By Stompers Staff
The Sonoma Stompers lost 6-4 in a non-conference matchup with the Petaluma Leghorns this Friday night. Sonoma fell down 4-0 as they came up in the eighth, after being silenced by the Leghorns starters. But the tide turned in that eighth, after a Cuyler Zukowski walk, AJ Carter double, Alijah Ramos single, and Tyler Holley 380 foot moon shot. This tied the game, eventually forcing extra innings. But the bats fell quiet after that, and a two run eleventh inning for the Leghorns was the eventual decider.
Riley Phelan, despite getting the loss, pitched a very impressive 3.1 innings, striking out six, and allowing only one hit. The one run he let up came off a Leghorn single in the eleventh that scored that automatic base runner on second. After throwing three hitless innings, manager Zack Pace sent Phelan out for a fourth inning, stretching the usual one or two inning specialist. Pace commented on that decision, saying “We’re not just looking at today, we’re looking at other days” noting the big stretch of games coming up where many arms from the bullpen will be needed. So, by trying to stretch Phelan for a fourth, Pace was looking to save possible pitchers for upcoming games.
Despite the loss, there were some solid performances for various Stompers. This included AJ Carter’s two hit, one RBI night, and Jack Scheri, Alijah Ramos, Luke Rossi and Jack Vanocini added to the hit total. Tyler Holley’s home run was also a highlight, a no doubter that traveled 380 feet and was 100 miles per hour off the bat.
Errors plagued the Stompers as well tonight, as there were five in total, coming up both fielding and throwing miscues. Sonoma looks to clean it up tomorrow as they continue down the packed schedule, playing the Leghorns for a second time. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05, so come out and support! But, as always our live broadcast will be up!