Blue Wahoos End Season With Dramatic Walk-off Win In 10 Innings
September 16, 2024
by Bill Vilona
A rain delay had passed and the skies were still threatening Sunday when the Blue Wahoos hurriedly unfurled a pregame banner thanking their fans.
More than three hours later, after catching a break with weather, they treated the crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium to a 6-5, walk-off win in 10 innings against the Montgomery Biscuits, thus ending the season in a special way.
Josh Zamora blasted a fastball from fill-in pitcher Mason Auer, the Biscuits’ centerfielder, that hit the warning track in left-center and easily scored Andrew Pintar for the game-winner.
And the celebration was on. For the crowd of 3,839 who endured some intermittent rain, what a game and dramatic finish this one became.
While the game itself didn’t matter in the big picture of things – the Biscuits won both half-season division races — the teams played as if it were the postseason.
The Blue Wahoos had a 3-0 lead into the sixth. The Biscuits picked up a run that inning, then had a 4-run rally in the seventh against two new Blue Wahoos relievers.
Trailing 5-3, the Blue Wahoos answered in the eighth with a pair of runs. Graham Pauley led off with a walk. Pintar doubled to put runners on second and third. Kemp Alderman followed with a two-run double.
It stayed that way through the ninth. In the top of the 10th, Blue Wahoos reliever Tyler Eckberg had a clutch performance to earn the win. With the Biscuits’ placed runner Xavier Isaac on second, Eckberg struck out the first batter, Dru Baker. Auer then followed with a walk.
Eckberg got catcher Ricardo Genoves and third baseman Willy Vasquez to fly out to end the inning.
With many in the crowd standing with anticipation, the Wahoos got their turn. Pintar was the placed runner on second base. He moved to third when Auer’s first pitch to Alderman sailed wide and high past home plate.
With one-out and a 2-1 count, Zamora ended the game and the Blue Wahoos (71-65) finished the season with three consecutive wins against the Southern League South Division winners to split the series. The Biscuits (80-57) will now head to Biloxi to face the Biloxi Shuckers on Tuesday in the first game of their divisional playoff series.
Because of their playoff games ahead, the Biscuits went to Auer in the 10th. But he surprised, reaching the mid-90s with his fastball and locating a breaking pitch well.
The Wahoos got a big swing from Zamora to produce their first walkoff win since July 25, after staring the season 5-0 on home walkoffs.
The Blue Wahoos used seven pitchers in this game, beginning with Evan Fitterer, who worked five innings, allowing no runs on two hits and recording seven strikeouts for one of his best outings of the year.
Four Blue Wahoos hitters – Johnny Olmstead, Nathan Martorella, Graham Pauley and Andrew Pintar – finished with two hits apiece in a 12-hit attack.
Olmstead got things started for the Blue Wahoos when he led off the first inning with a single and later scored on a wild pitch. He then scored the game’s second run when leading off the third inning with a single, advancing on a double steal and scoring on Martorella’s RBI ground out.
The Blue Wahoos picked up their third run in the when Josh Zamora doubled and catcher Spencer Bramwell doubled. It was only the second game Bramwell has played this season as bullpen catcher.
GAME NOTABLES
— The Blue Wahoos players followed the game by cleaning out lockers and preparing to head out on Monday to their homes and either begin an off-season or await playing in the Arizona Fall League which begins in early October.
— More than a dozen people, including injured Blue Wahoos pitcher M.D. Johnson, participated in a post-game baptismal service performed by Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, a long-time Blue Wahoos partner. Entitled, “Headed For Home,” each person was introduced by the assistant pastor handling the ceremony. They climbed into a baptismal pool that was located at home plate while the brief service was completed.
— Johnson, who played at Dallas Baptist University during his collegiate career, started 16 games for the Blue Wahoos before an injury curtailed his season. He and his wife attended Sunday services at Marcus Pointe Baptist and liked living in Pensacola.
WHAT’S NEXT?
OPENING NIGHT: 2025 Blue Wahoos Season Opener
WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: April 4, 2025
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
These Are This Week’s Road Construction Trouble Spots
September 16, 2024
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate Circle Bridge Over Eight Mile Creek Construction – Interstate Circle is closed at the Eight Mile Creek Bridge through mid-2025 while crews replace the bridge. Signage is in place to detour drivers around the work zone using Pine Forest Road, Longleaf Drive and Wymart Road.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) at U.S. 29 Interchange (Exit 10) Construction Drivers will encounter the following construction-related traffic disruptions the week of Sunday, Sept. 15:
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- I-10, between U.S. 29 and I-110, is reduced to two travel lanes in each direction.
- Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, drivers will encounter intermittent lane closures on I-10 near U.S. 29 and on Palafox Street near the I-10 overpass between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- The U.S. 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is closed. U.S. 29 northbound drivers are being detoured to make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound.
- A new, temporary on-ramp for U.S. 29 southbound drivers accessing I-10 eastbound will open Monday, Sept. 16. Detouring traffic to the temporary ramp will allow crews to continue work to reconstruct the I-10/U.S. 29 interchange.
- I-10 at Nine Mile Road Interchange (Exit 5) Construction– Drivers will encounter inside lane closures on I-10 near Exit 5, Wednesday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 19, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. These closures are required as crews construct a temporary detour.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to the southbound travel lanes, between Rudolph Street and Green Street. One travel lane in each direction remains open as crews reconstruct the adjacent northbound lanes. The traffic shift is expected to remain in place through fall 2024. Signage is in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- North Palafox Street (U.S. 29) Resurfacing from Cervantes Street to Brent Lane (State Road (S.R.) 296) – Drivers may encounter intermittent lane closures on North Palafox Street, between Brent Lane and West Scott Street, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for milling and paving operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- S.R. 89 Resurfacing, from north of S.R. 87 to County Road (C.R.) 178 – Drivers will encounter intermittent daytime lane closures, between S.R .87 and C.R. 178, Monday, Sept. 16 through Friday, Sept. 20 as crews install rumble strips and place thermoplastic striping.
- U.S. 90 Resurfacing from west of Avalon Boulevard to east of Stewart Street – Drivers may encounter intermittent U.S. 90 lane closures, between Avalon Boulevard and Stewart Street, Sunday, Sept. 15 through Thursday, Sept. 19, from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., for paving operations.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Lake Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Bayshore Road and Tiger Lake Drive Sunday, Sept. 15, through Friday, Sept. 20, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Highway 29 Southbound To I-10 Detour Scheduled To Start Today
September 16, 2024
UPDATE: Readers tell us this detour did not start Monday as announced by FDOT. We’ve reached out to FDOT for more information and a new schedule.
On Monday, September 16, drivers from Highway 29 southbound will be detoured to a temporary on-ramp to access I-10 eastbound. The temporary on-ramp will allow crews to reconstruct the interchange, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
FDOT reminds drivers that the Highway 29 northbound ramp to I-10 eastbound is also closed. Highway 29 northbound drivers will continue north and make a U-turn at Broad Street onto U.S. 29 southbound to access I-10 eastbound. Directional signage is in place to direct drivers through the work zone.
The $236 million project to construct all-new I-10 travel lanes and about a dozen bridges is expected to be complete by 2030. FDOT said 62,000 commuters travel through the corridor daily.
This detour was schedule from begin September 9, but was delayed by weather.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Click graphic to enlarge.
AAA: Florida Gas Prices are the Lowest Since January
September 16, 2024
Florida gas prices continue their downward march in response to falling oil prices. according to AAA. On Sunday, Florida’s average price was $3.11 per gallon. That’s the lowest daily average price since January 23, 2024. The lowest state average price of 2024 was $2.988 on January 22.
“It has been 237 days since Florida gas prices were below $3 a gallon, but that streak could come to an end soon,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Oil prices suffered big losses in recent weeks, due to global economic concerns and the belief that global fuel supplies could begin to outpace demand. This could enable the state average to fall below $3 a gallon before October.”
More than a quarter of Florida gas stations already have pump prices below $3 a gallon. The lowest 10% of unleaded gasoline prices averaged $2.82 per gallon. The highest 10% of regular unleaded gas prices averaged $3.47 per gallon.
In Escambia County, the average per gallon was $2.84. A low of $2.59 was available Sunday night in North Escambia at a station on Highway 29 in Cantonment. Pensacola prices were as low as $2.58 at stations on Mobile Highway and Kenmore Road.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Cantonment Man Charged With Shooting His Brother In The Quintette Community
September 15, 2024
A Cantonment man was arrested on Saturday afternoon for allegedly shooting his brother in the Quintette Community.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, 41-year-old Horace Brown Jr. claimed he shot his brother to intervene in an altercation where the brother was allegedly hitting their mother.
The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, was transported to a Pensacola hospital in critical condition following the incident reported around 1:50 p.m. in the 2800 block of Highway 95, just north of Quinette Road.
Brown Jr. faces charges of attempted homicide and violating a domestic violence injunction by possessing a firearm or ammunition. He is currently being held in the Escambia County Jail without bond.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FWC Law Enforcement Report: Alcohol At The Pipes, Fishing Violations
September 15, 2024
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following recent activity:
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Master Officer Hahr was patrolling at the Pipes Recreation Area in Perdido River Wildlife Management Area when he observed subjects in possession of alcoholic beverages. While attempting to identify them, one subject provided a name and date of birth that turned out to be her sister. A record check on her real name showed a warrant for failure to appear. She was arrested on the warrant and charged with giving a false name to a law enforcement officer.
Master Officer Hahr was patrolling the Wilson Robertson boat ramp when he encountered a subject with an outstanding felony warrant for larceny. The subject was arrested and taken to Escambia County Jail.
The FWC received information of a possible derelict vessel located in the Santa Rosa Sound. Officer Wilkenson located the vessel, which was grounded near residence properties on Pensacola Beach. The owner was located and cited for the violation.
Investigator J. Pifer was on patrol when he observed a vessel returning from the Gulf of Mexico with several individuals and fishing gear on board. Upon conducting a resource inspection, Investigator Pifer located an undersized red snapper and an undersized scamp grouper on board the vessel. The owner/operator of the vessel was issued a citation for harvesting/possession of undersized red snapper and a warning for undersized scamp grouper.
Investigator J. Pifer was on patrol when he observed a charter fishing vessel in Pensacola Bay with several individuals and fishing gear on board. During a resource inspection, six undersized red snapper were located on board. A check of the charter captain’s history with the FWC revealed he had been cited multiple times this year for fishing violations. The captain was issued a citation for harvesting/possession of undersized red snapper.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
Officer Lewis responded a complaint from the Florida Forest Service about a subject camping at a primitive campsite in Blackwater River State Forest for more than the allowable 14 consecutive nights in a 30-day period. Officer Lewis and Officer Roberson located the subject and subsequently cited the subject for the camping violation and for littering.
Officer Wilkenson conducted a compliance check of an authorized gopher tortoise agent who was relocating gopher tortoises off private property, pursuant to a permit issued by the FWC. Upon inspection of the site and contact with the agent, several permit violations were discovered. The agent was cited for the violations.
Officer Lewis was on patrol in Blackwater River State Park when he observed a vehicle speeding in the park. Officer Lewis motioned for the driver to slow the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle slowed the vehicle then came to a stop to ask the officer a question. While the officer was answering the driver’s question, he observed the vehicle’s tag had been expired for about two years. A computer check for the tag and driver showed the subject’s driver license was suspended, there was a seize tag and seize order for the vehicle. The officer issued the driver citations for the traffic violations, seized the vehicle’s tag, and impounded the vehicle.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
The Tent Is Up In Cantonment. But When Will The Pumpkins Arrive?
September 15, 2024
The tent went up Saturday on Highway 29 in Cantonment. But when will the pumpkins arrive?
The Allen Memorial Methodist Men Pumpkin Patch is a longstanding North Escambia fall tradition with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for sale each year.
If all goes as planned, the pumpkins are expected to arrive on Thursday, September 26, with sales starting the following day on Friday, September 27.
We’ll update you when the pumpkin patch is open.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dustin Burdette Crowned Tate Homecoming King (With Gallery)
September 15, 2024
Dustin Burdette was crowned the 2024 Tate High School King Saturday night at the school’s homecoming dance.
Dustin has a 3.8 GPA at Tate. He loves to be involved at the student section at Aggie games, and enjoys spending time with his family.
Friday night, Tate High School crowned Homecoming Queen Hailey Locke. First runner-up to the queen was Faith Etheridge, and second runner-up was Blakely Campbell.
Candidates for Tate Homecoming King are presented were presented during Friday night’s festivities, with the selection named at the Saturday night dance.
For more photos, click here.
Pictured: Tate High School Homecoming Queen Hailey Locke with Homecoming King Dusting Burdette at Saturday night’s homecoming dance. NorthEscambia.com and submitted photos, click to enlarge.
Early Morning Cantonment Fire Destroys Shed
September 15, 2024
An early morning fire destroyed a shed in Cantonment.
The fire was reported just before 3 a.m. Saturday in the 200 block of Calloway Street, north of Lincoln Street. Escambia County Fire Rescue arrived to find the approximately 10 x 10 shed fully engulfed in fire.
Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes.
There were no injuries reported, and no immediate word on the cause of the fire.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Driver’s License, Tag, Tax Collector Services Thursday In Century, Walnut Hill Soon
September 15, 2024
Mark your calendar…driver’s license and other tax collector services will be available in Century this week and later this month in Walnut Hill.
The Escambia County Tax Collector will be at the:
- Billy G. Ward Courthouse in Century on Thursday, September 19, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Walnut Hill Community Center on Tuesday, September 24 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Mobile Licensing and Identification Office (MILO) is a fully functional tax collector office on wheels, offering a range of services. The mobile unit provides a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, conversion/reciprocation of out-of-state license, change a name or address on a current driver license or identification card, and get a first-time identification card. In addition to licensing services, the mobile unit also provides an opportunity to renew or replace a vehicle registration, receive a parking placard, transfer a title, pay property taxes, and apply for a business tax receipt. Written and driving tests are not available from the MILO unit.
The Walnut Hill Community Center, also known as the “Ruritan Building”, is at 7850 Highway 97, just north of Ernest Ward Middle School and the fire department. The Billy G. Courthouse is at 7500 North Century Boulevard.
Pictured: The Escambia Tax Collector’s MILO at the Walnut Hill Community Center on June 11. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.