Center fielder Matt Hibbert (center) scored three runs Tuesday in the Sonoma Stompers' 8-4 victory over the San Rafael Pacifics at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy / Sonoma Stompers)
SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, never relinquished an early lead against the San Rafael Pacifics Tuesday, winning the game 8-4.
They did so behind and four-run third inning and a solid outing from starter Tyler Garkow. In five and one-thirds innings of work, Garkow allowed one earned run and struck out nine.
The last time Pacifics starter Dakota Freese took the mound, he went nine innings and allowed just one hit. This time, Freese went one and one-thirds innings, giving up five earned runs and seven walks.
"Pre-game, we always have a little meeting and talk about pitchers, and today's focus was making him work," said first baseman Isaac Wenrich "We had to be selective"
"A lot of guys tonight drew walks on 3-2, that's a big part of what we tried to focus on was getting as many runners on base as possible."
Sonoma did not fail to capitalize on Freese's mistakes, scoring five of their eight runs off of him. The Stompers drew 11 walks and stole four bases, but recorded just four hits on the night off of Pacifics pitching.
"I think it's a testament to what we did that kind of got him out of his rhythm. We didn't really swing at those 'out' pitches. We didn't get to many 0-2, 1-2 counts," Wenrich said. "He threw a lot of balls early and we took advantage of it."
As a team, Sonoma has swiped 64 bags, nearly twice as many as the next-best Vallejo Admirals.
Center fielder Matt Hibbert picked up his 17th stolen base of the year and scored three of the Stompers' eight runs, while Wenrich drove in two.
The first-place Stompers improve to 17-5 on the season, while the Pacifics fall to 8-13 at third in the Pacific Association. First pitch for Wednesday's game is set for 6 p.m.
"Our hitters, we take an intense focus into the game and I think its really evident in just how well we're doing this year," Wenrich said. "It's all the way through the lineup, guys on the bench as well."
Marty Lurie
MARTY LURIE NIGHT - JUNE 29
Marty Lurie will be joining the Stompers for a game Thursday, June 29! The KNBR 680 San Francisco Giants pregame and postgame radio host will be throwing out the first pitch and mingling with fans.
Fans will also receive a commemorative photo of Marty, while supplies last.
Tickets are still available! Purchase tickets for reserved seating areas here and general admission tickets here.
STOMPERS TICKETS
Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets will also be available at the box office on game days, beginning 30 minutes prior to the game.
For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.