Stompers claim first two series

Backing up their first-ever triumph in Pacific Association of Professional Baseball League after dropping the season opener, the Sonoma Stompers Baseball Club let dominant pitching lead the way in winning its inaugural PAPB three-game series under first-year manager Ray Serrano at Albert Field in San Rafael.

Following left-hander Gabriel Garcia’s 8-1/3-inning pitching gem in beating the San Rafael Pacifics 4-2 last Wednesday, the Stompers gave the ball to right-hander Erik Gonsalves on Thursday and he proved to be just as stellar on the mound.

In a tough pitching duel with the Pacifics’ Mike DeBarr, Gonsalves turned in seven shutout innings – allowing just four hits and two walks, while pitching his way out of numerous jams and stranding runners in scoring position five times – and Sonoma posted a 3-0 victory.

Daniel Castillo, Yuki Sakama and Mike Jackson Jr. combined for two shutout innings of relief for the Stompers, with Jackson picking up his second save of the season.

Aritz Garcia was the offensive catalyst for Sonoma, reaching base four times, collecting two singles, a walk, was hit by a pitch, and he also stole his first base of the season.

The Stompers continued their month-long road trip, with their home opener slated for Tuesday, July 1, at Arnold Field, over the weekend at Wilson Park in Vallejo, where, in Friday’s three-game series opener, their offense came alive as they rallied from an 8-4 fifth-inning deficit and rolled to a 13-8 win over the Admirals.

Highlighting Sonoma’s offensive charge were shortstop Aritz Garcia’s three-for-four with three RBIs – Garcia, from Pamplona, Spain, and a University of San Francisco standout, is currently the team’s top hitter – catcher Thomas McAlpine’s clutch two-run single; and former Sonoma Valley High School and University of Washington star Jayce Ray’s continued hot start to the season with a hit and three more runs scored for a team-best six runs in the first four games and five walks.

Stompers starter Jesse Garcia earned the win despite yielding eight runs on eight hits in seven innings, before holding the Admirals hitless over the following three innings, finishing with six strikeouts and three walks.

In his first outing of the year for Sonoma, right-handed reliever Derek Forbes allowed a pair of hits, and struck out six for a three-inning save, his first save in pro baseball since 2005 when he played in the minors for the Baltimore Orioles.

The Stompers were also led by second-baseman Derrick Fox’s single and four runs; and designated hitter T.J. Gavlik’s two-for-six with a run.

On Saturday in Vallejo, Carranza delivered an RBI single in the top of the eighth to give Sonoma the lead in its second consecutive come-from-behind victory over the Admirals by a of 7-5 score.

Kyle Jones followed Carranza’s hit with an opposite field double that one-hopped the wall in left and drove in two more Stompers.

Breaking a 3-3 tie with a four-run eighth-inning rally over Vallejo, the Stompers’ Matt Marquis collected his third hit of the game, and pinch-hitter Tommy Lyons, also a former SVHS and collegiate standout, drew a walk and scored ahead of the Carranza-Jones hitting punch , and Gavlik drove home another run on a fielder’s choice.

Unfortunately, Sonoma’s four-game start-of-the-season winning streak was snapped in Vallejo on Sunday when it couldn’t hold a 4-2 advantage as Carlos Martinez’s RBI single and a throwing error fueled a three-run seventh inning for a 5-4 victory for the Admirals.

For the Stompers, Carranza finished three-for-four and was just a triple shy of the cycle, having singled and hitting Sonoma’s first home run of the season, a solo shot over the wall in left field.

The Stompers return to Albert Park in San Rafael for a three game series against the Pacifics tonight at 7:05 p.m.

Sonoma’s home opener takes place Tuesday evening, July 1, at Arnold Field, where a slate of 33 home games will be played, with Stompers’ season tickets, starting at $3 a seat, currently on sale at stompersbaseball.com or eventbrite.com/e/2014-sonoma-stompers-season-tickets-33-home-games-tickets-11232656177.