship game on August 31.
That game, which looked like something the Stompers would have been able to avoid, now looks like a near certainty thanks to the results of this weekend, as the Stompers dropped their weekend finale with the Admirals in blowout fashion and got swept in the process, 13-4.
Sonoma (16-17 2nd half, 42-28 overall) allowed 31 runs in the three games, and after Kristian Gayday tied the game with a three-run shot in the third inning, the Admirals pulled away and left the Stompers far behind, with a six-run eighth inning punctuated by the second home run of the game from PJ Phillips, a grand slam that cleared the wall in left.
Vallejo (11-22, 24-48 overall) got incredible production from two of the poorer hitters in the league all season, with Tyger Pederson and Jordan Berry coming into the series batting well under .200. But both hitters had multiple hits Saturday and followed it up with solo homers on Sunday, with Pederson's leading off the big eighth inning.
Gayday had a big afternoon for the Stompers, leading the way with a 2-for-4 effort that included the home run and a double. Both Danny Baptista and Andrew Parker had two singles for the Stompers. It was a tough start for Gregory Paulino, who didn't get out of the sixth and gave up seven runs (six earned).
The Stompers will return home on Tuesday for the beginning of their final home series of the year against the Pittsburg Diamonds. First pitch is set for 6:05 with the radio broadcast beginning at 5:50.
Tickets begin at just $4 and can be purchased online at StompersBaseball.com or at the Stompers Fan Shop, located at 234 W. Napa St. in beautiful downtown Sonoma. Tickets can also be purchased at the gates at Arnold Field before any home game. For more information, call the Stompers at (707) 938-7277 or email the team at info@stompersbaseball.com.