STOMPERS FALL TUESDAY NIGHT 7-4, PACIFICS CAPITALIZE ON WALKS

June 4, 2019

STOMPERS FALL TUESDAY NIGHT 7-4, PACIFICS CAPITALIZE ON WALKS

SONOMA, Calif- The Sonoma Stompers saw the San Rafael Pacifics for the first time on Tuesday night as wily veteran Nick Barnese took the hill for Stompers Manager Zack Pace who looked good early, but his pitch count led to an early exit.

Barnese had trouble commanding the strike zone early in the first inning, allowing back-to-back walks to open the game. After getting two quick outs, Rayson Romero bobbled a grounder at shortstop off the bat of Jimmy Lunardelli, leading to the Pacifics first run. Taylor Zeutenhorst then smacked and RBI single to left, extending the lead 2-0.  

The Stompers bounced back quickly in the bottom half of the first inning with Nick Gotta and Miles Williams delivering back-to-back singles off of San Rafael starter Neil Lang. After getting Chris Kwitzer to strikeout for the first out of the inning, Dondrei Hubbard mashed his third home run in as many games, putting the Stompers ahead 3-2. 

Barnese lasted just three innings, allowing only the two runs while striking out seven and walking four on 61 pitches. The high pitch count forced Zack Pace to bring in left-hander Cole Watts.

In the top of the fourth inning, Watts struggled to find the strike zone. He walked three and allowed back-to-back triples to Corey Dempster and Lunardelli, giving San Rafael the lead right back, 6-3.

Watts allowed one more run in the top of the fifth inning. He retired the first two batters of the inning before walking Ermindo Escobar who later scored on a wild pitch, making the score 7-3.

The Stompers added a run in the bottom of the seventh inning on a throwing error by Lunardelli in left field, allowing Gotta to score, but that was all as the Stompers drop their first two of three and are 1-2 to start the season. 

The Stompers are back home June 5that 6:05 against the Vallejo Admirals before they go on the road to close out the week. 

STOMPERS LOUD 1ST INNING PROPELS THEM TO FISRT WIN OF 2019

SONOMA, Calif.- The Sonoma Stompers welcomed the unbeaten Napa Silverados to Palooza Park at Arnold Field for the first time Sunday night. Even with defensive struggles throughout, the Stompers offense kept them ahead, notching the club’s first win of 2019, 9-4.

Henry Omana started on the hill for Manager Zack Pace and did not disappoint, shutting down the first three hitters in the Silverado line-up, while collecting two strikeouts in the first inning. Leaps and bounds above the pitching struggles the Stompers had on opening night. 

Right hander Billy Felo started for Tito Fuentes Jr’s Silverados and ran into a brick wall that is the Stompers line-up. Right away, second baseman Nick Gotta worked a five-pitch walk to open the game to put an early runner on. Miles Williams was then hit by an 0-2 fastball to put a runner in scoring position. Chris Kwitzer then hit a soft bouncer to Malvin Nunez at second who bobbled the ball initially, then flipped it over the head of Salas at shortstop and into center field, allowing Gotta to come around all the way around and score the game’s first run. 

After the error put runners at the corners Dondrei Hubbard hit his second home run of the season on a 3-2 hanging curveball which he deposited over the bleachers in straight away left field, capping off the Stompers 4-run first inning. 

After another 1-2-3 top of the second inning for Omana, it was clear that the right was dealing, already tallying four punchouts.

Gotta began the bottom of the second in the same fashion as the first, a walk. Williams then worked a full-count walk to put runners at first and second. After a Kwitzer flyout, Hubbard grounded to Napa third baseman Dominic Bethancourt whose wild throw to first scored Gotta, extending the Stompers lead to 5-0. Brock Hartley grounded out to second to score Williams and the Stompers led 6-0 after just two innings of play.

Napa answered in the top of the third inning on an opposite field two-run home run off the bat of shortstop Willie Salas, cutting the Stompers lead to 6-2. 

Omana left the game after just four innings of work but they were spectacular. He allowed only the two runs on five hits while striking out a whopping nine Silverados.

Nobody came across to score in the fifth inning for either side as Felo seemed to find a groove and Stompers lefty Cole Watts appeared for the first time, working a 1-2-3 top of the fifth.

Napa’s luck changed in the sixth when they were able to capitalize on four walks issued by first-year Stomper Luke Laurita. Both runs in the inning were unearned for Laurita as a pair of errors were also committed, allowing Napa to close the gap, 6-4.  

Felo finished with five innings, allowing six runs but only four earned. Carlos Guzman was first out of the bullpen for Fuentes in the bottom of the sixth inning. After allowing a leadoff single to Stompers backstop Bronson Butcher, Guzman surrendered back-to-back walks to load the bases, forcing Fuentes to make another call to the bullpen.

Kyle Chavez was the new pitcher for Napa. He forced Gotta to ground out to shortstop, but driving in a run and making it a 7-4 ballgame. Williams then drove a 2-1 fastball to deep centerfield, easily scoring both runners and inflating the lead to 9-4 which is where it stayed.

Dj Sharabi, Ryan Richardson, and Jacob Cox worked scoreless 7th, 8th, and 9thinnings to close out the game, solidifying the Stompers first win of the year and handing Napa their first loss. 

The Stompers conclude their homestand to open the year with games against the San Rafael Pacifics on Tuesday night and against the Valljeo Admirals on Wednesday night, both at 6:05pm at Palooza Park at Arnold Field.

Red Grape's third consecutive year of partnership with Stompers spring training

SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is proud to announce its third consecutive year of partnership with the Red Grape. The Red Grape provided our players post-game meals on select spring training days.

The Red Grape is a local Sonoma pizza delicacy right outside of the historical Plaza known for their thin-crust pizza. Owners Carol and Sam Morphy have created a fun and cozy community at the Red Grape completed with a classic brick oven and large patio. 

“Our players love and rave about the food from the Red Grape,” assistant GM Eduardo Mora-Loera said. “After a long day of spring training play, the Red Grape provides our players quality and healthy food to get them ready for the season.”

Spring training began Wednesday, May 22 and will finish up today, Thursday, May 30. Fans can watch their Stompers in action during the season opener against Salina Stockade on Saturday, June 1 at 7:05 p.m. at Palooza Park at Arnold Field.  

To purchase Stompers tickets visit stompersbaseball.com, call (707) 938-7277 or email infor@stompersbaseball.com.  

Pre-Season Stompers Community Events

STOMPERS TO HOST PRESEASON PUBLIC MEET-AND-GREET EVENTS AHEAD OF 2019 SEASON

SONOMA, Calif. – Before the Sonoma Stompers open their 2019 campaign in the Pacific Association, the organization’s sixth in the league, the team is excited to announce three meet-and-greet opportunities with players and staff before Opening Day.

On May 24th at 5-8pm, the Stompers will introduce the community to the team’s exclusive gym partner, SonomaFit, located at 19310 Sonoma Highway in Sonoma. Throughout the 2019 season, Stompers players will train at SonomaFit’s Sonoma and Petaluma locations as they look to capture their second Pacific Association title. The event is open to the public and will consist of a mechanical bull, kids pitching station, autograph station, music, and more. In attendance will be Stomper players, host families, SonomaFit members and the open public.

On May 25th at 5pm, the Stompers will hold another meet-and-greet at Palooza Brewery and Gastropub, located at 8910 Sonoma Highway in Kenwood. The event will serve as an opportunity to introduce fans to concession options for the 2019 season, which will once again be provided by Palooza. New stadium menu options will be available, as well as the menus for group events during the season. Come out and try Palooza’s newly featured milkshakes and play ping pong with our players!

Finally, on May 30th at 5:30-8:00pm, two days before Stompers Opening Night, the Stompers will attend Epicenter Sports and Entertainment at 3215 Coffey Lane in Santa Rosa. The North Bay’s largest all-in-one destination for...indoor sports, fitness center, sports bar and restaurant, upscale bowling lounge, trampoline park, arcade, advanced laser tag arena, multi-sensory adventure ride, interactive kids play area, and even its own Starbucks.

The Stompers encourage the public to come out to all three events and mingle with players, including former Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants prospects. Those interested in receiving free season tickets in exchange for hosting players during the season will have an opportunity to receive more information and meet the players as well.

To purchase Stompers tickets and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.

– STOMPERS BASEBALL –

STOMPERS SIGN TWO SONOMA STATE GRADS

STOMPERS SIGN TWO SONOMA STATE GRADS

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SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers have signed outfielder Bryce Nagata and resigned infielder Rayson Romero for the 2019 season.

Nagata and Romero finished their collegiate careers in 2018 at Sonoma State University, where they played under Sonoma State assistant coach and Stompers manager Zack Pace.

Romero immediately joined the Stompers after the college season came to an end. With the team last season, Romero finished with a .216 batting average and .660 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) hitting two home runs and 21 RBIs in the regular season.

“I feel like last season I was in pretty good shape but also had a full college season under my belt and went straight into the summer with the Stompers so I didn’t really have that recovery time,” Romero said. “This offseason I focused on mostly taking the appropriate amount of time (to recover) … but once that time period was up, getting my body back into form being stronger and functional.”

Defensively, the shortstop played in 73 games where he accumulated a .914 fielding percentage.

“My goals are more than just statistics. I have goals of being that type of player that can play day in and day out and can stay healthy on the field,” Romero said. “With the Stompers last season we had a great season and a great group of guys and I am looking forward to having another great group this year and hopefully we can get a ring. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Nagata also had hopes of playing professional ball right after but had issues with his arm and headed back home to Hawaii. There, he learned he had a torn labrum. Fully recovered now, he is ready to play with the Sonoma Stompers.

“I look forward to the opportunity to play again. I love this game and I just love meeting new people so I am looking forward to the opportunity,” Nagata said.

Nagata finished his senior season at Sonoma State University in 2018 with a .375 batting average with seven home runs and 21 RBIs. He ended his two-year career with Sonoma State with a fielding percent of .980.

“He’s just a really good athlete so he’s going to catch the ball, hit for average, hit for power (and) be a threat on the bases,” Pace said about Nagata. “So he has a lot of different things he can utilize daily to help us win ball games.”

Pace influenced Nagata greatly at Sonoma State and he looks forward to playing for him again.

“He’s such a great… we were able to create a strong relationship and get on a personal level so I am looking forward to that relationship again,” Nagata said. “I learned a lot (from Pace) He has a lot of pro experience. Everything he said or told me was pretty important to me because I wanted to get to that next level so everything he said I took it to heart.”

To purchase Stompers tickets and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.

– STOMPERS BASEBALL –

STOMPERS ANNOUNCE TELEVISION DEAL FOR 2019 SEASON

SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers are proud to announce the Pacific Association’s first-of-its-kind television deal for the 2019 season. The Stompers will partner with KSVY/SVT to produce a live television broadcast for all 40 home games.

Every Stompers home game will be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 27 to over 10,000 homes from Kenwood to San Pablo Bay. For those out of range, the broadcasts will also be available live and on-demand on the KSVY and Stompers YouTube accounts.

Every game will feature a score bug brand new to Sonoma TV, as well as seven camera angles that will give fans views from all around the field. Palooza Park at Arnold Field’s new lights and playing surface will be on display when the Stompers open up the season against the league’s newest team, the Salina Stockade, on June 1 at 7:05 p.m.

Businesses interested in supporting Sonoma’s local professional team and securing sponsorship spots on the broadcast should contact assistant general manager Eddie Mora-Loera at Eddie@stompersbaseball.com.

To purchase Stompers tickets and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.

Palooza Brewery and Gastropub back for the 2019 season!

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club is excited to announce that Palooza Brewery and Gastropub will be back for their second season in 2019. To reflect the partnership, the Stompers home field will once again go by –”Palooza Park at Arnold Field.”

“Palooza helped elevate our overall fan experience at the ballpark,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. “2018 was a very special season and we hope to duplicate that again this season, with Palooza.”

The menu will feature items such as wood fired pizzas, lobster rolls, burgers and a newly featured milkshake bar.

The Stompers begin their home schedule at Palooza Park at Arnold Field on June 1 vs. the Salina Stockade. Palooza is located in Kenwood at 8910 Sonoma Highway.

ABOUT PALOOZA BREWERY AND GASTROPUB

Palooza Brewery and Gastropub is a neighborhood gathering place where thoughtfully-sourced food comes together with a friendly environment. Since 2014, Palooza has been serving artisan cocktails, house-brewed craft beer, wood-fired pizza, top-quality meats and house-made condiments.

ABOUT THE STOMPERS

Established in 2014, the Stompers have one Pacific Association championship under their belt as well as several historical moments. In addition to being featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame several times, the Stompers were the subject of New York Times Bestseller "The Only Rule is it Has To Work" by Ben Lindbergh and Sam Miller. In 2018, the Sonoma Stompers won a league record 57 games and made their fourth championship appearance.

STOMPERS TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION

Opening Day at home is June 1 at Palooza Park at Arnold Field. TO PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE and to find more information about the team, visit stompersbaseball.com, call us at (707) 938-7277 or send an email to info@stompersbaseball.com.

STOMPERS INK FORMER TAMPA BAY 3RD ROUNDER NICK BARNESE

SONOMA, Calif.–  The Sonoma Stompers announced the signing of pitcher Nick Barnese. The former 3rd round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Rays will be entering his ninth season of professional baseball.

“Nick will add leadership and depth to our pitching staff,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. “We know with his talent and experience he will compete at a high level for us.”

The Simi Valley native spent six years in the Tampa Bay Rays organization where he started 93 games and had a won loss record of 31-23 in 478.1 innings pitched with 409 strikeouts and ERA of 3.37. Barnese spent the 2011 and 2012 season with Double-A Montgomery Biscuits of the Rays organization where he held a 9-9 record in 174 innings pitched and ERA of 4.40.

Barnese entered the Independent Baseball world in 2014 when he played for the well known St. Paul Saints of the American Association. The righty led the pitching staff with 98 strikeouts and was second in innings pitched with 121.2. Barnese tied the team lead in wins with six while holding a 3.85 ERA.

In 2018, for the Pittsburg Diamonds of the Pacific Association, Barnese excelled as a reliever for the first time in his career with a 2-3 record with a 4.67 ERA and six saves.

FORMER ROCKIES PROSPECT JOINS STOMPERS

SONOMA, Calif.–  The Sonoma Stompers announced the signing of pitcher Brian Browning. The former Colorado Rockies pitcher enters his third season in professional baseball, and second in the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs. “I hope to join the Stompers this season and contribute to their continued success in the Pacific Association! I will be happy getting back on the mound be it starting or relief, and I can't wait to live in the beautiful town of Sonoma!” said Browning.

In 2017, Browning played for Boise Hawks of the Northwest League (A-) for the Colorado Rockies affiliate. In 11 games pitched, Browning compiled a 1-2 won loss record in 15.2 innings while striking out 12. “My host family was wonderful and I am still in contact with them today! I played in the Northwest League and was able to travel to beautiful places like Eugene, Oregon and Vancouver, Canada!” Browning said. Previous to signing with Colorado, Browning played three levels of college baseball.

The lefty started his collegiate career at the Junior College level at Northwest Florida State College. “My favorite baseball memory would be winning the Junior College World Series my sophomore year. I helped our team by throwing a complete game shutout, day two of the tournament against Iowa Western, putting a stop to their 36 game win streak,” said Browning. With the Raiders he held a 14-4 won loss record in 134 innings pitched with 108 strikeouts.

In 2016, Browning then transferred to the University of Mississippi, members of the Southeastern Conference. Browning did not allow a run in three of his four appearances for the Rebels.

The Homewood, Alabama native spent his senior season at the Division-2 level for the University of West Florida Argonauts where he held a won loss record of 4-3 with a 3.78 ERA in 50 innings pitched and 41 strikeouts. “It was a challenging transition to be at three different cities and coaching staffs, while losing some school credits in the process... I was able to meet many good guys along the way and I wouldn't change it for anything,” said Browning. In 2017, Browning returned to West Florida to complete his degree in Communications.

In 2018, Browning joined the Pittsburg Diamonds of the Pacific Association where he held an impressive 1.64 ERA in 11 innings of work with 13 strikeouts. “He’ll be a versatile member of the pitching staff as he has started and relieved with equal success throughout his career,” said General Manager Brett Creamer. In four seasons of college baseball, Browning holds a 18-7 won loss record in 187.2 innings pitched with 151 strikeouts.