Darian Sandford steals four more bases as Admirals defeat Stompers

By Vallejo Times Herald and Admirals Staff

Darian Sandford stole four more bases and the Admirals hit two home runs as Vallejo evened up its series with the Sonoma Stompers Wednesday night with an 8-5 win.

Marquis Hutchinson pitched six innings for the win as he gave up four runs on six hits while striking out two and walking six. Josh Evans pitched the ninth inning without allowing a run to earn the save.

The Admirals (31-43, 16-19 in the second half) went up 1-0 in the top of the second when Hicks drove in Rubalcava, but Sonoma came right back in the bottom half of the frame to take a 2-1 lead.

The Admirals took the lead in the top of the third when Patrick Moriorty hit a two-run homer to help make it 4-2 Vallejo.

The Admirals increased the lead to 5-2 in the fourth on an sac fly by Sandford to deep right. Sandford had two hits and one walk to go with his four steals. His season total of stolen bases is now at 90.

The Admirals then added three more runs when Joseph Hicks hit a three-run homer in the top of the seventh over the left field bleachers to make it 8-2. Sonoma (44-30, 21-14) added three more runs but it wasn’t enough.

Andrew Rubalcalva had three hits and one walk. Aaron Brill had two hits, while Alian Silva also picked up a hit.

Vallejo concludes its three-game road series with Sonoma on Thursday. The Admirals finish the season with three games over the weekend at Wilson Park. Congressman Mike Thompson will throw out the first pitch, and hundreds of Cal Maritime Students will be in attendance.