Stompers keep on rolling

The Sonoma Stompers scored at least 10 runs for the fifth consecutive game in Sonoma’s 11-3 victory over the Vallejo Admirals Sunday at Wilson Park.

The offensive output supported an outstanding effort by starter Tyler Garkow who had a season-high 12 strikeouts in the victory. The Stompers took two of three games from the Admirals over the weekend.

“This was my second time starting this week, so I was definitely feeling ready to go,” Garkow said. “I felt good all week in my bullpen sessions and I just left it all out on the field this afternoon.”

Garkow scattered four hits over seven innings allowing three runs. He only allowed two other baserunners to reach base after the third inning. After the Admirals tied the game in the third inning, Sonoma scored eight unanswered runs over the remaining innings. The offense scored in five consecutive innings from the second through the sixth to take control of the game.

“Our lineup is a tough one for opposing pitchers to face,” said hitting coach Joel Carranza. “It’s fun to hit in this lineup because you know the person following you in the order can do damage if you don’t get the job done”

Carranza delivered with his best offensive performance of the season going four-for-five with a home run and three driven in. The reigning league MVP leads the team in home runs and RBIs.

Saturday, the Admirals topped the Stompers, 14-10.

Sonoma came into the contest having outscored Vallejo 99-49 on the season. It was a welcome win for the Admirals, who improve to 8-18 overall and 3-7 in their last 10 games.

It was a nine-run fourth inning from the Admirals that sunk the Stompers.

The Stompers made it interesting in the twilight of the game, tacking on crooked numbers in the last three innings.

Friday evening, Stacy Piagno struck out Vallejo’s Chevy Clark for the final out of a 13-4 victory by the Stompers.

Piagno struck out two Admirals in one inning of work, securing the victory for Sonoma in a game where four different Stompers recorded multiple hits. Admirals starter Roberto Santana lasted less than an inning and didn’t record an out, allowing five earned runs – all on walks and wild pitches.

“We knew coming into the game that (Santana) had high walk numbers,” said outfielder Matt LoCoco. “Our approach going into that first inning was just to be patient and it worked out to where he walked five of us in a row.”

Isaac Wenrich drove in three runs on the night and has driven in nine in his last six games.

The Stompers improved to 21-6 overall after their sixth consecutive series victory. Sonoma holds a six-game advantage over the second place Pittsburg Diamonds (15-12) in the league first-half pennant standings. The upcoming series between the two foes will be critical in the race to the end of the first half in the Pacific Association.

Pittsburg will be in town Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Then, the Stompers will celebrate Women in Sports Night on Thursday, and want to hear what Stompers baseball means to their fans. Use the hashtag #MYSTOMPERSSTORY to share yours.