Potter of the Week: Peyton Stumbo strikes out six in win over Mudcats, leads Potters to success on the mound

The Lincoln Potters got back into the win column on Friday night with an 8-3 win over the Solano Mudcats after dropping four straight against the Healdsburg Prune Packers. While the Potters bats finally came alive with eight runs on eight hits, it was their defensive performance that helped lead them to success. Leading their defense in the outing was starting pitcher Peyton Stumbo, who has thrown 18 innings and struck out 21 batters in four games so far this season. Stumbo threw seven innings against the Mudcats with six strikeouts and only allowed three baserunners. Stumbo has led the Potters pitching staff with a 0.50 earned run average. Stumbo graduated from Placer High and is playing collegiately at the University of Nevada, Reno. The Lincoln News Messenger asked Stumbo some questions and his answers follow. What has been the best part about playing for the Potters so far this season? Stumbo: "The best part about playing for the Potters is mainly the relationships I've built and the new teammates that I can now call brothers. I can't forget about the community, though. Our community loves us and supports us and it's a really good feeling to know you have people that love you." How long have you been playing baseball competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Stumbo: "I've always been a competitor. So it's hard to say when because that's how I was when I was little and now we are here. My dad had always pushed me to be the best and really taught me how to be competitive, though. I see how hard he works and I strive to be the best version of myself because of him. But I can't leave out my mom and her work ethic as well. Her and my dad bust their butts for our family to do whatever they can for us. My parents are my biggest motivators, for sure." Have any other family members been involved with sports? Stumbo: "My sister, Allyson, is a volleyball player and she will be playing ball at Sierra College this next year. I really try to be a good role model for her in sports and around the house. I love watching her play when I'm able to and love watching her succeed." You struck out six batters on Friday night and only allowed three baserunners in seven innings. What has helped contribute to your performance on the mound on Friday night? Stumbo: "I pitch the way I do because of my teammates around me. If I had teammates that didn't care about me, it'd be a different story. In this case, I have teammates and coaches that would take bullets for me. That's why I work my butt off for them. Part of that success goes to my defense, though. I got my infielders grounder and my outfielders pop ups. I trust my guys behind me and they trust me." What are your biggest strengths with pitching in general and what areas do you still need to work on? Stumbo: "I just love pitching around the zone with my fastball. Fastball command is something I really control the game with and it's easier to get ahead. Once I'm ahead and I can still go to fastballs or mix in my off speed to throw these hitters off. I'd say some stuff I need to work on is more off speed and secondary pitch command. Being able to do something when your best isn't there." You played baseball locally at Placer High. How exciting is it to play for another team so close to home? Stumbo: "Playing for the Potters really is something special. I know I have some Lincoln High School fans that I've played against in the stands but now we're a Potter family and that's what matters. My community has my back and I have theirs." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Stumbo: "I played basketball my sophomore year of high school and that was my first ever year playing basketball. I knew I wasn't as good as others but I knew I was a better competitor than others so that's what I focused on. They might be able to out skill me but they can't out compete me." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Stumbo: "Since I've made the transition to pitching, I have picked up some athletes that are my favorite on the mound. I've been following Marcus Stroman for the longest time. He plays with so much energy and flow that it looks easy to all of us. I base my catch play after him and use my athleticism I had when I was in the infield now to the mound. His confidence is where I really like to learn from him." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Stumbo: "I love listening to Kid Cudi. His music has a specific flow to it and that's what I really like about it. It's very smooth and different." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Stumbo: "I love my Italian food. From Italian food to seafood is what I really like. Whenever I have a chance to get either, I'll jump on it." Outside of playing baseball, what do you like to do in your free time? Stumbo: "In my free time, I really try to spend time with my friends that I get to see every so often. I love to fish and golf in my free time to get away for a little while in a peaceful backdrop." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Stumbo: "I'd really like to get into real estate or stay close to sports because that's my passion." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Stumbo: "For younger athletes, just have fun. I know as you grow up, you have other things you have to work on but once you're on the field, that's what matters in that moment. The biggest thing is knowing who you are. We can't be people that we aren't or trying to do things that other people can do. Be yourself, own it and have fun. It only lasts for so long."