Blue Wahoos Fall In Playoff Finale Against The Shuckers
September 9, 2019
The Blue Wahoos went the distance in their divisional playoff series against the Biloxi Shuckers.
But that didn’t make the heartache any easier to take.
The Blue Wahoos took their third lead in Sunday’s deciding game on an 8th inning homer from catcher Ryan Jeffers, only to have the bullpen give up a deluge in the bottom half of that inning, as the Shuckers rolled to an 8-4 win to take the Southern League South Division championship at MGM Park.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t stop the bleeding,” said Blue Wahoos manager Ramon Borrego. “When you take a lead in a game like that, you are looking for pitching. You are trying to shut them down.”
“The game was right there. When you get to that point, you are looking for the pitching.”
In winning Sunday’s decisive fifth game, the Shuckers advance to the Southern League championship series against the defending champion Jackson Generals. Biloxi will seek to win the league title for the first time.
This became the third time in five years the Blue Wahoos were knocked out of the playoffs by their Gulf Coast neighboring rival. The Blue Wahoos had advanced to post-season for a fifth consecutive year, the first as a Minnesota Twins affiliate, which tied Pensacola with the Mobile BayBears for the second longest playoff streak in the 55-year history of the Southern League.
The Shuckers, however, have proven to be a playoff nemesis. But unlike the past two playoff losses – one in three games, the other in four – this one had opportunities for the Blue Wahoos to produce a different outcome.
They rallied with five runs in the ninth in Game 1 to stun the crowd and take a lead. But again the bullpen wasn’t able to hold on, yielding a tying run in the ninth, then a walkoff homer in the 10th for an 11-10 loss.
Trailing 0-2 in the series, after a 4-1 loss in the second game, the Blue Wahoos beat the Shuckers 3-2 Friday in their only game in Pensacola as the wild card team, then scored five times in the ninth to win 10-5 and force a deciding game.
With the pitching staff taxed, the Blue Wahoos activated lefthander Bryan Sammons, who had been sent down to Fort Myers, as the Game 5 starter. He produced a solid outing, working 4.2 innings. The only damage was a pair of solo home runs, but he struck out five and walked only one.
“He gave us what we needed,” Borrego said. “It was good to see. That was exactly what we wanted.”
He left in the fifth with a 3-2 lead. Jeffers, who went 3-for-4 in the game, started a two-run rally in the fourth with a double. He later scored on Mark Contreras ground out. Caleb Hamilton hit a two-out double to score Jose Miranda, who had walked.
In the sixth inning, Travis Blankenhorn narrowly missed a home run to the deepest part of MGM Park, but Shuckers centerfielder Dillon Thomas tracked the ball down at the base of the wall. With two runners on, Hamilton was then robbed of a sure RBI hit by Shuckers shortstop Luis Aviles Jr.
The Shuckers then tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth.
In the eighth, Jeffers broke the 3-3 tie with his opposite field home run into the right field berm.
The Blue Wahoos called upon left-hander Stephen Gonsalves, who had pitched in games last year with the Twins. But from the outset, he was off in the bottom of the eighth inning.
“When you take a one-run lead with six outs away, we got to pitch, we got to execute,” Borrego said. “That was the difference.
Gonsalves gave up a leadoff single, walked the next batter, then created a scary situation when his pitch struck Thomas in the face as he squared around to bunt.
“The first batter he was wild, and you can see that, and then that pitch slipped right from his hand,” Borrego said. “That was scary. I hope that kid (Thomas) is doing good. That was unbelievable. I never expected it.
“It put us in a tough situation, but it’s the game some time… I know he is a better pitcher than that.”
With the bases now loaded, Borrego summoned Alex Phillips, who immediately gave up a sacrifice fly for one out and the tying run. He then gave up a couple more hits and suddenly the Shuckers had a commanding lead.
“We just couldn’t get the pitching,” Borrego said.
But the season provided plenty of memories. The Blue Wahoos played much of the second half with a trio of the Twins’ last three No. 1 draft picks – Alex Kirilloff, Royce Lewis and Trevor Larnach.
Lewis went 3-for-3 in first three at-bats and nearly had a fourth when a scorched ball was turned into a inning-ending double play in the seventh by third baseman Jake Gatewood.
Kirilloff, who homered in each of the first four playoff games and batted .381 in the series, was 1-for-4 Sunday and kept alive the ninth inning with his broken bat single. With two on, two out, Lewis struck out to end the game.
Larnach went 0-for-4 and struggled in the series, but had many big hits during the second half of the season.
“That was really special to see those guys together and for the fans,” Borrego said. “We won’t have that again, but we have good players who will be here (Pensacola) next year.”
Sheila ‘Rochelle’ Bankston
September 9, 2019
Mrs. Sheila ‘Rochelle’ Bankston, age 77, of Century, FL, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2019 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL.
Rochelle was born in Flomaton, AL, and had been a resident of the Century area for 62 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. She was well known for her outreach to others who were in need. Baking and delivering pound cakes to those who were sick was her specialty. Rochelle was a strong woman both physically and mentally, she never gave up, and was more concerned abut others than about herself. She loved being a caretaker and helping others and was gifted with the talent of knowing how to minister to those in need, always offering comforting words and following through with actions. She could feed an army on a budget and could dish out a fine meal in no time. She especially enjoyed cooking with her children and grandchildren. Making all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel loved was a well developed gift that she possessed. Rochelle loved babies and children and took time to truly get to know each grandchild and made each and every one of them feel special. Words cannot express the love that her family felt for her and she for them. When you went to Granny Rochelle’s house, you always felt welcomed with a hug, and plenty of home cooked food.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Ruby Burkett; her first husband and father of her children, Billy Jackson Macks; her late husband, Dillard Bankston; a granddaughter, Stephanie Macks; two great-grandchildren, Caroline Rose Bryan, and Adam Knowles ; and a step-son, Darrell Bankston; brothers, Shep Burkett, Joe Burkett, Charles Burkett, Dempsey Burkett; sister, Susie Penton.
She is survived by three sons, William Edward ‘Bill’ Macks, Daniel B. Macks, and Samuel O. (Cheryl) Macks all of Century, FL; two daughters, Sheila (Terry) Bryan and Robbie (Alton) Hammac; step-daughter, Lajuana (Keith) Reid, all of Century, FL; brothers, Mose Burkett of Jay, FL, Robert Burkett of Brewton, AL, Arthur Burkett of Madison, FL; sisters, Frances (Ed) Hayles of Atmore, AL, Essie Amodeo of Milton, FL, Edwina (Red) Calloway of Brewton, AL, Reatha Emmons of Brewton, AL, Mary (Alton) Daniels of Milton, FL :grandchildren, Rachel Knowles, Ramona Gatewood, Jill Laborde, Heath Bryan, Monica Dudney, Miles Hammac, Lane Macks, Kayleigh Macks, Austin Macks, Samantha Peters, Skyler Macks, Michael Jacobs, Melissa Jacobs; 24 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel from 6 to 8 P.M.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Flomaton Funeral Home Chapel at 10 A.M. with Rev. Doug Sanders officiating.
Interment will be in Moyeville Cemetery, Flomaton, AL.
Pallbearers will be Heath Bryan, Miles Hammac, Jeff Laborde, Adam Dudney, Skyler Macks, Kevin Knowles.
ECAT Receives $180K Grant For Cantonment, Molino, Century Bus Route
September 8, 2019
Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT) has received a grant to offset the cost of existing bus service to Cantonment, Molino and Century.
The $180,271 grant is from the State of Florida Department of Transportation Public Transportation Grant Agreement is for fiscal year 2019-2020, which begins October 1.
The program provides dollars to eligible recipients who operate public transportation service in rural areas. The “Route 60″ bus to North Escambia is the only eligible rural bus route operated in Escambia County.
The grant requires a 50% match from Escambia County, which is included in the upcoming fiscal year budget. The grant will not create any additional costs for Escambia County.
Pictured: The ECAT Route 60 bus makes a stop in Century. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
PSC Moves Forward: Second Area Code Coming For The 850
September 8, 2019
The Florida Public Service Commission on Friday heard a plan to add a new area code for Northwest Florida.
The current 850 area code is running out of available phone numbers, and an additional area code would be added under the plan.
The North American Numbering Plan Administrator, which oversees area code planning across the nation, said the 850 area code will run out of available photo numbers in the first quarter of 2022. They have petitioned the Florida Public Service Commission for a new area code that will overlay the existing 850 area code.
An additional area code would be expected to provide enough available phone numbers until 2049.
If approved the new area code would cover the same area as the current 850 area code, which includes Escambia County to Tallahassee.
The new area code would go into service in 2021, with a transition period before the 850 runs out of numbers. The addition will require 10-digit dialing in all of Northwest Florida .
All existing customers will retain the 850 area code and would not have to change their telephone numbers, according to the PSC.
The PSC will consider final approval in November, and we should learn what the new area code number will be at that time.
Winning $107K Fantasy Five Ticket Sold On Nine Mile Road
September 8, 2019
Someone is over $107,000 richer this morning after purchasing a winning Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 ticket at a Nine Mile Road grocery store.
The ticket sold at the Publix, 2180 West Nine Mile Road, was one of two winning tickets sold for Saturday night’s drawing and is worth $107,018.35. The second winning ticket was sold in Titusville.
The 341 tickets matching four numbers won $101 each. Another 10,527 tickets matching three numbers are worth $9 each, and 99,932 ticket holders won a Quick Pick ticket for picking two numbers.
Saturday’s winning numbers were 5-7-16-21-33.
Sunday Scorcher: Heat Advisory In Effect
September 8, 2019
There is a heat advisory in effect for Sunday, with a heat index expected to reach around 110 degrees.
Record highs were broken Saturday in both Pensacola and Mobile. The high at Pensacola was 96, breaking the old record of 95 set in 1980 and 1990. Mobile set a new record of 97, beating the old record of 96 set in 1951 and 1954.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 105. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 94.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 94.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Molino Is Sew Cool: Learn Sewing Basics At The Molino Library
September 8, 2019
The West Florida Libraries will present “Molino Is Sew Cool” Monday afternoon.
It’s a chance to learn the fundamentals of sewing and make potholders. No experience is necessary, and materials will be provided for the 1 p.m. program.
The Molino Branch Library is located at 6450-A Highway 95A in the Molino Community Complex.
Volunteer Sought for the Escambia County Planning Board
September 8, 2019
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking an Escambia County resident interested in volunteering to be considered for an at-large appointment to the Escambia County Planning Board.
At-large members serve a two-year term of office and attend one meeting per month (generally the first Tuesday of the month). Meetings are generally from 8:30 a.m. to no later than noon; however, occasionally may go beyond noon depending upon the agenda. No travel is involved unless the Planning Board members decide to view a particular property for informational purposes. Financial disclosure is required.
Resumes submitted to a BCC agenda for consideration will become part of the official minutes and are subject to public records requests.
Escambia County residents interested in being considered for a possible appointment to the Escambia County Planning Board to begin serving in September are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on Wednesday, September 11. Letters and resumes should be submitted to Kayla Meador; 3363 West Park Place; Pensacola, FL 32505; or emailed to krmeador@myescambia.com.
Northview Volleyball Mini Camp Next Saturday
September 8, 2019
The Northview High School volleyball team will host a Volleyball Mini Camp on Saturday, September 14 from 8-11 a.m. in the school gym.
The cost is $35 per participant. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, snacks and free admission to the Gold Digger game benefiting the American Childhood Cancer Association.
The camp is for third grade and up. Each camper has a chance to win awards for “best hitter”, “best digs” and more.
Chiefs volleyball will host W.S. Neal for the Gold Digger game on September 17 at 4:30 for junior varsity and 5:30 for varsity.
Century Set To Increase Property Taxes
September 7, 2019
The Town of Century is raising taxes for the upcoming fiscal year in order to meet an increased budget.
The town is proposing a $3.63 million budget for the fiscal year 2019-2020, up slightly from $3.43 million during the current fiscal year. The tentative millage rate of .9204 is about 10% greater than the rolled-back rate of .8361.
The rolled-back rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as approved for the prior year. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the state of Florida as a tax increase.
Century also increased property taxes during the current fiscal year.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.