Sonoma Stompers Defeat Pittsburg Diamonds 5-4 Behind Walk-Off Homer From Matt Hibbert

Isaac Wenrich and Matt Hibbert celebrates a 5-4 walk-off victory against the Pittsburg Diamonds at People's Home Equity Ballpark on Sunday. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Sierra Heil / Stompers Baseball

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, defeated the Pittsburg Diamonds 5-4 in a game that began with a strong start from Ty’Relle Harris and ended with a walk-off homer from Matt Hibbert.

“It was just a great game. The last two games have shown that this team is one of the best teams in the league so we have to grind it out,” Miyoshi said. “A game like this makes the team better.”

Trailing by two, Hibbert recorded the second walk-off hit of the series with a tenth-inning, three-run shot.

“I’m feeling ecstatic right now,” Hibbert said. “I just visualized myself doing it before I got up there and made it happen.”

Starter Ty’Relle Harris pitched eight innings, allowing one earned run. He held the Diamonds scoreless through six and issued just two walks. Despite spending time on the inactive list, Harris has 48 strikeouts on the season.

“(The pitching staff) is just giving us whatever they’ve got. Guys might be banged up or sore or whatever else, but when they come to the mound they’re going to compete,” Hibbert said. “On the offensive end, we just want to do our part.”

Both teams remained scoreless through the fourth inning.

Behind Harris, Isaac Wenrich recorded one of five hits for the Stompers and scored the first run of the game, stealing home on a wild pitch. Yuki Yasuda also homered in the game, delivering a “Yuki Bomb” to left field in the sixth.

The Diamonds responded quickly, scoring runs in both the seventh and eighth to turn the matchup into an extra-inning showdown.

With the win, Sonoma ties their best start to a half in franchise history at 6-0. The Stompers improve to 34-11 on the season while the Diamonds fall to 23-22.

“Everybody thinks we’re going to win the second half. We’re not going to try to go for the one game playoff. We know we’re good enough to win the second half too. Everybody just needs to keep grinding for that,” Miyoshi said.

The Stompers head to San Rafael for a three-game series against the Pacifics beginning Tuesday.

“It’s a daily process. We have to take every day, every pitch, every inning to get there. We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. It’s a good start, but we still have work to do,” Hibbert said.

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.

Brennan Metzger Walk-Off Single Caps Sonoma Stompers' 6-5 Victory Over Pittsburg Diamonds

Matt LoCoco (left) and Brennan Metzger (right) celebrate after Metzger hit a game-winning single to defeat the Pittsburg Diamonds 6-5 at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark on Saturday. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– Left fielder Brennan Metzger smacked the first walk-off hit of his baseball career to give the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, a 6-5 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds.

Metzger played college ball at Division I Long Beach State before being playing three Minor League seasons in the San Francisco Giants organization. 

“There’s a first time for everything and that was it,” Metzger said. “The first three guys got on, they did a good job so I was just trying to follow suit.”

After crushing the Pittsburg Diamonds 10-1 Friday, the Stompers battled through a close contest Saturday. Trailing by one and down to their last three outs and runners on first and second, Marcus Bradley knocked a base hit up the middle to tie the game.

With the victory, the Stompers start the second half of the season undefeated at 5-0 and improve their overall record to 33-11. They also started the first half 5-0.

“A lot of us are comfortable in big situations. We have a very good lineup. Guys hit one through nine,” said designated hitter and hitting coach Joel Carranza. “It makes it fun to have such a great group of ballplayers to come out and play the game every day and help us win.”

The Stompers’ formidable lineup struck for three runs off of Diamonds starter Corey McDonald, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the efforts of a talented Pittsburg team through the first eight innings.

Vinny Guglietti, who has lead the Diamonds and the Pacific Association in hitting for most of the year, sent a solo shot to right while center fielder Wes Wallace hit two.

The Stompers have been dominant when the game is on the line thus far this season, and Saturday’s contest was a testament to that prowess under pressure.

“We have faith in our team and we just never give up. The game isn’t over until the last out is recorded,” Metzger said.

The Stompers applied pressure in the eighth, coming within one run on a Carranza RBI. Carranza, the Pacific Association home run king, also homered earlier in the game and was responsible for three of the six Stompers runs.

“It always feels good to hit a home run, especially here at home where you have the crowd behind you,” Carranza said.

Aside from Carranza, three other Stompers recorded multiple hits on the night. Bradley and Metzger each went 3 for 4 on the night.

The Stompers take on the Diamonds again on Sunday at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at 6 p.m. All Stompers weekend home games will begin at 6 p.m. for the remainder of the season.

WHITMORE & PIAGNO TO BE HONORED AT AT&T PARK

Prior to the game, outfielder Kelsie Whitmore and pitcher Stacy Piagno will be honored  at AT&T Park prior to the Giants' game against the San Diego Padres.

Whitmore and Piagno became the first female teammates on a co-ed professional baseball team since the 1950’s when they signed with the Stompers last summer. On July 15, Piagno became one of just three women to earn the win in an American men’s professional baseball league since the 1950’s.

The ceremony will begin at 12 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.

Kelsie Whitmore and Stacy Piagno to be Honored by San Francisco Giants in Pre-Game Ceremony Sunday

Kelsie Whitmore (center) and Stacy Piagno (right) sit in the dugout at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field during the Stompers' 2016 Championship season. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– Kelsie Whitmore and Stacy Piagno of the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, will be honored in a pre-game ceremony at the San Francisco Giants game on Sunday, July 23.

Whitmore and Piagno became the first female teammates on a co-ed professional baseball team since the 1950’s when they signed with the Stompers last summer. On July 15, Piagno became one of just three women to earn the win in an American men’s professional baseball league since the 1950’s.

Piagno and Whitmore will be honored alongside members of Stanford Women’s Volleyball, Stanford Women’s Tennis, Deaf Women’s National Soccer Team, USF Club Volleyball, USF Track & Field, Anne Span, Anne Cribbs and Jennifer Croteau.

The home plate ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. tomorrow, prior to the Giants’ matchup with the San Diego Padres.

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, Matt Hibbert Erupt on Offense in 10-1 Rout of Pittsburg Diamonds

Matt Hibbert hits a home run in the seventh inning of Friday night's 10-1 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, defeated the Pittsburg Diamonds 10-1 on Friday night as center fielder Matt Hibbert put on a show on offense.

“All I’ve been trying to do is just see the ball better and better and I feel like tonight was the night. It also helps when you’ve got your parents coming in from Arizona. I got a little bit of inspiration and just wanted to perform well for them,” Hibbert said.

Hibbert went 4 for 5 in the rout of the Diamonds and hit his second home run of the year, a seventh-inning solo shot that gave the Stompers a 4-1 lead.He also drove in two runs and made an incredible catch in center, diving forward to rob the Diamonds of a base hit in the fifth.

Stompers starter Taylor Thurber pitched a scoreless ballgame until the sixth, allowing the Sonoma offense to flourish behind him. Thurber came into the game having allowed just three runs in 19 innings pitched as a Stomper this year.

“It’s Thurbsday. Any time Thurb is on the mound I know we got a chance. He’s going to compete, battle. He goes right after hitters,” Hibbert said.  “I love when that guy pitches and I feel like if we score three or four runs we’re going to have a good chance to win.”

Catcher Isaac Wenrich homered and picked up two RBIs in addition to contributing to the commanding performances of the Stompers pitching staff.

Thurber was also assisted offensively by Matt LoCoco, who drove in the first run of the night. LoCoco has been on fire of late, reaching base in seven of his last eight plate appearances coming into Friday. A six-run eighth inning secured the victory for Sonoma.

After sweeping the the San Rafael Pacifics, the Stompers begin the second half 4-0. The winning start echoes the first half of the season, when the Stompers started 5-0. It was their best start since 2015, when Sonoma began the season 6-0 en route to an 18-3 start.

“It’s a testament to the team we have. We never get too low in a one-run ballgame. We have all the confidence in the world that we’re going to get to that pitcher,” Hibbert said.

VERNON DAVIS NIGHT

The Stompers were inspired by a pre-game speech by Super Bowl Champion and former San Francisco 49ers Pro-Bowler Vernon Davis. Davis reflected on his 11-year National Football League career while the team listened.

“That was awesome to hear that right before the game. (Davis) was talking about his ups and downs in his career and his message was ‘keep going, fight the fight,’” Hibbert said. “Things aren’t going to go your way, but how do you react to those things? That’s what makes you have character and certainly improve as a player.”

Davis was on hand to throw the first pitch and promote his foundation, the Vernon Davis Foundation for the Arts. Davis’ foundation donated 2,000 dollars to the arts and music programs at the Presentation School in Sonoma.

He stayed to meet with fans and sign autographs for the more than 400 fans in attendance.

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 Defeat San Rafael Pacifics 9-5 Behind Solid Espinosa, Unrelenting Offense

Isaac Wenrich scores the second run in Thursday's 9-5 victory over the San Rafael Pacifics at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Media Relations Director

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, defeated the San Rafael Pacifics 9-5 Thursday behind another dazzling effort by starter Juan Espinosa and an unrelenting offense.

The Stompers improve to 20 games over .500 at 31-11 on the season, 3-0 in the second half while the Pacifics drop to 15-24, 0-3.

“I’m really happy that everybody on this team is really hungry. They are not satisfied, even when we win the first half like that. They are ready to win the second half, too,” Miyoshi said. “They just don’t want to lose a game.”

Espinosa struck out seven through the first three innings, tying a season-high nine strikeouts in six.

“But if you throw locate breaking balls, cutters around the knees, they’re not going to get to it. Especially an outside pitch, I don’t think too many guys can get to it,” Miyoshi said. “(Espinosa) was going for the hitter’s weakness and it really worked out well.”

Six Stompers had multi-hit nights on Thursday while Matt LoCoco, Joel Carranza and Marcus Bradley all drove in two runs. Eight Stompers recorded RBIs. Bradley also went 2 for 2 with two walks on the night.

Bradley has been solid as of late, hitting .333 in the last week with an on base percentage of .524.

“Seeing him in BP, I could tell (Bradley) was going to hit the ball,” Miyoshi said.

Pacifics starter Dakota Freese has struggled at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark this season. His last time on the mound in Sonoma, Freese walked seven batters in just two and two-thirds innings.

This time, Freese racked up seven earned runs in four innings, allowing Sonoma to go up 7-0 while Espinosa kept San Rafael scoreless through five.

“We know what kind of pitcher he is,” Miyoshi said. “His out pitch is a fastball, he can get up to 93, 94, but he’s wild. So against us it’s tougher because we have a team that always has an approach.”

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.

Takashi Miyoshi Earns 100th Win as Sonoma Stompers Manager with 6-5 Victory Over San Rafael Pacifics in Extras

Manager Takashi Miyoshi talks with Scott David at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field during the 2017 season. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– Takashi Miyoshi of the  Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, earned his 100th win as manager Wednesday night, when his team defeated the San Rafael Pacifics 6-5 in extra innings.

“It means a lot to me because it means so many players helping me out to get me a win. It’s more than numbers, it just reminds me how hard players work behind me,” Miyoshi said. “I just appreciate everybody who played for me the last two and a half years.”

Miyoshi is 100-62 as manager of the Stompers and can count a 2016 Pacific Association Championship and first-half titles in 2016 and 2017 among his accomplishments.

“I’m just happy. But at the same time, I’m going for the thousandth win. This is just the beginning,” Miyoshi said.

DOMINANT IN EXTRAS

With the victory, the Stompers improve their record in extra-inning games to 5-1 on the season.

“We know how we have to handle the pressure… Put the ball in play, put the bunt down. That’s what is is, we just know how we have to execute in extra innings,” Miyoshi said.

Down 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, pinch hitter Joel Carranza stepped up to the pate with runners on the corners. He tapped an infield hit to third, allowing Sonoma to tie the game.

Pacifics starter Max Beatty kept the Stompers off the board until the eighth and did not allow a Stompers hit until the fifth. Sonoma struck for three base hits off of the former Chicago White Sox farmhand.

Carranza’s knock sent the Stompers to extras, where Jacob Cox held down the top of the tenth and Yuki Yasuda knocked a base hit up the middle to give Sonoma the walk-off win. Yasuda has recorded a hit in his last five games and reached base in every game since July 5.

“Nothing surprises me. I made the lineup tonight for a reason, Yuki doesn’t usually hit in the three hole,” Miyoshi said. “I’m just using my weapons in the best way that I can.”

Cox picked up the win in the game despite Tyler Garkow’s 11-strikeout, five-hit performance. Garkow’s last time out, he lost a pitcher’s duel after striking out 12, a season high he has reached twice this season.

Zach Wendorf was successful in relief, pitching two no-hit, no-run innings. His outing allowed the Sonoma offense to make some noise by engineering two runs in the eighth to cut the Pacifics’ lead to one.

The Stompers improve to 30-11 overall and 2-0 in the second half while the Pacifics drop to 15-23, 0-2.

NAPA NIGHT

The Stompers will celebrate Napa Night on Thursday, welcoming the newly-minted Napa Silverados to the Pacific Association.

Napa residents who bring proof to the box office will also recieve $5 off the price of a ticket.

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.

Arizona Diamondbacks Sign Former Stomper Chaz Meadows

Chaz Meadows makes a play in the Sonoma Stompers' 8-2 victory over the San Rafael Pacifics on August 20, 2016 at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, have added another player to the list of former Stompers signed by Major League teams.

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed former Sonoma infielder Chaz Meadows this week, purchasing his contract from the Joliet Slammers of the Frontier League. In 40 games for the Stompers last season, Meadows recorded a hit in all but seven games and drove in 19 runs, and was a key part of the Stompers first franchise championship in 2016.

Meadows becomes the fourth Stomper to be signed by a Major League team, joining Sonoma Valley High product Jayce Ray of the Boston Red Sox, Santos Saldivar of the Milwaukee Brewers and Dylan Stoops of the San Diego Padres.

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 Defeat San Rafael Pacifics 12-7 on ZÜPA NOMA Night featuring Ayesha Curry

Ayesha Curry thorws the first pitch at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field before the Sonoma Stompers defeated the San Rafael Pacifics 12-7. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, opened the Pacific Association second half with a 12-7 win over the San Rafael Pacifics and a loud offensive display Tuesday.  

Scott David was the primary threat, driving in four of the Stompers’ 12 runs.

“My team put me in good situations. I just got lucky that I had the opportunity to bring them in. Every day it’s a new guy, I’m just happy for it to be my day,” David said.

David’s effort was his second four-RBI performance in his last four games. On Thursday, David drove in six runs against the Pittsburg Diamonds.

It was his teammate’s ability to get on base that allowed him to do so, as Marcus Bradley went 3 for 4 on Tuesday while Matt Hibbert reached base every time he entered the batter’s box.

“Our lineup is just so dangerous, one through nine. It doesn’t matter where you’re hitting,” David said. “You’ve got so many guys that can do so much damage with the bat, it makes it easy. You can just go up there, simplify, just swing the bat and the next guy’s going to do it behind you if you don’t.”

The Stompers hope the victory establishes momentum for the remainder of the half, as a second-half title would make Sonoma the outright Pacific Association champions. The Stompers won 28 games en route to a first-half title, setting both a league and franchise record.  

Sonoma improves to 29-11 on the season and 1-0 in the second half while San Rafael drops to 17-23, 0-1 in the second half. With the win, The Stompers go up eight games in the overall standings.

‘We definitely wanted to come out and state that we want to win the first and second half. It’s always good to get the first win out of the way. It’s another opening day almost,” David said.

Author and professional chef Ayesha Curry (left) high fives the Sonoma Stompers after throwing the first pitch at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

AYESHA CURRY NIGHT

Ayesha Curry joined the Stompers and local brand ZÜPA NOMA for a night of baseball, organic vegetables and fresh “sippable” soup. Curry mingled with fans and signed autographs while ZÜPA NOMA sampled their superfood-packed soup for the over 800 Stompers fans in attendance.

“It was really nice having that many fans. It’s great support, and it was fun to have her out here,” David said. “Couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Curry tossed the first pitch, delivering a strike to reigning Pacific Association Most Valuable Player Joel Carranza.

““It was really nice having that many fans. It’s great support, and it was fun to have her out here... Couldn’t ask for anything better.””

— Scott David

STOMPERS ARE SONOMA

The Stompers presented a check for $2,500 dollars to Friends In Sonoma Helping (F.I.S.H.), a local, volunteer organization that aims to assist members of the community with limited resources and keep them from going hungry or becoming homeless.

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 Set Record for First-Half Wins with 7-1 Victory Over Pittsburg Diamonds

In Sunday's 7-1 win over the Pittsburg Diamonds at People's Home Equity Ballpark, Daniel Baptista hits a homer to give the Sonoma Stompers the lead. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Sierra Heil / Sonoma Stompers

SONOMA, Calif.– The Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, won 7-1 over the Pittsburg Diamonds behind another strong performance from starter Taylor Thurber in the final game of the first half on Sunday.

The Stompers improve to 28-11 on the season and finish the half in first place, while the Diamonds fall to 21-18 in second. Sonoma’s 28 first-half victories set both a league and franchise record.

In his third start of the season, Thurber allowed six hits and issued just two walks in five innings pitched, holding the Diamonds to one run. He kept Pittsburg scoreless through the first four.

“Thurber competes every time he’s out there. His approach works too, which is really nice. When he’s on he’s on, and when he’s not, well, I haven’t been to that game yet,” said outfielder Marcus Bradley.

Activated Thursday, veteran Daniel Baptista scored Sonoma’s first run of the game on a deep home run to left field in the third.

“It feels amazing being back out there with the guys. I’m just trying to keep things simple, do the job at hand, be in the moment every day, every inning,” Baptista said.

Baptista also drew a walk in the eighth and stole a base, resulting in another run scored.

“He’s definitely a game changer. Somehow, he just finds a way every time he gets into the game. He stays with his approach and it works for him. He keeps doing his job and it’s helping the team out a lot,” Bradley said.

The Stompers drew a total of eight walks in the game. Second baseman Scott David created several chances to score with his patient at bats throughout the night. David drew three walks, recorded one base-hit and scored the Stomper’s second run.

Right-handed reliever Adam Ogburn took the mound in the sixth inning, giving up only one hit and holding the Diamonds scoreless through two innings after being inactive for over a week due to injury.

An offensive outburst in the eighth sealed the win for Sonoma. The Stompers struck for five runs in the inning. Bradley drove in two of those runs with a bases-loaded knock to center.

The second half begins on Tuesday against the San Rafael Pacifics. If the Stompers also clinch the second half, they are the outright champions.

“We have to stay focused every game, can’t take any days off, come out ready to ball out one through nine,” Baptista said. “If we do that, we’re going to be just fine”

WHITMORE STARTS IN LEFT

Kelsie Whitmore started the game in left field for the second night in a row. On Saturday, Whitmore recorded her first hit of the season.

“I’ve been putting in the effort this summer to really learn more about the game. Not just physically become better, but mentally become better… This is what I live for. I would be out here 24 hours,” Whitmore said. “It’s the one thing I wake up in the morning and fall asleep thinking about.”

Whitmore was on the field for Stacy Piagno’s seven-inning, four hit, one run performance on Saturday. Piagno became one of three women since the 1950’s to earn the win in a men’s professional baseball league game.

“I wasn’t surprised. I expect that out of her, I know that’s the player she is. I expect her to do that kind of stuff. Just because she’s a girl, so what? She can play,” Whitmore said.

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.

Stacy Piagno Earns Win in 16-1 Victory over Diamonds, Makes Women's Professional Baseball History

Stacy Piagno delivers a pitch at Peoples Home Equity Ballpark at Arnold Field during her seven-inning, four-hit performance in the Sonoma Stompers 16-1 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds on Saturday. (James W. Toy III / Sonoma Stompers)

Hayley M. Slye / Director of Media Relations

SONOMA, Calif.–Right-handed pitcher Stacy Piagno earned the first win of her professional career for the Sonoma Stompers Professional Baseball Club, presented by Virginia Dare Winery, becoming one of just three women to earn the win in an American men’s professional baseball league since the 1950’s.

“It’s always a thought in your mind, especially in our situation coming in here as a female, can I really be successful? Can I go deep in the game? I’m not just out here for a hoax. It proves to myself that yes, all the hard work can pay off and yes, I can be successful out here,” Piagno said. 

Piagno made her first start of the season Saturday, pitching seven strong innings and allowing just one earned run on four hits in the Stompers 16-1 victory over the Pittsburg Diamonds. She set career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts in her third appearance of 2017.

“This was a great night for Stacy and a fantastic night for baseball,” said Stompers president and general manager Theo Fightmaster. “This was a start she's been preparing for, and she validated the opportunity she was given. That was an incredible performance against a very tough lineup.”

Piagno retired the second-place Diamonds in order in four of seven innings pitched and did not allow a run after the first. Pittsburg leads the Pacific Association in hitting.

Last season, Piagno and outfielder Kelsie Whitmore made the Stompers the first female teammates to play on a co-ed men’s professional baseball team since the 1950’s.

“Being a role model for younger girls, that was something that I never had growing up,” Piagno said.

Whitmore started Saturday’s contest in left field behind Piagno and recorded her first hit of 2017.

“From last year, (Whitmore) was really working to get better and asking to pick everybody’s brain,” said manager Takashi Miyoshi. “She’s a great student of the game.”

Eddie Mora-Loera and Isaac Wenrich both struck for three hits on the night while Masa Miyadera knocked in four runs. Kevin Farley also reached base five times and recorded two hits, his first since June 20. Farley reached base five times.

After the Diamonds managed one run in the first, the Stompers answered back with four in their half of the frame.

“This team is my family, in and out. That’s something that I even thought of before the game. These guys are my family, they have my back,” Piagno said.

The Stompers face the Diamonds on Sunday in the last game of the Pacific Association first half. Sonoma clinched on Wednesday and set the franchise record for wins in the half, but Piagno’s performance looms larger than the league.

“The USA has an incredible baseball culture, but not to women in baseball yet. Like I said to the two girls, they’re going to be the icons of the game,” Miyoshi said. “Coming here, pitching against guys who were in affiliated ball, playing pro ball like three years ago, it’s not easy, trust me… I’m just really proud of her.”

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.