Stompers pitcher sets saves record

With his 1-2-3 inning Saturday evening, Sonoma Stompers closer Jacob Cox set the Pacific Association’s record for saves in a single season with his 19th of 2018.

The Fresno native broke the former Vallejo Admirals Sammy Gervacio’s record of 18 saves last season. Gervacio, who is currently in the Atlantic League for the New Britain Bees, pitched for the Houston Astros in 2010.

“I’m trying to do my job every time I go out. The guys give us a chance to win every time,” Cox said. “You want to play for your teammates. Every time I go out on the mound, I’m doing it for them, not for me.”

Before Gervacio’s 18 saves in 2017, San Rafael’s Collin Allen had held the league’s single-season saves record of 16, set in 2014.

To go along with his 19 saves this season, the right-hander has won four games and pitched to a 2.73 ERA with 28 strikeouts.

Now in his third season with Sonoma, Cox has pitched in 62 games and 75? innings while wearing the orange and navy, recording 25 saves along the way.

“He’s the backbone of this team,” manager Zack Pace said. “Our bullpen is our strong point and Cox is the leader of that. Being the closer, he sets the tempo at the end and does a fantastic job for us.”

Cox has collected more saves than any other Sonoma Stompers pitcher in the franchise’s history. He now looks to cement himself as one of the greatest relievers in the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs history.