Seven-Run Eighth Lifts Blue Wahoos To 10-4 Win Over Biscuits
June 11, 2023
This has been quite the instant impact that Dalvy Rosario has delivered.
One night after his walk-off bomb, the newcomer outfielder blasted a 3-run homer as part of a seven-run eighth inning that helped ignite the Blue Wahoos past the Montgomery Biscuits 10-4, further delighting a sellout crowd Saturday on Fireworks Night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
What a pyro prelude the Blue Wahoos produced.
Trailing 4-3 after the Biscuits got a pair of big hits for two runs in the top of the eighth, the Biscuits bullpen was lit up when the Blue Wahoos had their turn.
They used 12 batters, got six hits – three of those for extra bases – and kept circling the bases for a run fest into a rout.
The rally win completed a night with a crowd of 5,038 staying for the fireworks show sponsored by Hancock Whitney Bank.
The win clinched a series win for the Blue Wahoos (35-21), putting them eight games ahead of the Biscuits and maintaining at least a six-game lead on second-place Biloxi, which began its game late Saturday due to a rain delay. The first-half race in the Southern League South division has only 13 games remaining.
The big inning started with first baseman Troy Johnston, who entered the game in the seventh, leading off with a double. Earlier Saturday, Johnston spent an entire morning in the hot sun helping make the day memorable for kids in the Fred Waters Clinic that was part of MLB’s Play Ball Weekend at the ballpark.
Along with pitcher Brady Puckett, the two joined with a group of former Pensacola players who played in the major leagues as part of the youth clinic.
With Johnston on second, Griffin Conine reached on a catcher’s interference. Will Banfield followed with a perfect bunt that became an infield hit.
Cody Morissette then jumped on a high fastball inside for a two-run double to retake the lead. With one out, up stepped Rosario. And out of the ballpark went the second pitch from John Doxakis over the left field wall for a 3-run homer.
It followed his two-run, two-out, walk-off homer Friday after joining the team earlier that day from the Beloit Sky Carp, the Miami Marlins’ High-A affiliate.
Reliever Cristian Charle pitched 1.2 scoreless innings to get the win. Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermudez was strong again, working six innings, allowing just two runs on four hits.
The Blue Wahoos first erased the Biscuits’ 2-0 lead in the sixth inning on Bennett Hostetler’s 2-run homer. Montgomery answered against Blue Wahoos reliever Zack Leban before the rally explosion in the bottom of the eighth.
The teams will close out their six-game series Sunday at Blue Wahoos Stadium with Miami Marlins pitcher Johnny Cueto as the starter on an injury rehab assignment.
Ciueto is now in his 16th major league season in a career that spans six different teams. He was once the ace of the Cincinnati Reds rotation and also a two-time All-Star.
Cueto will likely throw three innings in his start, then Luis Palacios is expected to take over. The Biscuits are using righthander Anthony Molina (2-4, 4.89).
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Fire Destroys Hay Barn, Equipment At Bratt Dairy Farm (With Gallery)
June 10, 2023
Fire destroyed a large hay barn and equipment Saturday morning at a dairy farm in Bratt.
A neighbor was the first to notice smoke boiling from an approximately 6,250 square foot barn at the Sigafoose Dairy on Oakshade Road, behind Northview High School.. Firefighters arrived moments later to find most of the hay inside the barn fully involved in fire.
The fire reportedly caused damage to the building, damaged equipment including a combine, and destroyed the hay for the cattle.
It took several hours to fight the fire, and equipment was brought in to spread the smoldering hay so it could be fully extinguished.
Firefighters battled not only the fire, but also the heat and humidity as they worked to put out the fire.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. There were no injuries reported.
The Walnut Hill, Century and McDavid stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department, Escambia County EMS and Escambia County EMS were among the responding agencies.
For more photos, click or tap here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Rep. Matt Gaetz Discusses Trump Indictment, Border Crisis, Farming At Jay Event
June 10, 2023
Congressman Matt Gaetz met with constituents in Jay Friday evening, discussing tops from the indictment of former President Donald Trump to immigration to the price of fertilizer.
Commerce Street in the heart of Jay was closed and bleachers were set up outside Scott’s Outdoors. Gaetz walked out of the store to chants of “USA, USA!” from the crowd on a muggy evening before he was introduced by Mike Scott, a third generation owner of the store.
“At Scott’s Outdoors, we stand for the constitution of the United States,” Scott said. “We stand for the right to keep and bear arms in this United States.”
“I never thought we’d be at this moment where America was at risk of looking more like a third world country than the greatest society that’s ever existed in all of human history,” Gaetz said. “This indictment against President Trump is not only factually unsound and legally unreasonable, it is explicit election interference. And I think everybody knows, if Donald Trump wouldn’t running for president again, and if he wouldn’t winning, this wouldn’t be happening. Joe Biden has had classified records in his house since 1974. I wouldn’t even born; I wouldn’t even a twinkle in my daddy’s eye.
“This is really an affront against us, against the people,” he said.
The Northwest Florida Congressman spoke out against debt limit increases and across the board cuts for every federal agency.
Instead, he said he wants to abolish the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Labor and make other targeted agency cutbacks.
“I tell them in Washington — alcohol, tobacco and firearms is just a good weekend in Northwest Florida, not a need for government agency,” he said to laughter from the crowd.
Gaetz said he wants to see term limits for the House and a balanced budget.
Wearing a “Keep America Farming” cap, the congressman said food security is national security as farmers face fertilizer costs up 40% and other financial challenges.
And he wants to see better decisions on the border.
“I am for legal immigration,” he said. “I believe that having the ambition edge on the rest of the world is a really important thing for the United States of America.But allowing people to come in without permission, without any sense of screening…we should be allowed to choose the people we want. Is that a bad thing to say? That we as a country should choose who comes and goes. In all of your homes, do you choose who comes and goes?”
Pictured: Congressman Matt Gaetz speaks to a crowd in Jay Friday evening. Images by WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century Man Gets 15 Years For Raping Woman After A Night Out
June 10, 2023
A Century man has been sentenced to the maximum of 15 years in state prison for sexual battery.
Demontra Johntra Mitchell, 29, was also designated as a sexual offender by Circuit Court Judge Linda Nobles.
On October 8, 2020, after spending the evening in downtown Pensacola, the victim and several others went to Mitchell’s house. In the early morning hours, the victim was sexually battered by an unidentified individual. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted DNA analysis. The tests showed Mitchell had sexually battered the victim.
“The defendant’s actions stripped the victim of all sense of personal security. His actions warrant the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison,” prosecuting attorney Frederick V. Longmire argued at the sentencing hearing.
Escambia Extension Small Farm Workshop Is Tuesday
June 10, 2023
Do you want to start a farm but are not sure where to start? Or just want to learn more about Florida programs that can help with your current operation?
Escambia Extension will hold a Small Farm Workshop for Emerging Farms on June 13 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 3740 Stefani Road in Cantonment.
Topics will include loan and cost share programs, soil fertility, agritourism, small ruminant livestock and marketing.
The cost is $15. To register, or for more information, click here. Lunch will be provided.
License-Free Freshwater Fishing This Weekend In Florida
June 10, 2023
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites Florida residents and visitors to go freshwater fishing June 10-11 without a license.
The license-free fishing weekend offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and experience the many fishing opportunities the Fishing Capital of the World has to offer. The FWC encourages everyone to take advantage of the weekend to spend time enjoying the beautiful Florida waters.
“Fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience Florida’s abundant fishing opportunities,” said Roger Young, FWC’s executive director. “License-free fishing weekends allow Floridians and visitors to get outdoors, connect with nature and create lasting memories with family and friends.”
During the license-free weekends, all bag limits, size limits and fishing regulations still apply. Anglers must also follow all other fishing rules, such as gear restrictions, seasons and closures. To help ensure a fun and safe fishing experience, the FWC encourages all anglers to review the regulations before heading out on the water.
Pictured: Fishing at Lake Stone near Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Rosario’s Walk-Off Homer Lifts Blue Wahoos To Thrilling Victory
June 10, 2023
Dalvy Rosario arrived in Pensacola shortly before noon on Friday.
Nine hours later, he was celebrating as a team hero.
The 22-year-old outfielder, called up from the Beloit Sky Carp to fill a position need, electrified a capacity crowd in his debut Friday night with a dramatic, ninth-inning, two-run walk-off homer, lifting the Blue Wahoos to a 6-4 victory against the Montgomery Biscuits.
The win pushed the Blue Wahoos (34-21) into a seven-game lead over the Biscuits, six games ahead of the Biloxi Shuckers, who lost Friday, in the first half Southern League division race that has 14 games left to play.
Rosario, a Dominican Republic native, had not homered this season. But on a 3-1 count, he jumped on a slider from Biscuits reliever Graeme Stinson and sent a moon shot over the left field wall with the ball carrying 380 feet and exiting at 101 mph off his bat.
And it was also his first Double-A hit, although he just missed a homer to center field earlier in the night.
When the hit was launched, the roar began, the Blue Wahoos dugout erupted, and a celebratory ice bucket bath awaited from teammates at home plate in one of Pensacola’s signature wins this season.
It was the first time the Blue Wahoos had a walk-off homer since Peyton Burdick, now a Miami Marlins outfielder, produced the feat in the 2021 season. It was the Blue Wahoos’ second walk-off win this season. The first happened on a fielder’s choice and throwing error.
This one came on Giveaway Friday where fans received a Blue Wahoos 2022 championship t-shirt courtesy of game sponsor Total Fire Protection.
Rosario’s rocket was even more significant because it happened after the Biscuits’ Evan Edwards tied the game with two outs in the top of the ninth with a monster shot off reliever Brady Puckett. The ball went over the video board traveling 461 feet towards the water.
Earlier Friday night, it was the Patrick Monteverde and José Devers show. Monteverde, the Blue Wahoos’ top pitcher, was in his usual form. The lefty allowed just two hits and one run, striking out nine batters in six innings.
Meanwhile, Devers hit a two-run homer in the third inning and followed with a solo blast in the fifth. He began the night with just two homers this season. Both of the ones Friday were no-doubter line drives into the right field berm.
Cobie Fletcher-Vance, making his return from Triple-A Jacksonville had a good night at the plate as well, including an RBI double in the fourth inning.
Monteverde threw 100 pitches in his outing. His final pitch was a ground out to second baseman Nasim Nuñez – the third putout for Nuñez in the inning – to complete the sixth.
After Monteverde exited, carrying the 4-1 lead, the Biscuits quickly trimmed it on their first two at-bats off reliever Will Stewart in the seventh inning.
Mason Auer led off with a fly ball that Norel González misplayed into a triple. Diego Infante followed by launching a blast into the right-center berm. Stewart then recovered to get a lineout and pair of strikeouts around a single to end the inning.
Jefry Yan replaced Stewart in the eighth inning and was solid, recording a pair of strikeouts in his return from Triple-A Jacksonville.
Puckett started the ninth with a long fly ball out and was in position to get the save when Edwards hit the bomb.
The Blue Wahoos will try to gain the series win on Saturday night. Jonathan Bermudez (0-2, 2.95 ERA) will be on the mound for the Blue Wahoos against the Biscuits’ Mason Montgomery (0-2, 4.75).
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
ECUA Returns To Recycling On Monday
June 9, 2023
ECUA returns to full recycling next week.
Operation of the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) was interrupted back in mid-April due to a “staff turnover” and downtime to hire and train employees. Since then, the MRF was able to continue to accept and process source-separated recyclables such as cardboard.
The facility was in operation this week for what ECUA is calling a “successful soft start”.
“We truly appreciate our customers’ continued use of good recycling habits, which helped to promote a successful soft-start,” ECUA Public Information Office Nathalie Bowers said.
While restaffing activities were ongoing, maintenance and construction employees took advantage of plant downtime for maintenance and certain process modifications to improve plant functionality. These included:
- replacement of the baler’s motor
- modifications to the design of some chute to enhance performance of robots
- rebuilding of the metering bin, which is the first part of the plant process and serves to load recyclables onto the conveyor belt in an even and uniform way.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Accused Of Lowe’s Burglary, Riding Mower Theft
June 9, 2023
A Cantonment man is accused of burglarizing a Lowe’s store and stealing a riding lawnmower.
James Robert Harkness, 37, was charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure, grand theft, criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools.
Harkness used bolt cutters to cut a lock on a fenced-in area at Lowe’s on Fairfield Drive about 1:30 a.m. on the morning of May 26, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Video surveillance shows a suspect pull up in a SUV with a utility trailer, lower the ramps and grab bolt cutters. The suspect on video then cuts the lock on the fence and pushes a John Deere lawn mower valued at $2,799 onto the trailer and drives away, the ECSO said.
Using a partial tag number and other instigative techniques, investigators said they were able to identify Harkness as the suspect.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Harkness was also suspected of selling a stolen John Deere riding mower.
Graduation Held For Sheriff’s ‘Blazer Academy’
June 9, 2023
Several young men have completed the 2023 Escambia County Sheriff’s “Blazer Academy”.
They spent six weeks developing lifelong skills. The goal of the program was to immerse young men in an environment that provides mentoring and instruction on many topics such as courtesy, responsibility, empowerment and respect. And there were some pretty sharp blazers involved.
They learned how to do a proper handshake, how to put on a tie, how to present themselves and much more.
They celebrated their successes as Sheriff Chip W. Simmons presented them with their completion certificates at a graduation ceremony held at the Saenger Theatre. After the ceremony, the graduates had a celebratory dinner at Global Grill, where they made a toast to completing the academy and their futures.