By Stompers Staff
The Sonoma Stompers fought hard in a Friday bout with the Walnut Creek Crawdads but fell 6-4. The Stompers played solid, but timely hits by the opposition and a struggle to get runners on base home was the story tonight. Manager Zack Pace complemented the Crawdad pitching, who got out of frequent tough spots after allowing Sonoma runners on base. Pace said “We just weren’t able to come through, and sometimes that happens, but we did do a good job getting on.”
Tyler Looney started and got the loss for Sonoma tonight, throwing three innings, where he gave up four hits and three runs, but only one earned run. Errors in the field were the reason there. Some wild pitches from Stompers pitchers and two solo homeruns for the Crawdads distanced them from Sonoma in the middle innings. But, the offense did not back down, piecing together two runs in the sixth and one in the ninth to bring it to a two run game. However, some hard hit balls found Crawdad gloves and the game ended 6-4.
Paul Contreras led the way offensively, with two hits and two walks, constantly on base for Sonoma. He had an RBI single in the sixth that scored the second run. Trent Abel was also a frequent visitor to the base paths, with an RBI single in the first and three walks. Incoming freshman Nick Sebastiani added a hit and walk as well. Omar Gastelum also added a pinch hit single in the ninth.
This unfortunate loss distances the Stomps from first place a little more, now four and a half games back of the Crawdads. Luckily, there are many conference games left, four of which are against the Crawdads, so there is a lot of opportunity ahead of them. Sonoma will return to Arnold Field for a Saturday night game against the Alameda Merchants. First pitch is set for 6:05 so come and support or follow along with our YouTube broadcast!