Tables turn on Stompers with big losses in Pittsburg

Each baseball game is different, and a new day brings a new game. That is something that Sonoma was probably focusing on after the game Wednesday night, when the Diamonds humbled the Stompers 16-2 in Pittsburg.

It followed by a day the opening game of this nine-game road trip which found the Stompers on the short end of a 6-1 score to these same Diamonds. That game was close through most of the contest, but Pittsburg was able to finally pull away thanks to a late inning rally. Sonoma’s offense had opportunities to put runs on the board but was unable to get the big hit to break through. Rob Ellis (1-1) picked up the win for Pittsburg, defeating Stompers starter Gregory Paulino (1-2).

In Wednesday’s game, the third inning was the big one for the Diamonds as they scored 10 times. During the inning 14 hitters came to the plate for Pittsburg. Oddly, none of the 10 runs were earned for the Diamonds as the Stompers made three errors to help things along. Starter Mike Jackson Jr. didn’t make it out of the third, and reliever Martin Cronin did not fare much better.

When the dust settled, the Diamonds had a 13-0 lead. Pittsburg would add on a few runs in mop-up duty and took game two by a final score of 16-2.

One silver lining that can be drawn from this game was that the Stompers did not give up after that crushing third inning. Cam Stimpson was called upon off the bench to pitch in the seventh and eighth innings, pitching through an injury to his right hand. Stimpson, who usually plays in the outfield for Sonoma, had not pitched in a game situation since spring training. But when his club called upon him to pitch, he did. He also knew that coming out of the game due to injury would put strain on the bullpen, and was able to tough it out.

Before the fourth inning, the entire team had a meeting around the dugout. The Diamonds had just humiliated them with a huge rally but there was a lot of game left. Some teams would pack it in, but Sonoma did put one run on the board. At the end of the day, it did not mean much in terms of the final box score. However, teams have to find a way to keep playing even when the game seems out of reach.

Thursday was a new day, and it will bring more challenges for the Stompers (10-9). They hope they can turn the tide as they have now lost four in a row to Pittsburg (10-10). Sonoma will also look to avoid a three game sweep, and ensure at least a tie for first place in the Pacific Association. (Results not available at presstime.)

Tickets for upcoming Stompers home games are available on StompersBaseball.com. Fan merchandise and tickets are also available inside The Fan Shop located at 234 West Napa Street in Sonoma. If you have any questions, contact the team at info@StompersBaseball.com.