Sonoma Stompers Walk-Off San Rafael Pacifics 12-11, Take Hard-Fought Series

Scott David scores the winning run for the Sonoma Stompers in the to Sunday's 12-11 win over the San Rafael Pacifics at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, took the last game of a hard-fought series against the San Rafael Pacifics on a walk-off error. 

"It's just a testament to how great of a team we really are and how we're not going to let anybody in this league determine how we play our game," said catcher Isaac Wenrich.

The Pacifics bullpen, which put a cork in the Stompers offense Saturday night, proved porous Sunday. Down to two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Sonoma put together a four-run rally. A bases-loaded double down the left field line from Marcus Bradley was the boiling point, tying the game at eight and sending it to extras. 

"It's unbelievable," Bradley said. "I was just glad to get the tying run in for the team right there. I was just looking for something to hit to get at least one run in." 

In the tenth, Eddie Mora-Loera knocked a ball to Pacifics third baseman Brent Gillespie. Gillespie threw away the ball, allowing three runs to score and the Stompers to walk off. 

"We didn't give up. We came back," said Manager Takashi Miyoshi. "We tried to have a better approach in the end, especially the last two innings... We took pitches when we had to and just executed. They had too much pressure on them and they made a mistake defensively."

The Pacifics took an early lead Sunday, driving in four runs in the first inning. Gillespie, who hit two homers Tuesday night, hit a two-run shot off of Stompers starter Mike Jackson Jr in the frame. Gillespie, Mike Rizzitello and Jake Taylor, who drove in the other two first-inning runs, were the primary aggressors for the Pacifics all series. 

Gillespie ended up with his second two-home-run game of the series. A solo shot off of Adam Ogburn in the fifth put San Rafael up by three. 

The Stompers remain at first place in the Pacific Association and improve to 16-5 on the season. Next week, the Stompers face the Pacifics for another three-game set at home Tuesday-Thursday. 

"It's always good to come out and get that kind of win," Bradley said. "Now, we don't have to have an off day and be all sad. It feels good to beat them because they're our rivals."

The Stompers don rainbow hats on the field as part of "Out at the Ballpark" Night Sunday at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

"OUT AT THE BALLPARK"
Stompers pitcher Sean Conroy became the first openly gay player in professional baseball history in 2015. On Pride Night that year, he pitched a three-hit shutout at Arnold Field in his first professional start. His groundbreaking story was recognized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. 

"I think to see the support that he got, not only from the gay community but also just everybody here that understood what really was taking place that day, I think that's something that I'll take with me forever. And to catch it, I couldn't ask for a better opportunity. It was absolutely amazing," Wenrich said.

The Stompers celebrated Conroy's legacy and the LGBTQ community at "Out at the Ballpark" night Sunday. Wenrich was the starting catcher.

"For him to come out and throw a complete game on a day like that, the stars aligned," Wenrich said. "It wasn't just about Sean being gay, it was about him being an incredible baseball player also."

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' 6-4 Loss to San Rafael Pacifics

Sonoma Stompers starter Ty'Relle Harris struck out 11 and retired 14 batters in a row at one point during the Stompers' 4-6 loss to the San Rafael Pacifics Sunday 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, fell to the San Rafael Pacifics 6-4 Saturday at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. 

The Stompers remain in first place in the Pacific Association at 15-5, five games ahead of the next-best Pittsburg Diamonds (9-9.) 

"You don't want to stress too much about the loss. We're still the first-place team, we lost a two-run game in which we didn't play our game at all," said Stompers starter Ty'Relle Harris. "Getting a sweep is always good, but our job is to get the series... We're going to come out very hungry tomorrow"

After a six-game win streak in which it seemed nothing could go wrong for Sonoma, Harris was a bit outside of his usual self early in the game Saturday. Harris walked four batters on the night after walking only three through 20 innings prior.

"After yesterday's game, I saw (the Pacifics) couldn't stay back on the breaking ball. So me and (catcher Daniel Comstock) came up with a game plan to kind of throw more breaking balls and changeups. But that's not going to my strengths, that's more attacking their weaknesses," Harris said. "Once we got into the dugout after about the third inning, we said 'let's go back to what got us here.'"

Pacifics starter Quinn Pippin also struggled to find the zone early, allowing the Stompers to take a 3-0 lead in the first. Ricky Gingras, who has been formidable against Sonoma so far this season, struck for the first San Rafael run with an RBI double in the second.

The major blemish on Harris' start came on a single pitch, which yielded a three-run home run by Mike Rizzitello.  

The Stompers evened the score in the fourth off the bat of Yuki Yasuda. Harris found his groove by then, sending 14 Pacifics back to the dugout in order at one point in the middle innings. Through seven and two thirds innings, Harris struck out 11. 

"(Harris) just has immense knowledge," said hitting coach and designated hitter Joel Carranza. "He's been at such a high level in Triple A and having him here on this pitching staff is just a benefit because of the knowledge he brings to us and the competitiveness he brings to this organization."

The Pacifics bullpen proved effective against a Sonoma offense that has been explosive in its last several games, keeping the Stompers scoreless in the fifth through ninth innings. Sonoma came into Saturday averaging 8.9 runs per game. 

A Stompers error on a single to left put the Sonoma in deeper water and San Rafael up by two, knocking Harris out of the game. DJ Sharabi kept the Pacifics from scoring for the remainder of the contest.

Four out of five Sonoma losses this season have come at the hands of the Pacifics. The Stompers will look to secure the series win in the finale of the three-game set Sunday at 5 p.m. 

"It's a competitive series, it's always competitive when we play san Rafael," Carranza said. "As long as we play our game, we'll be alright"

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 Drown Out San Rafael Pacifics 11-3 for Sixth Straight Win

Daniel Comstock rocketed a triple to the corner in center field to put the Stompers up 7-1 in the sixth inning of Friday’s 11-3 win over the San Rafael Pacifics 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 a dominant 11-3 victory against the San Rafael Pacifics Friday, solidifying its place at the top of the Pacific Association and extending its win streak to six.

Scott Plaza pitched a complete game for Sonoma, allowing three runs and striking out four. It was the first complete game by a Stompers pitcher this season.

The Stompers’ offense has rarely failed to deliver run support to its starters this season. 

“I know that no matter what the offense is going to put up at least five runs,” Plaza said. “It gives me confidence to be able to attack the zone a little bit. I know if I give up one, or three, the offense is going to come back and put up 15 a game.”

A double steal play, which has worked well for the Stompers all season, worked again in the third and yielded the first Sonoma run of the game. With Matt LoCoco on first and Marcus Bradley on third, LoCoco took off for second and Bradley raced home on the throw down. 

The play cracked the floodgates for Sonoma. They struck for three runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings to secure what turned out to be an insurmountable seven-run lead. 

Three free baserunners (a walk, a catcher’s interference and a hit by pitch) set the stage for Scott David to drive in all three fifth-inning runs. In the sixth, Daniel Comstock hit a ball to the wall in centerfield to put the Stompers up by six.

“I’ve kind of been struggling at the plate for a little bit,” Comstock said. “I’m a hitter, I love hitting. So finally I hit that ball and it felt so good. I think that was the first ball that I barreled since the homer at Vallejo (June 7)”

Sonoma has been a terror on the basepaths all season, but opposing baserunners had to reckon with Comstock Friday. 

“I love working with (Comstock.) He gives me confidence to be able to throw stuff in the dirt and then knowing that he’s going to make the plays, throw out a couple guys at second, made the play on the drop third. It’s just a big confidence booster,” Plaza said.

Comstock made an excellent play on a drop third strike early in the game, diving to his left to field a ball that would have skipped away. Then, his strong throw to catch the Pacifics’ Brandon Montalvo stealing turned the tide in an inning that featured three straight base hits prior. 

“Our goal is no drops, no passed balls, even no wild pitches, we like to pick our pitchers up,” Comstock said. “I’ve been battling arm issues for like three years now… So it’s nice to finally be able to throw and be healthy and play and have fun again.”

Pacifics starter and reigning Pacific Association Pitcher of the Year Patrick Conroy allowed seven runs on five hits in his five-inning performance. The lone San Rafael runs came off the bat of Brent Gillaspie, who struck first with a solo shot in the second and a two-run bomb in the seventh. 

Fittingly, Plaza struck Gillaspie out for the final out of the game. 

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.

Juan Espinosa's Strong Start in 8-4 Victory Helps Secure Sonoma Stompers Sweep of Vallejo Admirals

Juan Espinosa pitched seven innings of two-hit ball in the Sonoma Stompers’ 8-4 victory over the Vallejo Admirals on Thursday at Wilson Park. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, won 8-4 Thursday to seep the Vallejo Admirals for the second time this season.

The Stompers extend their win streak to five and improve to 8-1 on the season against the Admirals. They remain four and a half games up in first place in the Pacific Association with an overall record of 14-4.

Sonoma starter Juan Espinosa found some redemption Thursday, allowing two hits and one earned run in seven strong innings of work to earn the win. His last time out against the Admirals, Espinosa allowed five runs and seven hits. 

“It’s much needed. I felt really comfortable out there today,” Espinosa said. “I had been using my fastball too much and I finally made the adjustment, used my offspeed more which is my best stuff. And if I get beat with my best stuff, whatever.”

This time, a solo home run in the fourth inning from league-leader Nick Akins was the only real blemish on his record. 

“Juan and I had a really good approach,” said catcher Isaac Wenrich. “It was evident all through his whole start. Every pitch that we had to make it seemed like he would make it.”

Wenrich also went 3 for 5 and drove in two while Marcus Bradley scored three of the Stompers’ eight runs on the night. Bradley hit his first home run as a Stomper Tuesday and has been an offensive force since, driving in six runs and scoring six runs in the series. 

“We understand the game,” said Manager Takashi Miyoshi said. “(Admirals starter Marquis Hutchinson) pitched well the first two innings, then we had to make an adjustment because we couldn’t steal a base… So instead of stealing the bases we put the ball in play, hit and run and it just worked.”

Sonoma has been a force on the basepaths, swiping almost twice as many bags as the next-best San Rafael Pacifics at 50 on the season, partially due to Miyoshi’s signature double-steal play. 

NEXT UP

The Stompers return to Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold field Friday for a three-game set against the third-place Pacifics. The homestand will feature Little League Night, a Father’s Day celebration and “Out at the Ballpark” LGBTQ Night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

A portion of the proceeds from the homestand will benefit Sonoma Valley Babe Ruth Baseball. Babe Ruth players in uniform get in free to any game of the homestand accompanied by a parent with a grandstand, Gus the Bus Beer Garden or bleacher ticket. 

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.

Tide Shifts Twice in Sonoma Stompers' Turbulent 16-12 Victory Over Vallejo Admirals

Sonoma Stompers second baseman Yuki Yasuda launched a two-run, momentum-shifting home run in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 16-12 victory over the Vallejo Admirals. (James W. Toy / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, took a topsy-turvy victory over the Vallejo Admirals 16-12 Wednesday. 

The Admirals seemed unsinkable going into the eighth inning. Trailing by five, Yuki Yasuda launched his first home run of 2017, a shot over the left-field fence to put the Stompers within striking distance. 

“(Yasuda’s) home run just gave us the win because of his attitude. He never quit the game. He showed us he never gives up,” said manager Takashi Miyoshi. “I could tell, how he carried himself, he still wanted to win the game. That affected everybody.”

The Stompers caught a breeze from there, rallying for eight runs in the inning, two off of former Major League pitcher Sammy Gervacio. 

“This game was really going back and forth, momentum going one way then going the other way. We knew when we got to their bullpen, we were going to make those guys work and it happened to work that everybody got to hit that inning,” said center fielder Matt Hibbert.

10 straight Sonoma batters reached base in the frame as they scored eight runs before Admirals pitching recorded an out. The inning ended on three straight strikeouts, but not before the Stompers took a 13-10 lead.

Yasuda and Hibbert combined to drive in eight of the Stompers’ 16 runs in the game. 

“It’s just about making those relievers work,” Hibbert said. “Especially when there’s runners on base, the pressure’s not on the hitter, it’s on the pitcher.”

Stompers starter Tyler Garkow had allowed four Admiral hits and struck out three through four to defend a 5-1 Sonoma Lead before the tide turned and Vallejo struck for five runs in the fifth.

“That was his game,” Miyoshi said. “I just trust him. His stuff, what he does on and off the field, every day I see him at the gym. I can’t take him out. He earned it.”

Sonoma put up crooked numbers in both the second and fourth innings, using a combination of signature Stompers small ball and extra base hits. Vallejo arms kept Sonoma relatively quiet in the middle innings before the wave of baserunners in the eighth. 

DJ Sharabi closed the game for Sonoma, calmly retiring the side in the last inning of a game filled with rogue waves. 

The Stompers remain in first place in the Pacific Association standings at 13-4, four and a half games ahead of the next-best Pittsburg Diamonds (8-8) in the Pacific Association Standings.  The last-place Admirals fall to 5-12.

Action at Wilson Park resumes Thursday at 6:35 p.m. as Sonoma looks for their second sweep of the Admirals this season. 

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 Storm Vallejo Admirals in 15-7 Victory, Extend Lead in Standings

Joel Carranza hit his third home run for the Sonoma Stompers in three games in Tuesday night's 15-7 victory over the Vallejo Admirals at Wilson Park. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, defeated the Vallejo Admirals 15-7 Tuesday as Joel Carranza hit his third home run in three games.

Carranza added to his legacy as the best home run hitter in Pacific Association history when he sent his 48th career shot sailing over the left-center field fence in the second inning. The win was one of six this season in which the Stompers scored 10 runs or more.

“It’s nice to keep adding on,” Carranza said. “My ultimate goal is to make it so that nobody can catch it.”

Stompers starter Mike Jackson Jr. picked up the win in a rematch with David Dinelli, who he pitched a solid seven innings against on June 14. In Tuesday’s game, Dinelli earned six runs in his four and one-third inning performance while Jackson struck out seven through six.

After Carranza’s shot, the Admirals evened the score on a piece of stellar base running by Tillman Pugh. Pugh took home on an error, but the quick-thinking play wasn’t enough to hold water for Vallejo. Sonoma stormed back in the fourth, using an Eddie Mora-Loera single, a walk and a pair of ground balls to score three runs in the inning.  

“We know how to use our ability in the best way,” said Manager Takashi Miyoshi. “I try to put the pressure on, stealing the bases, and even without hitting, we score runs… That’s the type of game we keep playing well.” 

Sonoma all but decided the matchup in a busy fifth inning. Yuki Yasuda and Scott David led off the frame with two straight singles before a pair of walks and a fiery Brennan Metzger double sent Jackson back to the mound in the bottom of the inning with an eight-run lead.

“Everyone’s going up there, sticking to their approach, doing what their job is and not trying to do too much,” said Carranza, who is also the team’s hitting coach. “That’s the key to our success and it’s going to be the key to our success throughout the year.”

Stompers outfielder Marcus Bradley hit his first home run of the season in the sixth, a three-run shot to put Sonoma up 14-2. 

Six different Stompers recorded RBIs on the night while 10 different Stompers recorded a hit. Scott David and Isaac Wenrich both posted three-hit performances.

The Admirals surged back in the sixth to score four runs, but their late-inning efforts proved futile against the Stompers’ 12-run lead. With the victory, the Stompers improve their record to 12-4 and increase their lead in the Pacific Association to three and a half games while the last-place Admirals fall to 5-11 on the season.

“In baseball, any team can beat anybody on any given day,” Carranza said. “We just try to play to win every game. That’s how we are here in this organization.”

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.

Ayesha Curry to Join Stompers for ZÜPA NOMA Night: Professional Chef and ZÜPA NOMA Ambassador Promotes SuperFood Soup

Ayesha Curry is a professional chef, bestselling author and ZÜPA NOMA ambassador. 

SONOMA, Calif.– In partnership with local SuperFood Soup brand ZÜPA NOMA, the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club will host professional chef and bestselling author Ayesha Curry for a night of baseball, local veggies and sippable soup on July 18.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

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On ZÜPA NOMA Night featuring Ayesha Curry, Curry will throw out the first pitch and will be promoting ZÜPA NOMA, the ready-to-sip organic soup made with fresh, wholesome veggies and superfoods.

 ZÜPA NOMA is super simple, super tasty and super powered with tons of vitamins and nutrients, which is why the Stompers represent the #SOUPSQUAD on their warm-up shirts.

ZÜPA NOMA is part of local company Sonoma Brands–creating and investing in better-for-you consumer goods.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Presented by Virginia Dare Winery, Stompers 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.

Upcoming Homestand to Feature Father's Day Celebration and LGBTQ Night while Championing Youth Baseball

Rawhide dons rainbow-colored horns in honor of “Out at the Ballpark”and LGBTQ Night at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field during the 2016 season. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers) 

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations  

SONOMA, Calif.– The next homestand for the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, promises a series of community-oriented events beginning Friday, June 23 through June 25.

The Stompers welcome the San Rafael Pacifics for a three-game set after defeating them on the road over the weekend. The Stompers are 3-4 against the rival Pacifics this season.

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Each homestand of the 2017 season will feature a local Sonoma nonprofit or cause. The next Stompers homestand will champion youth baseball as a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit Sonoma Valley Babe Ruth, a non-profit organization that runs solely on volunteers and fundraising. Supporting the Stompers means supporting Sonoma. 

Babe Ruth Baseball players in uniform joined by a parent with a grandstand, Gus the Bus Beer Garden or bleacher ticket will get in free to all Stompers games during the three-day homestand.

In their home-opening series, the Stompers donated $3,000 to El Verano Elementary School’s after school programs on behalf of longtime Sonoma Valley High varsity baseball coach Don Lyons.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23: LITTLE LEAGUE AND SWEET SCOOPS NIGHT

In addition to supporting Babe Ruth baseball, Friday is Little League Night. Little Leaguers in uniform can also get in free with a parent with a grandstand, Gus the Bus Beer Garden or bleacher ticket.

Additionally, Peoples Home Equity Ballpark will Sweet Scoops cart to its already-extensive food and beverage repertoire for the night. The local creamery will serve up homemade ice cream as the Sonoma Valley heat wave continues.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24: FATHER’S DAY THE REMIX

The Stompers weren’t at home for Father’s Day on Sunday, but the team didn’t forget about local dads. Bring Dad out the ballgame, and he’ll get a voucher for a free hot dog, beer or soft drink on Saturday.  

Kids sporting their best dad-themed duds will also be in the running to receive a prize, which means Stompers fans can break out their best combination of cargo shorts, polos, baseball caps and sneakers (or any other fatherly threads.) 

SUNDAY, JUNE 25: OUT AT THE BALLPARK / LGBTQ NIGHT

June is Pride Month and the Stompers will celebrate the LGBTQ community Sunday in a Sonoma baseball tradition. The Stompers became the first professional baseball team with an openly gay player on their roster when they signed Sean Conroy in 2015, and will look to honor that legacy and all members of the local community Sunday.

First pitch on Friday is 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. 

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.

Carranza's Record-Setting Blast Swings Series Sonoma's Way on Sunday in San Rafael

Joel Carranza had four hits, including a two-run home run in the ninth lifting the Sonoma Stompers to a 5-3 win over the San Rafael Pacifics at Albert Park in San Rafael on Sunday. The home run was the 47th of Carranza's Stompers career, and he is now the all-time leader in career homers in the Pacific Association. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Joel Carranza's ninth-inning home run broke more than just a 3-3 tie on Sunday at Albert Park. His two-run blast also broke the Pacific Association’s record for career home runs, while propelling the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club to a 5-3 victory, and a series win over the San Rafael Pacifics.

Carranza tied former Pacific and Pittsburg Diamond, Mike Taylor’s record of 46 career home runs Saturday night as the Stompers routed San Rafael 20-11. No. 47 came off of Garret Granitz in the ninth inning Sunday, breaking a 3-3 deadlock giving the Stompers a lead they would not relinquish.

“I remember when he hit his first in Vallejo in 2014,” Stompers President and General Manager Theo Fightmaster said. “Never could I have imagined the impact he’d have on this organization, and this league. He’s been sensational.”

Carranza was responsible for four of five Stompers runs in the game, going 4 for 5 on the afternoon. It was the reigning Pacific Association MVP’s two-RBI double that allowed Sonoma to strike first against their Pacific Association Rivals.

The long ball has been the primary source of runs in the series. Both teams combined to hit eight last night, 12 total in the series.

Ty’Relle Harris put up another solid performance for the Stompers, retiring nine straight following a leadoff single. He struck out eight in a seven-inning, six-hit, three earned run outing.

2016 Pacific Association Pitcher of the Year Patrick Conroy took the mound for San Rafael, allowing three earned runs and five hits in four and two-thirds innings.

The Stompers sit at first place and improve to 11-4 on the season after becoming the first Pacific Association team to reach double-digit wins Saturday.

Next weekend’s homestand will feature a rematch with the Pacifics, the first time the Stompers will face them at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field in Sonoma. The homestand will also include Little League Night on Friday, a remixed Father’s Day celebration Saturday and “Out at the Ballpark” LGBTQ night Sunday. A portion of the proceeds from the weekend tilt will directly benefit Sonoma Valley Babe Ruth youth baseball. The Stompers donated $3,000 to El Verano Elementary School’s after school program during their opening home series.

STOMPERS TICKETS
Presented by Virginia Dare Winery, Stompers 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 Open Floodgates Against Pacifics as Joel Carranza Ties League Career Home Run Record in 20-11 Victory

Joel Carranza hit a home run in the first inning of Saturday’s 20-11 victory over the San Rafael Pacifics at Albert Park. The jack tied the Pacific Association record for career home runs. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, got double-digit runs of revenge against the San Rafael Pacifics with a 20-11 victory Saturday.

 “It was like a fireworks show, it was fun,” said designated hitter Joel Carranza “Everybody was relaxed, and that’s the key to our success”

A seventh-inning grand slam by the Pacifics’ Ricky Gingras drowned a Sonoma lead Friday, but Manager Takashi Miyoshi’s Stompers used the long ball to put San Rafael in deep water early Saturday.  

“(Miyoshi) let us know that obviously wasn’t good enough, and we had to come in with a little better focus today,” said catcher Isaac Wenrich. “Yoshi always sticks with us. The coolest part about it is he never shows the emotion to knock us down, it’s always to build us back up and today was just a testament to that.”

 In the first at bat of the game, Matt Hibbert hit a solo shot to left. Pacifics starter Ben Herrick gave up two home runs, two hits and three walks before recording an out against the Stompers. The start was the first of the Sonoma State product’s professional baseball career.  

“It’s always fun to open up on a big inning against the Pacifics. There’s such a rivalry between us,” Carranza said.  

One of those home runs came off the bat of Carranza, the reigning Pacific Association Most Valuable Player. The shot tied former Pittsburg Diamond and San Rafael Pacific Mike Taylor’s all-time Pacific Association record for career home runs. Carranza has been with the team since its expansion year of 2014. He lead the league in home runs that season.

“It’s quite a feat to accomplish. It’s one of the best feelings, besides winning the championship,” Carranza said. “Now it’s to take that step and (break the record.) Hopefully it will happen tomorrow.”

The Stompers hit five home runs in the game, two from Isaac Wenrich. Kevin Farley also recorded his first professional home run in the sixth to give the Stompers a 19-5 lead.

Two San Rafael outfielders (Kyle Aide and Brandon Montalvo) took the mound in the matchup.

“Baseball can change so easily from one day to the next. You can be 0 for 4 one day with three Ks and the next day you can have two or three extra base hits,” Farley said. 

In the series, the Stompers and Pacifics have combined for 10 home runs. Sonoma will return to San Rafael for a 1:05 p.m. series-deciding game Sunday for a rubber match featuring 2016 Pacific Association Pitcher of the Year Patrick Conroy against Ty’Relle Harris, who has emerged as a dominant force on the mound since his Stompers debut June 7. 

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.