Late-Inning Surge Decides Sonoma Stompers' 8-4 Loss to San Rafael Pacifics

Brennan Metzger slides into home to put the Sonoma Stompers ahead 4-3 in the top of the seventh inning in Friday’s 8-4 loss to the San Rafael Pacifics. (James W. Toy / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, came back against but fell to the San Rafael Pacifics 8-4 Friday.

Brennan Metzger silenced Albert Park in the top of seventh, knocking a two-RBI double down the left field line, then taking third on an error before flying down the same line to score on a wild pitch. Metzger’s knock allowed Sonoma to take advantage of two walks from the San Rafael bullpen. The bullpen allowed four walks in the inning, which featured three different pitchers.

In the bottom of the frame, Ricky Gingras issued an even more deafening blow. His grand slam off of Adam Ogburn put the Pacifics up 7-4. 

An opposite-field, first-inning solo home run by Jake Taylor was the first blemish on Juan Espinosa’s start for the Stompers. A pair of hard base hits down the foul lines stung Espinosa again in the second as the Pacifics took a 2-0 lead.  

Matt LoCoco scored the first run for Sonoma in the fifth, knocked in by team-RBI leader Matt Hibbert. Third baseman Eddie Mora-Loera was on fire again Friday, going 2 for 3 with a walk following a 3 for 4, three-RBI performance Thursday.

Sonoma still sits atop the Pacific Association at 9-4, with the next-best Pittsburg Diamonds one game back at 7-5.  

The third-place Pacifics are responsible for three out of four Stompers losses on the season. Sonoma will look for redemption Saturday in San Rafael with Game 2 scheduled to begin at 5:05 p.m.

The three-game set is the second series of the season between the Stompers and Pacifics, both of which have been at Albert Park. Sonoma will face San Rafael for the first time at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark on Friday, June 23.

The Stompers came into the game off a sweep of their first homestand of the season, a mid-week series against the Vallejo Admirals.

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.

Eddie Mora-Loera Ignites Offense as Sonoma Stompers Sweep Vallejo Admirals in Opening Homestand

Eddie Mora-Loera went 3 for 4 with two doubles and a home run in Thursday's 5-1 victory over the Vallejo Admirals at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, secured their second sweep of the season with a 5-1 victory over the Vallejo Admirals on Thursday.  

The last game of the Stompers’ opening homestand at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field began as a pitchers’ duel. Sonoma starter Tyler Garkow struck out eight in seven innings while Admirals’ starter Brent Adheen allowed four hits through six.

Both arms kept the scoreboard at zero throughout most of the game until Eddie Mora-Loera struck first for the Stompers in the sixth. Mora-Loera had already hit one double in the game before sending a towering home run to left field. It was the first Sonoma home run of the season at Arnold Field.

“I love it. The people (at home) are so supportive–the fans, the host families. They’re behind us all the way,” Mora-Loera said. “It’s always good to do it for them.”

The Admirals were quick to even the score in the next inning as catcher Andrew Rubalcava hit one of his own to right, but the Stompers struck back in the bottom of the inning, loading the bases by taking advantage of an Admirals error and a well-placed bunt. They didn’t miss any opportunities after that, as Scott David and Mora-Loera hit a pair of two-RBI base hits to keep the Admirals at bay.

“The Sonoma Stompers are a really good team right now. Up and down the lineup you have a lot of experience,” Mora-Loera said. “Somebody’s going to have the big hit. I just got lucky.”

DJ Sharabi and Ryan Richardson retired six out of the seven batters they faced in relief of Garkow, proving the Stompers’ bullpen a nearly-impenetrable force on Thursday.  

“(The bullpen) is doing their job,” Mora-Loera said. “They’re hitting their spots, they’re throwing offspeed pitches. They’re pitching, they’re not just throwing.”

Sonoma entered the game as the only team in the Pacific Association with a record of over .500. The victory secures the second series sweep of the season for the Stompers, who outscored Vallejo 26-9 in the series.

The Stompers have a knack for opening days as they also swept their season-opening series against the Pittsburg Diamonds.

Sonoma improves to 9-3 on the season, two games ahead of the next-best Diamonds in the Pacific Association standings. The team heads to San Rafael on Friday for a weekend series against the rival Pacifics.  

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.

Sonoma Stompers Make Offensive Roar Late in 4-2 Comeback Victory over Vallejo Admirals

Tommy Lyons entered Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Vallejo Admirals in the seventh inning and recorded a single to right. His father, Don, a stalwart of the Sonoma baseball community, was honored in a pregame ceremony. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– After winning by 11 runs Tuesday, the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, scored only one until the eighth inning of Wednesday’s 4-2 victory over the Vallejo Admirals.

After a rocky first couple of innings, which gave Vallejo an early 2-1 lead, Stompers starter Mike Jackson Jr. settled in to record 11 strikeouts through seven. Jackson retired eight Admirals in order before being replaced by Adam Ogbun in the eighth.

“When I settled down, my slider and splitter were working pretty good,” Jackson said. “Once (catcher Isaac Wenrich and I) sort of got that roll going together we couldn’t be stopped.”

Ogburn proceeded to record a strikeout before a loud 6-4-3 double play ended the inning. With the electrifying performances on the mound, the momentum shifted to the Stompers.  

A Brennan Metzger single incited a chain reaction of opportunities for Sonoma, including two errors and a balk. With a couple of well-placed bunt singles and quick thinking, the Stompers scored two runs before they even recorded an out against Vallejo reliever Josh Evans.  

“This is a game of momentum, so we just took advantage of it,” said Manager Takashi Miyoshi.

Ogburn struck out the Admirals in order in the top of the ninth, deciding the game for the Stompers.

“He’s a bulldog on the mound. Since last year, he’s always that way,” Miyoshi said. “After I sent him to the mound tonight, I didn’t worry about anything.”

With the win, Sonoma improves to 8-3 on the season and puts them two games ahead of the next-best Pittsburg Diamonds in the Pacific Association standings.  

HONORING DON LYONS

Don Lyons (center) accepts a gift from the Stompers organization during a pregame ceremony Wednesday. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

In a ceremony prior to the game, the Stompers recognized longtime Sonoma Valley High varsity baseball coach Don Lyons for contributions to the Sonoma community. Family members spoke to the crowd about his love of the game, resilient personality and hardworking character.

“When I was a freshman in college at Sonoma State, one of the things they do on the first day is ask you to fill out a baseball biography, specifically what your favorite baseball memory is. At the time, I wrote down winning an NCS championship,” said Lyons’ son, Tommy Lyons. “I remember, not an hour later, I thought that was the wrong answer because my favorite baseball memories were just taking BP off my dad.” 

Tommy Lyons, who was one of the first players signed by the Stompers in their expansion year of 2014, entered the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh, hit a single to right and stayed in at first base.

“That’s something we can give back to his father. His father is a legend in this community and has done so many good things for the kids in baseball,” Miyoshi said. “What an honor to give him back something special like that.”

A portion of the proceeds from the entire opening homestand will be donated to El Verano Elementary School’s after school programs in Lyons’ name. The Stompers will also be accepting donations on his behalf.

“Watching my sons grow up and play the game, it's hard to describe,” Don Lyons said. “I am so lucky to be part of Sonoma baseball. We're all part of the same family.” 

Each Stompers homestand in 2017 will feature a local nonprofit or cause. 

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.

Ty'Relle Harris Strikes Out 11 in Sonoma Stompers Home Opener, Sinks Vallejo Admirals 17-6

Ty'Relle Harris cruised to a win in the Sonoma Stompers' home opener Tuesday against the Vallejo Admirals, allowing two runs but striking out 11 through six innings. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– On a cloudless day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field, the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, routed the Vallejo Admirals 17-6 in their first game at home.  

The Stompers began the season with a nine-game road trip. The home opener was their first chance to celebrate their 2016 Pacific Association Championship, Most Valuable Player Joel Carranza and Manager of the Year Takashi Miyoshi in front of their fans.

“It was definitely something special for me,” Miyoshi said. “(The award) belongs to everybody in the Stompers family, especially my team, who was grinding it out from day one until the end.”

The ceremony also honored 2016 Executive of the Year Theo Fightmaster and Defensive Players of the Year Mark Hurley and Mason Morioka. 

“It’s great to be a part of a championship team,” said outfielder Kelsie Whitmore, in her second year as a Stomper. “It’s fun being a part of a team with guys that know what they’re doing, that are great ballplayers.”

ADMIRALS SINK QUICKLY
Vallejo took the lead in each of the first two innings, but never regained it as eight different Stompers drove in runs Tuesday while five recorded more than one hit. Carranza and Matt LoCoco both went 3 for 4 on the night and Matt Hibbert scored three runs while increasing his league-leading number of stolen bases to 10.

Admirals starter Joe Watson got one run of support before he even stepped on the mound, but couldn’t find his command once he got there. He lasted just an inning. He and his replacement, Christopher De Leon, plus two Vallejo errors allowed the Stompers to take a 7-2 lead after two.

Meanwhile, Ty’Relle Harris cruised on the mound for the Sonoma. He struck out 11 through six innings to earn the win–which he credits to good control of his fastball and cutter. In his Stompers debut last week, Harris struck out nine in seven innings and allowed just one run.  

Harris, who previously reached as high as Triple A in the Chicago Cubs organization, pitched at Arnold Field for the first time Tuesday.

“The atmosphere was great. You hear fans from the first to the ninth,” Harris said. “Even when I was doing not so well, they still had my back.” 

PIAGNO'S DEBUT
Stacy Piagno was one of the Stompers arms that entered the game in relief of Harris, making her 2017 debut in her second year with the team.

“It was awesome. I’m really glad that it was at home because there’s such a family atmosphere here,” Piagno said.

Peoples Home Equity Ballpark swelled with support for Piagno, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd as she entered with a 15-3 lead. Whitmore entered the game as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the inning. 

“I respect them both so much,” Harris said. “There’s got to be a lot of haters out there when there’s women in baseball. I give those two a lot of credit. They’re out here working hard just like us every day.” 

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.

Stompers to Honor Longtime Sonoma Valley High Baseball Coach on Don Lyons Night, June 14

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, will host its first series at home Tuesday through Thursday at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. The homestand will feature top-notch food and beverage offerings, Pacific Association-leading baseball from the reigning champions and ways to give back to the Sonoma community.

COMMUNITY PARTNER: DON LYONS AND EL VERANO SCHOOL

During each homestand of 2017, the Stompers will support a local non-profit or cause. The opening homestand will honor Sonoma Valley High baseball coach and English teacher Don Lyons for his commitment to education and youth sports.  

A portion of the proceeds during the homestand will be donated to El Verano Elementary School's after school programs in Lyons' name. The Stompers will also be accepting donations on his behalf.  

DON LYONS NIGHT

Lyons will be honored individually on June 14 in a pregame ceremony. His son, Tommy Lyons, was one of the first players signed by the team during its expansion season of 2014.

DOLLAR DAY

Wednesday is also Dollar Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. Fans can purchase $1 bleacher seats, $1 hot dogs and $1 ice-cold Coors Light while supplies last. Refunds are not available for tickets purchased prior to June 12.

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.

Plaza's Solid Outing Not Enough In 2-1 Loss To Pacifics

Starting pitcher Scott Plaza had his best outing Sunday in a 2-1 loss to the San Rafael Pacifics. Plaza allowed only one run on three hits and two walks in seven innings.  James Toy III/Sonoma Stompers

Geoff Safford / Director of Broadcasting & Operations Assistant

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.- The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club presented by Virginia Dare Winery found themselves in a low-scoring affair in the series finale Sunday against the San Rafael Pacifics at Albert Park. With the series hanging in the balance, the game was tied heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. The Pacifics were able to get a clutch hit in the inning that eluded the Stompers and they fell by a final score of 2-1.

The rally in the eighth started when both Jake Taylor and Mike Rizzitello reached base with one out. Right fielder Miles Williams then singled up the middle off of Jacob Cox to bring Taylor home to give the Pacifics their first lead of the game. San Rafael’s first run of the game came on an RBI single by catcher Mark Lindsay in the second inning.

Stompers starter Scott Plaza kept the Stompers in the game with a fabulous outing . The Illinois native pitched seven strong innings allowing one run on only three hits. In one stretch from the third inning to the fifth Plaza retired nine of the ten batters that he faced. However, the Stompers offense was unable to take advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them and Plaza’s effort would not be enough.

Sonoma only mustered three hits and did not score a run past the first inning. Third baseman Scott David drove in the only run of the game for Sonoma on an RBI double into right centerfield off starter Michael Holback. 

After Holback departed in the third inning, the San Rafael bullpen did not allow another hit in the final six innings. The Stompers were given opportunities thanks to errors, and walks but they were unable to capitalize. They stranded a total of 13 runners on base in the game. Sonoma left the bases loaded in both the first, and sixth innings. 

Despite the loss, the Stompers finished the long nine-game road trip with a record of 6-3. Sonoma returns home Tuesday for their first game at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field  to face the Vallejo Admirals (4-5). Sonoma took two out of three in the first series these two teams played at Wilson Park. 

First year Stomper Ty’Rell Harris is scheduled to get the nod on Opening Night for the Stompers. The nine-year professional was dominant in his first outing against the Admirals on June 7. Harris struck out nine batters and allowed only one run and on his way to a win. 
 

STOMPERS TICKETS
Opening Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field is Tuesday, June 13. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W. Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets are also available at the box office on game day.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.
For more information, contact the front office at 707-938-7277.
 

Pacifics Roll, 14-4 To Even Weekend Series

Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi congratulates Joel Carranza as he rounds third after his first home run of the season. Carranza is now one shy of the all-time Pacific Association record for home runs in a career. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Tim Livingston / Media & Baseball Operations

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, got behind early and never recovered, as the San Rafael Pacifics jumped all over starter Pat Lemmo for 12 runs in the first five innings, handing Sonoma a 14-4 loss and evening the weekend series.

San Rafael scored multiple runs in each of the first four innings and got three homers, as Kyle Adie, Michael Rizzitello, and Miles Williams all homered. The Pacifics had 20 hits on the night, with second baseman Josh Eatherly going 4-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI, and two runs scored.

Sonoma's offense couldn't figure out James McReynolds, who cruised through seven innings and allowed only six baserunners (five hits and a walk) while striking out 12. Sonoma did manage four extra base hits, including Scott David's second homer in as many nights and the first home run on the season for Joel Carranza. 

The 2016 MVP now has 45 home runs during his four seasons with the Stompers, putting him one behind Mike Taylor for the all-time lead in homers in the Pacific Association.

Eddie Mora-Loera added two hits to up his early season average to .400. He's tied with Rizzitello for the fourth-highest mark in the league. He also ranks fourth with seven RBIs.

San Rafael improved to 2-5 on the season while Sonoma fell to 6-2.

The two teams will face off in the proverbial rubber match Sunday afternoon in San Rafael at 1 p.m. as Sonoma sends Scott Plaza to the mound in search of their third straight series win to open 2017.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Opening Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field is Tuesday, June 13. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W. Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets are also available at the box office on game day.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, contact the front office at 707-938-7277.

Sonoma Bounces Back In Wild 11-6 Victory Over Pacifics

Scott David hit a pinch-hit three-run homer in the seventh inning of Sonoma's 11-6 victory over the San Rafael Pacifics on Friday night, his first of the season. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Tim Livingston / Media & Baseball Operations

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, fought long and hard with their rivals in San Rafael and used a five-run ninth inning to pull away and take game one of their weekend series with the Pacifics, 11-6.

After falling on Thursday night to Vallejo and suffering their first loss of 2017, the Stompers offense continued to find ways to assert itself in key situations. Down 3-2 in the top of the seventh, Matt Hibbert came through with an RBI double to plate Kevin Farley and tie up the ballgame. 

With Masa Miyadera already on at third base, Scott David came off the bench with two outs in the inning and delivered a three-run pinch-hit homer to give Sonoma the lead right back at 6-3.

San Rafael wouldn't waver, getting three runs back on a home run by Michael Rizzatero, but Sonoma's ninth inning rally proved to be too much. They sent 10 hitters to the plate in all, as Rizzatero made a crucial error to allow Hibbert and Yuki Yasuda to come home and give Sonoma the lead for good.

Joel Carranza added an RBI single, his third hit of the night, and Farley drew a bases-loaded walk. Once Miyadera hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Carranza, the game was all but over.

Ryan Richardson picked up the win with 2 1/3 perfect innings, striking out four. Starter Tyler Garkow allowed 10 baserunners in five innings, giving up three earned runs and striking out five.

Four Stompers hitters drew multiple walks, with Yasuda, Matt LoCoco, Dan Comstock, and Marcus Bradley all showing good patience at the plate. Carranza, LoCoco and Hibbert each scored two runs, as well.

Sonoma improves to 6-1 on the young season while San Rafael falls to 1-5.

STOMPERS TICKETS

Opening Day at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field is Tuesday, June 13. Tickets and merchandise are available now either online or at the fan shop at 234 W. Napa Street in downtown Sonoma. Tickets are also available at the box office on game day.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, contact the front office at 707-938-7277.

Comstock Homers in Hard-Fought Loss, Stompers' Streak Ends

Sonoma Stompers catcher Daniel Comstock hit his first professional home run in Thursday's 6-8 loss to the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, took a hard-fought 6-8 loss to the Vallejo Admirals Thursday night as they fell one win short of matching the 2015 Stompers’ record 6-0 start.

Sonoma won the series 2-1 for its second series victory in a row, but the Admirals refused to go down with their ship. To win Thursday took some grit as the lead changed six times on a damp, cloud-covered night at Wilson Park in Vallejo. A two-out, three-run wave of Admirals runs in the seventh inning proved to be the difference.

“We kept stringing good at bats together, we kept fighting and I think that says a lot about our team,” said catcher Daniel Comstock. “We kept falling, but we kept getting back up.”

Despite the loss, the Stompers still sit at the top of the Pacific Association at 5-1.  

After retiring the first five hitters of the game in order, Admirals starter David Dinelli walked two then gave up a three-run home run in the second to Comstock, putting Sonoma up 3-1. The shot was Comstock’s first home run as a professional.

“I didn’t know it was going to go out and I started running and then the right fielder stopped running,” Comstock said. “Rounding the bases never gets old. It’s kind of an indescribable feeling.” 

Despite the towering shot, a rocky start on the mound for Juan Espinosa allowed Vallejo to shake seven hits out of him and flip the lead on the Stompers 5-4.

The waters calmed a bit when DJ Sharabi took the mound in relief, retiring six batters at the start of his outing. Sharabi’s cool performance doused an Admirals offense that was on fire through four innings, giving the Stompers an opportunity to tie the game again on two wild pitches.

“He kept us alive,” said Stompers Manager Takashi Miyoshi.

The stillness didn’t last as Sharabi and Adam Ogburn combined to allow the five straight base hits in the seventh that put the score at 8-5 Admirals.

Sonoma has expertly taken advantage of opportunities to score without hits so far this season, drawing 45 walks and stealing 18 bases to score 48 runs through six games.

“I like to keep pushing to score one more run to change the momentum toward us,” Miyoshi said.

Despite the loss, the Stompers still sit at the top of the Pacific Association at 5-1. Their next challenge will be a series on the road against the San Rafael Pacifics (1-3), beginning Friday at 7:05 p.m. at Albert Park.

STOMPERS HOME OPENER
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.

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.

Sonoma Stompers Remain Undefeated Behind Ty'Relle Harris' Solid Debut

Ty'Relle Harris struck out nine and allowed just one run in his Sonoma Stompers debut Wednesday at Wilson Park. Sonoma won 4-1 over the Vallejo Admirals, remaining undefeated. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, remain undefeated after Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over the Vallejo Admirals.

Sonoma now owns a 5-0 record on the season after erupting for 38 runs in their first four games.

“That’s baseball for you,” said Stompers starter Ty’Relle Harris. “You can score 40 runs in two or three games, come out and score one the next game.”

Harris, in his ninth season of professional baseball, made his Stompers debut Wednesday, allowing only one run while striking out nine in his seven-inning performance.

“The first inning I kind of overthrowing a little bit, I was real excited to be a Stomper and come out here and show my stuff. Once I settled in and got my fastball through the knees, we were able to go cutter off the same plane,” Harris said. “It all starts with fastball command. If you can go through the knees, you make guys’ days a lot tougher.”

Harris and Stompers manager Takashi Miyoshi both spent time with the American Association’s Grand Prairie Air Dogs in 2014.  

“Nothing surprised me,” Miyoshi said. “We are just lucky to have him.” 

Harris set the tone for his stellar night early. The veteran gave up a single to start the first, but struck out Gerald Bautista with runners on the corners to end the inning. Bautista went into the matchup hitting a Pacific Association-leading .556 and coming off a 3-3 performance.

The Sonoma defense was impenetrable in the matchup as the Stompers ended three innings on double plays.

“Double plays were huge, I was kind of in little jams,” Harris said. “Once you can get two outs on one pitch, you kind of trust it more and say 'hey, here, hit the ball, I got my guys behind me.' I appreciate those fellas and looking forward to getting out there next week and doing it again.”

 Two out of five Stompers hits came off the bat of rookie Matt LoCoco Wednesday. LoCoco continued a streak of prowess at the plate, smacking his second triple in two days to put Sonoma up 2-0 in the fifth. 

Despite two hits through seven (both from LoCoco), the Stompers wrangled a 3-0 lead in that span. Centerfielder Matt Hibbert also surpassed catcher Isaac Wenrich for the team lead in stolen bases, collecting three Wednesday as the team collected nine total.  

“In pro ball, sometimes you just can’t hit because you’re facing all good pitchers,” Miyoshi said. “We’re the type of team, we see a little thing and take advantage of it. Even without hitting, I’m the type of manager who can score.”

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.  

Use promo code "OPENINGDAY" to receive 15% off of home opener tickets online.

For more information, please contact the front office at 707-938-7277, or email info@stompersbaseball.com.