The Sonoma Stompers just wrapped up an important six game homestand last week. Sonoma needed to have a strong week, and they did, winning five of the six games, going 4-1 in CCL play. The reason for such success was the elite pitching, giving up only seven runs in the six games.
In each of the six games, the Stompers starter went at least four innings. The starting pitching rotation tossed a total of 27.2 innings, allowing only four runs in that span. The bullpen aided the effort, giving up only three runs in their work this week. The team ERA in CCL play moved to a division best 3.29. This is an impressive number, and the lack of unearned runs shows the defensive support from Stompers position players as well. As we approach playoffs, this will be a crucial element if Sonoma is to see postseason success.
Jake Tirk started it against the Walnut Creek Crawdads on Tuesday with four solid innings, where he allowed two runs, dealing out a strong five strikeouts. The following day, Bryant Thorton shoved in six innings of work, where he only gave up one run, and struck out eight in a winning effort. Then on the 4th of July, Destin Allen-Fox got the start and shut down the San Francisco Seagulls, where he punched out eight and allowed no runs in 4.2 innings. Tyler Looney started the second game against the Crawdads, and shut them out in four innings of work. Hawk Hill worked his ERA to 0.60 in his four inning start on Saturday, contributing to the win against the Legends. Nik Kamages started the final game, dominating in five innings where he struck out six, where he allowed no runs to cross.
Destin Allen-Fox delivers a pitch in a recent outing
This prominence on the mound for these Stompers was crucial for the successful week. Timely hits and good situational baseball were able to pull out the narrow victories this week. There were several bright spots on offense for Sonoma, with three Stompers in particular putting together impressive weeks.
Jack Lazark led the charge offensively. The first baseman went 8 for 20, with three doubles, a homerun, and three RBIs. The Santa Clara University Bronco was consistent all week, and raised his batting average to .323, leading the team with an OPS of .920. Alijah Ramos had five hits, and got on base in more than half his plate appearances. The Stomper middle infielder scored four times and knocked in three in the process. Ramos leads the team with a batting average of .359 and on base percentage of .488. Jack Scheri also had a good week as the leadoff hitter for his starts, where he went 6 for 17 and scored three times.
The strong showing for Sonoma puts them in second place in the CCL North, with a record of 12 wins and 9 losses. They sit two and a half games back of the first place Walnut Creek Crawdads, with whom they split the two matchups this week. The San Luis Obispo Blues are in third, a game back of the Stompers. Another six straight games are coming up for Sonoma, all of them being CCL matchups. They play the Alameda Merchants twice, the Crawdads twice, the Legends once, and the San Francisco Seagulls. This is a crucial stretch of baseball as the playoff hunt heats up.
Stompers players hand out candy during the 4th of July Parade
The Stompers weren’t just having fun on the field as they were able to celebrate Independence Day by participating in the Sonoma Parade and enjoyed the fireworks with fans after a 4-1 victory. The community of Stompers fans has made this season special so far, and the fan support that was evident on the fourth has helped the Stomps go on the run they’re on. This day was a huge success on and off the field, and the organization hopes to continue engaging with the fans as the team continues to fight for playoffs. So make sure to be a part of this baseball community and come support any home Stompers games! Come out to Arnold Field on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday to support the Stompers in their search for a playoff berth!