By Stompers Staff
After a seven run first inning for the visiting San Luis Obispo Blues, the Sonoma Stompers could not close the gap, resulting in a 8-4 loss. Stompers’ starter Tyler Looney received the loss, throwing three innings and giving up seven runs on seven hits, all the runs coming in the first inning. Blues’ starter Cody Albright earned the win, throwing a strong six innings, striking out six and giving up three runs on four hits.
Centerfielder Paul Contreras had a solo shot in the third, as well as drawing two walks as well for the Stompers. AJ Carter aided the effort by going 2-4 with an RBI in the first. Four Sonoma relievers contained the Blues’ effort, led by Connor Kinney’s three innings, where he allowed only one run on three hits.
Manager Zach Pace after the game commented that after the rough first inning he “wished we were able to grind out a few more at bats” and get a couple more runs across. Pace said that despite the bats going “stale,” he liked the effort, complementing the bullpen in particular.
After the five hits that scored seven for the Blues in the first, Pace’s squad responded with a run, coming from Carter’s single that drove in leadoff hitter, Elijah Ramos. After Looney shut down the Blues in the second, a Jack Vanoncini single added another run for the Stompers. Contreras’ homer made it a four run ball game after the 3rd, but Sonoma was unable to scratch anymore till the ninth, where Tyler Holley’s single scored Justice Brinson. The comeback fell short, but the Stomps look to bounce back tomorrow, facing the Blues’ once again in the second game of a four game series.
First pitch tomorrow is scheduled for 6:05 at Arnold Field, make sure to come out and support! Tickets can be found at stompers.isportstix.com or bought at the field. If you’re unable to make it out, check out the live stream on the Sonoma Stompers YouTube channel!