Sonoma Stompers Name Brett Creamer as New General Manager

The Sonoma Stompers announced Petaluma native Brett Creamer as the team's new General Manager Monday. 

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is proud to announce Brett Creamer as the team’s new General Manager. He succeeds Theo Fightmaster, who had been at the helm of the Stompers since the team’s inaugural 2014 season.

“I am thrilled with the incredible opportunity presented to me by ownership. After being a part of this team for two seasons, I am eager to continue building a strong relationship with the community,” Creamer said. “ Armed by my past experience, I am confident in my ability to lead this organization.”

Creamer joined the Stompers during the 2014 season as the Director of Game Day Operations and Community Affairs before working three seasons for the Golden State Warriors in event and arena operations.

The Petaluma native also gained Major League Baseball experience in the ticketing department for the Oakland Athletics before returning to the Stompers as Assistant General Manager for 2017.

During Fightmaster’s tenure, the team reached three championship games, winning once in 2016. He negotiated the deal that made the Stompers the subject of the New York Times-bestselling book “The Only Rule is it Has to Work,” and established inclusive roster-building practices that earned the team national acclaim.

“The past four seasons have been four of the best years of my life, professionally and personally. I've made great friends and countless memories,” Fightmaster said. “I'm so incredibly grateful for every single person who has supported the Stompers since 2014, for every player who's donned our uniform and taken the field, and for each generous host family, sponsor and season ticket holder who, very simply, allowed me to do what I got to do.”

Creamer will oversee all aspects of the Stompers organization. Hayley Slye, formerly the Stompers’ media director, has also been promoted to Director of Marketing.

“I have learned so much from Theo over these few years, and am excited for his next chapter. The rest of the Stompers family and I will miss him,” Creamer said.

FULL STATEMENT FROM THEO FIGHTMASTER:

Former General Manager Theo Fightmaster presents Ty'Relle Harris with the 2017 Chris Matthews Award for team leadership on Aug. 11 (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

The past four seasons have been four of the best years of my life, professionally as well as personally. I've made great friends and countless memories. I'm so incredibly grateful for every single person who has supported the Stompers since 2014, for every player who's donned our uniform and taken the field, and for each generous host family, sponsor and season ticket holder who, very simply, allowed me to do what I got to do.

But, like all good things, this has come to an end. I feel strongly that It's time for a fresh set of eyes. New vigor, determination and a renewed spirit of enthusiasm is required to help this team continue down a sustainable and long-lasting path.

I want to share a heartfelt thanks to Jon and Carol Sebastiani, as well as the previous owners, Eric and Lani Gullotta and Derek Rampone for allowing me to make a living doing something I love. To our relentlessly hard working manager, Takashi Miyoshi, thank you for making me look smart and being open to new ideas, challenges and helping make social progress in this great game of baseball. And to the Stompers staff this past season, and every season prior who've made the heavy lifting a bit lighter, it's been an honor to work with you to bring Stompers Baseball to life every night at Arnold Field.

While the day-to-day managing of the business of the Stompers is no longer something I can devout the required attention and passion to, the Stompers do and will always occupy a part of my heart, as well as a convenient scapegoat for my depleted hairline.

Thank you, thank you and thank you again. Go Stompers.

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PRESS CONTACT: Hayley M. Slye | hayley @stompersbaseball.com | (707) 938-7277

Tyler Garkow Named Pacific Association's 2017 Pitcher of the Year

Tyler Garkow toes the rubber at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field during the 2017 season. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs is proud to announce Sonoma Stompers right-hander Tyler Garkow as the league’s 2017 Pitcher of the Year.

“I am very happy Tyler Garkow is receiving this award. All the hard work pays off on and off the field. Garkow is true professional, so it was a fun watching him every time he pitched for us,” said Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi.

Garkow, the league leader in strikeouts (97) and ERA (2.56), received 25 more votes than the next-closest contender. In August, he left the Pacific Association to be called up to the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League.

“We’re all doing the best we can and we’re still fighting and scratching and clawing for that dream. I’m just fortunate enough to be one step closer,” Garkow said after his last start as a Stomper. “It doesn’t mean I’m more deserving than anybody else, I just got the opportunity. I just have to make the most of it.”

Garkow’s nearly-100 strikeouts came in just 13 starts for Sonoma. In that span, Garkow did not pitch less than five innings in a start. He recorded 10 or more strikeouts three times.

“The voters got this one right. Tyler was a tremendous asset for us, and a big reason for so much of our success this season. I’m thrilled we were able to have him as long as we did, and I’m even more proud of what he accomplished, and what is in store for him in the future,” said 2017 Stompers President and General Manager Theo Fightmaster.

Takashi Miyoshi, PJ Phillips Win Dual Manager of the Year Awards

Manager Takashi Miyoshi speaks with infielder Scott David during a 2017 home game at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– While Sonoma Stompers Manager Takashi Miyoshi set a league record for wins in a season, Vallejo Admirals skipper PJ Phillips lead his team to their first-ever Pacific Association Championship.

“Yoshi is an enormous asset to our organization and to this league. He’s poured his heart and soul into this organization, and the return on that has been great success for our ball club and the players who’ve gone on to higher levels. Additionally, you won’t find a single manager in this league more professional, harder working and more respectful of the game,” said 2017 Stompers President and General Manager Theo Fightmaster.

The two managers tied for the league’s 2017 Manager of the Year award, selected by three members of each Pacific Association team. Miyoshi was also the recipient of last season's Manager of the Year award after leading the Stompers to the 2016 championship. 

"I am extremely humbled and honored to receive this award for second time in my career. I want to thank my players for all of their hard work," Miyoshi said. "Most importantly, I want to thank the fans. Without their support, I would not get this award."

When he was promoted in 2015, Miyoshi became the first Japanese-born manager in American professional baseball. He notched his 100th managerial win in July. 

Miyoshi thanked his coaching staff, the Stompers' ownership and front office as well as a few important members of the Stompers family. 

"I would like to dedicate this award to the legend of (longtime Sonoma Valley High Varsity Baseball Coach) Don Lyons and his family. Being a part of the Sonoma baseball community is special for me," Miyoshi said. "Thank you all for everything you have done for me."

Phillips, the brother of longtime Major Leaguer Brandon Phillips, took his team from a 12-27 record in the first half to a 24-15 record in the second, securing a spot in the Pacific Association Championship game.

While Phillips’ squad lead the league in hits, home runs and doubles, the Stompers scored 74 more runs than their league opponents and recorded the most RBIs.

Three Stompers take Defensive Player of the Year Honors

Isaac Wenrich, Brennan Metzger and Matt Hibbert (left to right) won league awards for defense at catcher, left field and center field, respectively. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– Three Sonoma Stompers took Defensive Player of the Year honors at their respective positions, the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs announced Monday. The awards were selected based on their ability and performance by three representatives of each Pacific Association team. 

In addition to driving in 52 runs for the Stompers in 2017, catcher Isaac Wenrich owned a fielding percentage of .993 in 68 games played. The team completes a trio of defensive award recipients with center fielder Matt Hibbert and left fielder Brennan Metzger. It is the second time Hibbert has won the award since joining the Stompers in 2014.

“All three of these guys were integral to our amazing success this season. Hibby has been a pillar on this team since he first arrived. And bringing back Isaac and Brennan really added, not just great talent, but veteran leadership too. These awards are well deserved, and hard earned by all three,” said 2017 Stompers President and General Manager Theo Fightmaster.

The league will continue to announce the rest of the end-of-season award winners this week.

 

FULL LIST OF DEFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Pitcher: Max Beatty (SRF)

Catcher: Issac Wenrich (SON)

First Base: Vinny Guglietti (PIT)

Second Base: Ordomar Valdez-Martinez (PIT)

Third Base: Chris Fornaci (VAL)

Shortstop: Jose Garcia (PIT)

Left Field: Brennan Metzger (SON)

Center Field: Matt Hibbert (SON)

Right Field: Miles Williams (SRF

Sonoma Stompers Fall Just Short of 2017 Pacific Association Championship in 11-8 Loss to Vallejo Admirals

Derrick Fox went 3 for 6 in Friday's Pacific Association Championship Game at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Director

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, fell just short of the 2017 Pacific Association championship in Friday’s one-game playoff against the Vallejo Admirals on Friday. 

“Anything goes in a one-game playoff,” said center fielder Matt Hibbert. “It doesn’t take anything away from the season we had or the guys in the clubhouse.”

The Admirals plated a seemingly-insurmountable five runs off of Sonoma starter Ty’Relle Harris and reliever Logan Gillaspie in the fourth to take a 9-1 lead. By the eighth, the Stompers had cut an eight-run lead to one.

“It’s just a testament to the guys we have in the clubhouse and in the dugout. There’s never any quit in our mind. We were down 9-1, I knew we just had to start chipping away. We got pretty close but just came up a little bit short. That’s the game of baseball sometimes,” Hibbert said.

Sonoma starter Ty’Relle Harris allowed six earned runs through three and a third innings, but the Stompers did not give up. Taking advantage of a handful of singles and using some small ball, Sonoma responded with four runs in the fifth and continued to snip at the lead.

Sonoma scored another run in the sixth, making the score 9-7. GIllaspie dealt in the two middle innings, retiring the Admirals in order. In the seventh, Pugh lead off with a single off of Gillaspie. Gillaspie responded with three straight strikeouts.

“He just goes out there and competes,” Hibbert said. “He kind of kept us in the game and kept them from scoring any more runs. Kid’s got a bright future for sure.”

A solo home run from Chris Fornaci in the eighth put the Admirals up 10-8 and knocked Gillaspie out of the game, but the 20-year-old struck out seven in four innings.

Vallejo plated another run in the ninth on a sac fly, putting the Stompers down three runs in the ninth.

Five different Stompers recorded multiple hits in the game. Derrick Fox went 3 for 5, driving in two. Fox was at the plate in the last at bat of the game, working Diaz for nine pitches and battling to keep the game alive. Diaz won the battle.

“We never gave up. It shows me what type of team we are. I’m just so proud of my team and my players,” said manager Takashi Miyoshi.

The Stompers end the season having set a Pacific Association record for wins in a season at 52-26. They also reached several other milestones, including manager Takashi MIyoshi earning his 100th since being named manager midway through 2015. Joel Carranza set the Pacific Association record for career home runs. Stacy Piagno became one of just three women to record a win in an American men’s professional baseball league since the 1950’s.

“This season, we have done a great job. It comes down to a one-game playoff and it can go either way,” Miyoshi said. “We have nothing to be ashamed of… I just want to say thank you to everybody”

Sonoma Stompers Defeat Pittsburg Diamonds 5-4, Look Forward to One-Game Championship Playoff on Friday in Sonoma

Attached photo caption and credit: Scott Plaza pitched seven strong innings in Thursday’s 5-4 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds at Winter Chevrolet Stadium. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

PITTSBURG, Calif.– Under the lights at Winter Chevrolet Stadium in Pittsburg, the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, played with partial control of their own destiny. The fate of the 2017 Pacific Association season depended on the outcome of the Vallejo Admirals’ matchup with the San Rafael Pacifics a few cities away.

The Stompers defeated the Pittsburg Diamonds, molding a solid start from Scott Plaza into a 5-4 victory. Meanwhile, the Admirals littered the Pacifics with runs en route to a 12-5 victory–remaining tied with the Stompers at the top of the standings and solidifying plans for a Championship Game on Friday at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark.

Sonoma improves to 52-26, ending the regular season having set a Pacific Association record for wins in a season.

“From day one we stuck with our strengths, we know what type of team we are,” Miyoshi said. “All the credit goes to the team. I just want to thank everybody.”

Plaza dazzled until being pulled in the sixth, allowing the Diamonds’ first hit of the game in the fourth. A shower of singles in the third scored two to bolster Plaza’s effort.

“I had the ball at the end of the first half when we clinched in Pittsburg, I had it again tonight and I had it in college (at Division III University of Wisconsin Whitewater) when we won the National Championship,” Plaza said. “That’s what you dream of.”

Solid defense punctuated the game, with Yuki Yasuda and Derrick Fox making long throws to hold up a streak of 11 batters in a row retired. After the Stompers added a run in the top of the sixth, the Diamonds tied it up in the bottom of the frame.

The Stompers regained the lead in the seventh, ignited by a Brennan Metzger double. RBI singles from Yasuda and Matt LoCoco followed, putting Sonoma up 5-3.

“When your defense makes plays like that, it gives you a lot of confidence to keep throwing strikes because you feel like no matter where it’s hit, it’s going to be an out,” Plaza said. “Knowing that we have the best offense in the league, they’re going to give me support even if I do give up three in one inning, they bounce back right away."

Plaza responded by recording two strikeouts in the bottom of the frame for his fifth 1-2-3 inning of the game. He pitched seven strong, striking out seven and allowing three runs on just four hits.

All but two Stompers recorded a hit on Thursday while Yasuda and Scott David recorded two. Catcher Daniel Comstock also drove in two runs. On the Diamonds side, Vinny Guglietti broke the Pacific Association record for hits in a season.

Starter Ty’Relle Harris will take the mound for Sonoma at 7:05 p.m. at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field on Friday. His last time out, Harris pitched five and one third strong innings and picked up the win against Vallejo.

Tickets for the Championship Game and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Maintain First-Place Tie, Defeat Pittsburg Diamonds 7-1 Behind Taylor Thurber's Strong Effort

Taylor Thurber pitched six and two-thirds innings of one-run, three-hit ball in the Sonoma Stompers' 7-1 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds at Winter Chevrolet Stadium on Wednesday. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

PITTSBURG, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, stayed atop the Pacific Association standings with a 7-1 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds on Wednesday.

Bolstered by three Stompers runs in the top of the first, Sonoma starter Taylor Thurber pitched five shutout innings, allowing just two hits in that span.

“We’re trying to come out with a lot of momentum and when your team explodes with three runs in the first inning, you’ve got to come out with that same intensity,” Thurber said.

Thurber’s only blemish was a solo home run by Wes Wallace in the sixth, the Diamonds’ only run on the night and the third hit on Thurber’s watch. Through six, the Stompers out-hit the Diamonds 13-3.

“(Thurber) brought a great effort tonight, he kept us in the game. We had complete comfort when he went out there today that he was going to get us outs and get us a W today,” said shortstop Derrick Fox.

Fox recorded a hit in each of his first three at bats, one of those being a fourth-inning home run. He and Joel Carranza went back to back in that frame, knocking two balls over the fence to start the inning. Scott David also delivered on offense, recording three hits and driving in a run.

While the Stompers remained in solid control of the game at Winter Chevrolet Stadium, the Vallejo Admirals took an early 5-1 lead over the San Rafael Pacifics and never relinquished it.

With Vallejo and Sonoma remaining tied at first in the Pacific Association standings, a potential one-game playoff depends on the outcome of Thursday’s game. If the two teams finish tied for first, the Admirals win the second half due to a better head-to-head second half record.

“There’s always the possibility we could lock it down tomorrow so we of course want to come in with a lot of intensity, lots of energy, finish strong and then if it goes to the one-game playoff get us a victory to keep us rolling into it and keep that momentum,” Thurber said.

Tickets and merchandise for a potential Championship Game at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark on Friday at 7:05 are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Set League Record For Wins Behind Erik Gonsalves' Gem in 8-0 Victory Over Pittsburg Diamonds, Stay Tied For First

Starter Erik Gonsalves pitched a complete-game, four-hit shut out in the Sonoma Stompers' 8-0 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds at Winter Chevrolet Stadium on Tuesday. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

PITTSBURG, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, became the only team in Pacific Association history to reach 50 wins in a season with an 8-0 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds on Tuesday.

Sonoma starter Erik Gonsalves pitched a complete-game shutout, the first of his career, to ensure a Stompers victory at a critical moment in the season.

“I just tried to get into the seventh and keep it as close as possible for my team to stay in there and win the ballgame,“ Gonsalves said. “I try to just go one pitch at a time.”

With the Vallejo Admirals defeating the San Rafael Pacifics on Tuesday, the Stompers remain tied with Vallejo at the top of the Pacific Association standings with just two regular season games left to play.

“He pitched a hell of a game, saved our bullpen,” said left fielder Brennan Metzger. “We may need them these next couple games to grind out a couple of wins, so for him to come in there and just shut the whole thing down was awesome.”

Metzger also contributed a solo shot to left field, his fourth home run in three games. Coming into Saturday, he had hit just three in 62 games on the season.

“I started watching some video of myself from a couple years ago and just realized what my hand position was and noticed that I’ve been a little bit lower,” Metzger said. “So I tried to go back to the higher hand slot and it’s working out really well.”

A methodical approach at the plate and solid defense also helped the Stompers stay afloat in a game in which they recorded five hits but drew 13 walks.

“That just goes to show our approach. We’re going to be patient at the plate, we’re not going to swing at bad pitches and we’re going to stick to what we do best. We were able to apply pressure without getting hits today so it worked out well,” Metzger said.

Three inning-ending double plays made three quick innings for Gonsalves, who scattered four hits and issued three walks.

“The defense helped me out big time,” Gonsalves said. “Without those outs, I’m probably not even going in the seventh inning.”

With the victory, the Stompers improve to 50-26 on the season, 22-15 in the second half. If the Stompers aren’t in first come Thursday night, a championship game will be held at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark on Friday at 7:05 p.m.

“We know we’re in a battle right now with Vallejo and what they do is out of our control. The only thing we can control is us,” Metzger said. “This was a big one for us to get off on the right foot.”

Tickets for a possible championship game and Stompers merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Take Series Against Vallejo Admirals With 6-4 Victory, Move Back Into Tie at First Place

Scott David (left) and Brennan Metzger (right) both homered in Sunday's 6-4 win over the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Park, putting the Sonoma Stompers in a tie for first place. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, took victory in a critical series against the Vallejo Admirals with a 6-4 win Sunday, leaving the weekend tied for first place in the Pacific Association with three games left to play.

Sonoma starter Ty’Relle Harris gave a strong effort, pitching five and one-thirds scoreless innings and allowing just four hits.

“(Catcher Daniel Comstock) was working for me today,” Ninth-year professional Harris said. “I got outs, but you have (center fielder Matt Hibbert) out there running down fly balls, (third baseman Masa Miyadera) making great defensive plays, (left-fielder Brennan Metzger) running down balls for me, you got the guys saving me… I stayed comfortable because of the guy behind the dish.”

His single earned run came on a sac fly after he had been replaced by Logan Gillespie in the sixth. The run was Vallejo’s only one until the eighth.

“(Ty’Relle) is our guy. I knew, coming into today, especially after last night’s win, we had a good chance to win,” Comstock said.

Brennan Metzger hit his third home run in two days. Coming into the series, Metzger had hit just three on the season. His homer sent three of the runs in a four-run third inning home.

“It’s just amazing. At a time when we need a big hit like that, (Metzger) keeps hitting. Hopefully, he can continue to do that,” said manager Takashi Miyoshi.

In the fifth, Scott David put one over the fence in right to make the score 5-0. David went 4-5 and scored two runs.

The Admirals did not go down quietly. In the eighth, a two-run single from David Kiriakos off of reliever Jacob Cox put the game within two runs. Cox came up with two strikeouts and a groundout to limit the damage.

In the ninth, pinch-hitter Marcus Bradley singled and came around to score an insurance run for the Stompers, breaking a 13-game scoreless streak for Admirals closer Sammy Gervacio. Down to their last three outs, Vallejo faced three different Stompers bullpen arms and scored a run of their own.

In the event of a tie at the end of gameplay Thursday, the Admirals win the second half due to a better head-to-head record. If the Stompers do not win the second half, a championship game will be held in Sonoma on Sept. 1 at 7:05 p.m.

“I just told the boys after the game ended, I’m just going to worry about the next game, one pitch at a time, one player at a time, one at bat at a time,” Miyoshi said. “That’s how we have to play the last three games.”

Tickets for a possible championship game and Stompers merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Even Series Against Vallejo Admirals With 9-5 Victory

Brennan Metzger hit two home runs in Saturday’s 9-5 win over the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Park. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

Vallejo, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, evened a series against the Vallejo Admirals crucial in deciding the Pacific Association second half with a strong 9-5 victory on Saturday night.

“That team over there, is really good and If we don’t silence them early, they crawl back into ballgames, and that’s what they did,” said catcher Daniel Comstock. “Baseball is a game of momentum and I think we did a good job of keeping it on our side tonight.”

Comstock and Brennan Metzger combined to make a loud statement in the second off of Vallejo starter Brent Adheen, firing a pair of two-run home runs over the outfield fence to put Sonoma up 4-0.  Metzger hit another home run in the fifth, his fifth of the year.

“I was up there and just couldn’t find a way to get the barrel on it and finally I got (the first one) connected and it felt pretty good. It feels good when you hit the ball hard,” Metzger said. “I was watching some video of myself last night and just tried to take some of those things I was watching and bring it into the game today.”

Vallejo answered back with one run in the second and three in the third, tying the game at four. First baseman Graylin Derke collected three RBIs by the third inning off of Sonoma starter Scott Plaza, one a solo shot to right field. Derke’s jack was one of five in the contest.

Plaza went seven innings, keeping the Admirals scoreless in four of them and protecting a Sonoma lead that gained one run in each of the middle innings. RBI base hits from Derke and Nick Akins Sr. made the third the Admirals’ only multi-run inning.

“That was awesome, that’s a real easy situation for a pitcher to just kind of fall and crumble when things aren’t going his way, but he stuck with his stuff and grinded through it and gave us seven great innings tonight,” Metzger said.

The Stompers did not let up. Sonoma worked reliever Alex Fishberg for four straight walks in the sixth. In the eighth, Matt LoCoco hit a leadoff triple, setting the stage for Matt Hibbert to drive him in. An error allowed Sonoma to take a 9-5 lead in the frame. 

Reliever DJ Sharabi came in for plaza in the eighth and sent the remainder of the Admirals back to the dugout in order. Plaza and Sharabi’s efforts were backed by Masa Miyadera’s solid defense at third base. 

“Masa playing defense, making fundamental plays every time, that was game-changing. Some of the plays he made tonight saved us,” said manager Takashi Miyoshi. “If we go into a playoff game, defense and pitching always win games. This game to me, was huge, because now I know how to be ready for that one game.”

With the victory, the Stompers improve to 20-15 at one game back in the Pacific Association standings and nullify the chance of Vallejo clinching the second half over the weekend. 

Sonoma sends starter Ty’Relle Harris to the mound Sunday at 1:05 p.m., looking to take the series and move back into a tie for first. 

“Playoff time, we see everyone get intense, everybody trying to do too much, everybody wants to score. But the key to win a playoff game in a time like this, we just have to stay who we are and stick to our strengths,” Miyoshi said.

Tickets for a possible championship game in Sonoma and Stompers merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.