By Stompers Staff
In a tightly contested 3-2 ball game, the Sonoma Stompers fell to the CCL leading Walnut Creek Crawdads. An even matchup throughout, the game started with one run for both teams in the first. Sonoma scored via newcomer Mike O’Hara hitting a bloop single that scored lead off hitter Jack Scheri. In the second, the Stompers took the lead with a Jack Lazark opposite field home run, hitting the top of the fence right over the 345 sign at Arnold. The Crawdads scoring two in the fifth proved to be enough though, as the bats went quiet with runners on for Sonoma and the game ended 3-2.
Manager Zack Pace commented on the inability to get runners home when in scoring position, “You kind of need to bear down…sometimes pitchers will pitch you differently, might go in a little more, or have more spin. So, you need to be aware of what you might get and be on time to that pitch.” Despite scoring two however, the bats continue to look solid, with Sonoma hitters working favorable counts and having good contact. It just simply needs to be applied to at bats with runners in scoring position.
Good pitching all around unfortunately resulted in a loss for another Stomper newcomer, Zach Boorman. He had a solid 1.2 innings however, letting one score with three strikeouts on the day. Crawdad's reliever Rohan Lettow got the win in his strong 1.2 innings allowing one hit and three strikeouts. Drew Augiar got the save for Walnut Creek after his relief in the seventh, eighth and ninth.
On the offensive side, Scheri did his job at leadoff, with two hits. Lazark’s impressive home run was his first of the year and was his one hit of the night. O’Hara, Paul Contrares and Alijah Ramos added the three other hits.
The Stompers continue their stretch of home conference games tomorrow against the Menlo Park Legends. Because of the anticipated heat, first pitch is set for 7:05 pm. If you’re unable to come support, our broadcast will be up as always, which can be found on our YouTube. Go Stomps and make sure to stay cool!