By Stompers Staff
On a day that honored Willie Mays, the Sonoma Stompers returned to Arnold Field and squeaked by against non-conference opponent Petaluma Athletic Edge, 5-4. Quite fittingly, Sonoma center fielder Paul Contreras delivered the game winning RBI and made a “Willie Mays like” catch for the final out. Reliever Evan Sandoval earned the win, throwing the seventh and eighth innings, striking out two and allowing one hit. Jason DeShon came in and closed for the Stompers, striking out two and forcing the fly out to Contreras.
Tyler Looney opened the game hot for Sonoma, throwing four perfect innings, striking out two in the process. Manager Zack Pace spoke on this dominant performance stating “He did great. We wanted to see him get down in the zone more and he did a great job locating his fastball, kind of hitting that bottom of the zone.”
A two run first inning for Pace’s offense also contributed to the start, with Luke Rossi’s double doing the damage. Brady Boyd had a solo shot in the fourth inning, which added to the lead for Sonoma. However, hit by pitches, walks and a couple of hits from Athletic Edge in the fifth resulted in a four run inning, putting the Stomps behind one.
In the eighth though, the Stompers started things off with an AJ Carter single, who advanced to third via a pickoff error from Petaluma. Kaiden Dossa then singled, scoring Carter and tying the game. Rossi then got another hit to put runners on first and third for Contreras who ripped a ball into the outfield easily scoring Dossa to take the lead. Another gutsy call by Stompers’ third base coach resulted in Rossi being thrown out at home. But it proved to be enough, as Sandoval’s eighth and DeShon’s ninth shut down any possible comeback from Athletic Edge.
Rossi led the way for the offense, going 4 for 5. Ramos’ three hits and Dossa’s two also contributed to the thirteen total hits. The web gem from Contreras and several impressive plays by Rossi at third added to the excitement of the night.
The Stomps look to keep the momentum going tomorrow, facing the last place Alameda Merchants at Arnold Field. First pitch is scheduled for the routine time of 6:05 and the game will be streamed on our YouTube for anyone unable to make it to the park. Make sure to come out and support!