Martorella’s Clutch Hit Ignites Blue Wahoos Walk-Off Win
July 26, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos’ game-winning celebration went all the way into right field.
Nathan Martorella was thrilled to run that far in jubilation.
Inserted two innings earlier as a pinch-hitter, Martorella broke through his recent struggles to deliver a two out, bases-loaded single in the 11th inning that capped a two-run rally and lifted the Blue Wahoos to a much-enjoyed 4-3 walk-off victory Thursday against the Biloxi Shuckers.
With about half the original crowd remaining at Blue Wahoos Stadium, Martorella reacted the split-second he connected on a slider, low-and-away, from Shuckers closer Justin Yeager and sent it opposite field into left-center for the game-winner.
It happened on a night when Pensacola (51- 40 overall) took on its alternate identity as the Pensacola Mullets on “Mullet Thursday” – a switch that has them 7-2 this season in those Thursday uniforms.
Biloxi (45-46), the second-half divisional leader, had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the 11th on a leadoff single from Lamar Sparks, scoring placement runner Dylan O’Rae. But Blue Wahoos reliever Tyler Eckberg retired the next three batters. That proved pivotal.
The Blue Wahoos loaded the bases with one out on singles from Paul McIntosh and Jacob Berry. Shane Sasaki, who led the way in Tuesday’s win against Biloxi, worked his way from an 0-2 count into a game-tying walk.
After Cody Morissette struck out swinging, Martorella delivered. He had been 1-for-9 this series, but on a tough pitch to hit, he produced an emphatic result.
This game started out with a double no-hitter into the sixth inning.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Blue Wahoos broke through against Shuckers starter Shane Smith. With two outs, Jakob Marsee walked. Zach Zubia broke up the Smith’s no-hitter with a double off the left field wall. McIntosh followed with a 2-run single.
Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez lost his no-hitter in the seventh inning after walking the first two batters and giving up an RBI double to Sparks for the Shuckers’ first run. Sparks then tied the game in the eighth on a sacrifice fly.
It was a tough no-decision for Bermúdez, who finished with a one-hitter in 6.1 innings with three strikeouts and five walks. Three of those walks, however, occurred in the seventh inning as he just missed the strike zone on several pitches.
The Blue Wahoos were unable to deliver a game-winner after their closer, Austin Roberts, twice had scoreless innings in the ninth and 10th.
But when Martorella singled, his teammates raced from the dugout as he rounded first and turned right, going into the outfield where he was doused with ice water.
It continued Pensacola’s noteworthy success in these kind of games with eight wins in nine extra-inning games.
McIntosh was the Blue Wahoos’ lone multi-hit batter, going 2-for-5 to boost his average to .250.
The fourth game of the series will be Friday at 6:05 p.m.
Early Morning Stabbing In Cantonment Under Investigation
July 25, 2024
An early morning stabbing in Cantonment is under investigation.
The incident happened about 3:30 a.m. on Winston Street near Sunday Road, just north of 9 1/2 Mile Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said the victim was unconscious when he was transported to the hospital by Escambia County EMS.
There was no word on any suspect from the ECSO.
No further information has been released as the investigation continues.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Escambia School Grades Released. See How Your Child’s School Scored.
July 25, 2024
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) released district and school grades Wednesday.
Overall, Escambia County Public Schools maintained a grade of “B”, even with rising state standards.
Ninety percent of ECPS schools upheld or exceeded past years’ performances. No ECPS schools earned a grade of F.
“We are so proud of our schools for all their hard work,” said ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard. “These school grades are a testament to the commitment of our administrators, teachers, and students. While we are very proud, we intend to keep our eyes forward and continue to improve. We owe a special debt of gratitude to all of our students, employees, community members, and our fully supportive and engaged school board. It takes all of us, united, to achieve our goals ”
A SCHOOLS
There were 13 Escambia schools that earned an A. Bellview, Holm and McArthur elementary schools improved from a C last year to A’s in this year’s grades. Jim Allen Elementary went from B to and A. Pensacola State College Charter Academy began with an A for their first year. Cordova Park has earned an A every year since 2002. Notably, an impressive 90% of Molino Park Elementary’s students showed learning gains in math.
B SCHOOLS
There were 13 B school in Escambia to earn a B. Ferry Pass Elementary, Ferry Pass Middle and Beulah Academy of Science improved from C to B. from C to B.
C SCHOOLS
Ernest Ward Middle and Byrneville Elementary both fell from a B to a C. Montclair, Warrington and Lincoln elementaries and Global Learning Academy moved from F to C. Brentwood, Semmes and Ensley elementaries improved from D to C.
D SCHOOL
Warrington Prep Academy was the only school in the county to receive a D.
No Serious Injuries In Cantonment Highway 29 Crash
July 25, 2024
There were no injuries reported in a two vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Cantonment.
A pickup truck and passenger car collided just after 3 p.m. at Highway and Neal Road.
Both drivers reportedly refused transport to the hospital by Escambia County EMS.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released the cause of the crash.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.
Bond Set For Cottage Hill Man Charged With Threatening To Kill Local Magistrate
July 25, 2024
Bone has been set for a Cottage Hill man arrested Wednesday on a charge of threatening to kill a magistrate.
Bond was set at $150,000 for 42-year old Jason Lee Sherman. He was charged with felony intimidation, sending written or electronic threats. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning.
NorthEscambia.com was the only media there as law enforcement gathered nearby and traveled to the 1300 block of Williams Ditch Road to service the warrant at Sherman’s home near the corner of Williams Ditch Road and Hollow Point Drive just after 4 p.m.
For additional photos from Sherman’s arret, click here.
According to the warrant, Shernab threatened First Judicial Circuit General Magistrate Keith McIver, who works in the family law division.
The State Attorney’s Office alleged the following:
The warrant indicates the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was also assisting the U.S. Secret Service with a separate threat investigation. Sherman told the ECSO investigator that he was displeased with the Social Security Administration, and he had told an employee by phone that he was going to SSA office and cause a scene, teach knife fights in the parking lot or even kill a security guard so that someone would listen to him about his son.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License Driving Exams Available Saturday, August 3 During Special Event
July 25, 2024
Escambia County Tax Collector Scott Lunsford will offer special hours on Saturday, August 3 for driver’s license driving exams for new drivers.
The exams will be offered at the Marcus Pointe office located at 6451 North “W” Street.
Click here to request an appointment.
Pictured: Driving tests were offered during a special event Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the ECTC Marcus Pointe office. About 80 people were served.Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Killing Wife, Shooting Dog
July 25, 2024
Update: The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office initially said the dog that was shot died at the vet after being shot, but said Friday that they were giving incorrect information. The dog is continuing to recover.
An Escambia County man is accused of murdering his wife, who was reported missing, and shooting a dog.
Timothy Joseph Kramer, 51, was arrested by the Milton Police Department. He is facing charges of homicide and animal cruelty in Escambia County, according to the Escambia County Sheriff’s office.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office issued a notice that 47-year-old Rosa Maria Kramer was missing and was last seen about 6 a.m. Tuesday. The sheriff’s office said that time that she was possibly in the company of Timothy Kramer.
Deputies said Rosa Kramer was found dead at a home in the 2600 block of Hillcrest Avenue, about a block from Longleaf Elementary School. They said a dog was also found with a gunshot wound; it was taken for veterinarian care.
Kramer remained in the Escambia County Jail Thursday morning without bond.
Man Killed In Head-On Crash With Dump Truck Near Atmore
July 25, 2024
A 58-year-old man was killed in a head-on crash with a dump truck Wednesday north of Atmore.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said Troy Graham of Bay Minette was fatally injured when the 2004 Ford F-150 he was driving collided head-on with the 2018 International 7000 dump truck driven by 35-year-old Eric D. Nails of Hamilton, Alabama.
Troopers said Graham was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The crash happened about 10 a.m. on Highway 21 just south of the Fountain Correctional Facility.
Troopers are continuing their investigation.
Blue Wahoos Blanked By Strong Pitching As Shuckers Even Series
July 25, 2024
written Bill Vilona
In Bradley Blalock’s three previous starts against the Blue Wahoos, the righthander didn’t make it past the third inning.
He crafted a far different impression Wednesday.
Blalock worked into the sixth inning, allowing just four hits, as the Biloxi Shuckers picked up a 3-0 win against the Blue Wahoos in the second game of this week-long series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
A crowd of 4,203, the second-largest Wednesday crowd this season, stayed through the game to see the final mid-week, summer fireworks show.
The display was the game’s highlight for the home crowd.
The Blue Wahoos had baserunners in six of the nine innings, but were unable to string together hits or produce an extra-base hit among the five hits in the game.
Three Shuckers relievers held the Blue Wahoos to one hit and combined for five strikeouts as Biloxi (45-45, 15-8 in second half) evened their overall record and won for only the second time this year in Pensacola.
The Blue Wahoos (50-41, 12-11) were shutout for the ninth time this season.
Leadoff batter Jakob Marsee had the team’s best night at the plate. He reached base three times with a walk and two singles and had three stolen bases – a team high this season.
Blue Wahoos starter Tristan Stevens, making his first home start, absorbed the loss after working five innings, allowing seven hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
The Shuckers got all the runs they needed when Ernesto Martinez singled, Connor Scott doubled and Casey Martin hit a two-out, two-run single off Stevens in the second inning. Lamar Sparks then doubled home Martinez, who had doubled in the fourth inning for the other run.
Blalock, originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox, is the Milwaukee Brewers No. 17 overall prospect as rated by MLB pipeline. He pitched one inning in relief for the Brewers in June. He made his 16th start for Biloxi on Wednesday.
The teams will continue their series on Thursday, a Mullet Thursday, with the Blue Wahoos’ Jonathan Bermúdez on the mound.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Thursday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Cottage Hill Man Charged With Threatening To Kill Local Magistrate
July 24, 2024
A Cottage Hill man was arrested Wednesday on a charge of threatening to kill a magistrate.
Jason Lee Sherman, 42 was charged with felony intimidation, sending written or electronic threats. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail without bond.
NorthEscambia.com was the only media there as law enforcement gathered nearby and traveled to the 1300 block of Williams Ditch Road to service the warrant at Sherman’s home near the corner of Williams Ditch Road and Hollow Point Drive just after 4 p.m.
For additional photos from Sherman’s arret, click here.
According to the warrant, Shernab threatened First Judicial Circuit General Magistrate Keith McIver, who works in the family law division.
The State Attorney’s Office alleged the following:
The warrant indicates the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was also assisting the U.S. Secret Service with a separate threat investigation. Sherman told the ECSO investigator that he was displeased with the Social Security Administration, and he had told an employee by phone that he was going to SSA office and cause a scene, teach knife fights in the parking lot or even kill a security guard so that someone would listen to him about his son.
NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.