Blue Wahoos Get Behind Early, Struggle At Plate As Biscuits Tie Series
July 3, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
M.D. Johnson has been the Blue Wahoos’ consistent staple on the mound this season at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
That connection slipped on this night, setting a tone for an overall tough night in the Blue Wahoos’ 6-1 loss against the Montgomery Biscuits on a “Doggone Tuesday” at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Johnson (3-5), who had allowed just three runs in his last four home starts, sustained his shortest home start, lasting only three innings and giving up four runs from five walks, as the Biscuits jumped to a big lead. All three of his wins this year have been at home.
A crowd of 4,244, which included a big turnout of youth baseball players, who are in town participating in the United States Specialty Sports (USSSA) tournament at two local baseball field complexes, watched the Biscuits even the series on their pitching strength.
The Blue Wahoos did not have multiple baserunners until the ninth inning.
And even that part ended quietly.
After Jakob Marsee, Paul McIntosh and Joe Mack all reached on walks to load the bases with none out, Biscuits reliever Alfredo Zarraga struck out the next three batters in succession. He ended the game by getting Nathan Martorella to swing and miss on a high 3-2 fastball.
The Blue Wahoos got their only run in the fourth inning when Mack hit a one-out double, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Diego Infante’s RBI ground out.
The next Blue Wahoos hit was Harrison Spohn’s lead off double in the sixth inning. That was also the Blue Wahoos’ last of four hits in the game.
Montgomery made ballpark history in the top of the ninth when Matthew Dyer stole home – the first time in this ballpark’s 12-year history that any player had achieved a straight steal of home. It was followed by teammate Chandler Simpson scoring on a throwing error by reliever Tyler Eckberg.
The Blue Wahoos have a second chance to win the series in Wednesday’s deciding game of the three-game set at 6:05 p.m. Jeff Lindgren (0-0, 5.79), who first pitched for the Blue Wahoos in 2021 and rejoined the team last week from Triple-A Jacksonville, will be on the mound against Montgomery’s Trevor Martin (0-0, 3.60).
Lindgren began the season with the Blue Wahoos and pitched in five games.
This will be the Blue Wahoos’ Fourth of July themed game with a variety of activities planned, followed by the fireworks display to patriotic music. The two teams will then bus to Montgomery following the game to prepare to Thursday’s July 4 game at Riverwalk Stadium, which starts a three-game series there.
GAME NOTABLES
— More than 600 youth players, their parents and family attended Tuesday’s game on the first day of the USSSA Pensacola Beach Global World Series being held at the Santa Rosa Sportsplex in Pace and the NEP Sports Complex off Nine Mile Round.
The age division categories in the tournament which runs through Sunday are 13-under, 12-under and 10-under and the teams are from eight states – Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Indiana. The teams participated in an opening ceremony style parade before the game.
— Earlier Tuesday, the Blue Wahoos players met with Naval Air Station-Pensacola base commander Capt. Terrence Shashaty, who returned this year to present Navy “call signs” to the players – the military version of nicknames. The group met in the season-ticket lounge in early afternoon to have a fun moment selecting names.
— The Pensacola Roller Gurlz, a roller derby team, greeted fans on the concourse and had table display at the game.
— Even with the hot, humid conditions, many fans took advantage of the opportunity to bring their dogs to the game and there were water bowls placed throughout the concourse for the pups.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Wednesday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
No Serious Injuries In Highway 29, Archer Road Crash
July 2, 2024
There were no serious injuries reported in a two vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon at Archer Road and Highway 29 southbound.
The crash left one vehicle on its roof.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released details.
The Cantonment Station of Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded.
NorthEscambia.com reader submitted photo by James Chastang, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Man Involved In SWAT Standoff Had A Child In The Home, ECSO Says
July 2, 2024
We are learning more about what happened at a Walnut Hill home Sunday that led to a standoff and large law enforcement response, including the SWAT team and negotiators, as a man allegedly refused to exit the home or release a child.
John Edward McDowell, 48, was taken into custody after the four to five hour standoff. He eventually exited the home and was arrested without incident on Alabama warrants, including violation of probation and two warrants for failure to appear. He was booked into the Escambia County (FL) Jail in Pensacola to await extradition back to Alabama and charged with interfering with the custody of a minor.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call from McDowell’s ex-girlfriend, who said when she left the residence, McDowell would not let her take her son, according to an ECSO report. She also said the child had been staying with him for about a week.
The ex-girlfriend told deputies that McDowell was not the child’s biological father but was “wat trying to make things work because McDowell was like a father figure” to the child, the report states.
The report indicates the mother said McDowell has a firearm on him at time and is mentally unstable, and that is why she left without the child before calling for help.
Deputies arrived at the home on Highway 97 north of Wiggins Lake Road and gave loud verbal commands over a public address system for McDowell surrender. The ECSO said he refused to answer the door and would not release the child from the residence.
Because McDowell was barricaded inside the residence, the ECSO SWAT team responded, along with a command vehicle and other resources.
Hours later, he surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. His arrest report does not indicate when the child was released of if he actually had a firearm during the incident.
There were no shots fired and no injuries reported, according to the sheriff’s office.
Pictured above and below: This home on Highway 97 in Walnut Hill, seen on Monday, was the site of a law enforcement standoff and SWAT team response on Sunday. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Man Dies After Being Found In The Bottom Of Gonzalez Pool
July 2, 2024
A man died after being found at the bottom of a pool near Gonzalez Saturday night.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported drowning at about 8 p.m. Saturday during a pool party at a residence in the 000 block of Flemming Drive.
Deputies said an unknown age male fell into the pool and was still at the bottom when they arrived. They said he had a pulse after CPR but was transported to the hospital where he later died.
His name was not released.
ECSO said foul play is not suspected in the incident.
Celebrate Independence Day With Fireworks Shows, Other Events July 3-5
July 2, 2024
Here’s a guide to public Fourth of July Fireworks shows and events cross the North Escambia area on July 3-5
Molino – July 3
Highland Baptist Church in Molino will hold a 4th of July Celebration on July 3 with food, games, waterslides, music and fireworks. The event at 6240 Highway 95A will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Molino
Crossfaith Church in Molino will host third annual Fourth of July fireworks and celebration on Thursday, July 4. Events start at 5:30 p.m., with fireworks beginning at dark. Parking is limited, so the public is advised to arrive early and bring a chair.
Jay Celebrations
Jay will begin their events will the 25th Annual Celebrate Freedom 5K race and One Mile Run at 8 a.m. on July 4 at Jay City Hall. Day of registration is $25. Call Matthew Dobson at (850) 2172693 for info. The annual Town of Jay fireworks show will begin about 9 p.m. at the center of the Bray-Hendricks Park property. The only parking on park property will be between the baseball field off Max Lane. A law chair or blanket is encouraged for attendees.
Pensacola Fireworks
The 2024 Pensacola’s Fourth of July Fireworks show will be held at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 along the Pensacola bayfront.
The show will feature a dazzling array of colors, expertly choreographed pyrotechnics, and special effects synchronized to music from CatCountry 98.7. Eventgoers are asked to tune into the station starting at 9 p.m. for the singing of the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music to accompany the displays.
Pensacola residents and visitors are invited to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and radios to secure the best spots along Bayfront Parkway. The show can be viewed along Bayfront Parkway from the Veterans Memorial Park to Bartram Park. Boats are required to maintain a distance of at least 1,200 feet from the east side of the Pensacola port for safety purposes. Viewers are not permitted to bring their own fireworks, sparklers, or other pyrotechnics. Officials have also asked that viewers refrain from bringing their pets.
Symphony Sparks & Star Concert Pensacola
A free Symphony Sparks & Stars concert by the Pensacola Symphony will be held at the amphitheater behind the Wahoos stadium at 7:30 p.m. on July 4. Local food trucks will be available at Veterans Memorial Park and Bartram Park from 4-9 p.m.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July Fireworks display over the Santa Rosa Sound is set to begin at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. This year, the Beach Chamber is joining forces with the Downtown Pensacola fireworks show, creating a spectacular dual Independence Day celebration in the sk.
Both firework shows will simulcast live on CatCountry 98.7. The 2024 July 4th Fireworks Show takes place sound side along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
July 4th Riverfest Milton
The annual July 4th Riverfest will take place along the Milton Boardwalk. The annual Firecracker Bike Show will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. along South Willing Street, and the Freedom Car show will also be held along South Willing Street from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fireworks will be at dark.
Atmore
Wind Creek on Highway 21 in Atmore will host a fireworks show at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
Century-Flomaton Fireworks Show – July 5
The annual Century-Flomaton July 4 Celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 5 at Showalter Park on Kelly Field Road. The event will include food trucks, a bounce house and more. Fireworks will begin at dark. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
Did You Hear The One About The Deputy And The Kangaroo On The Blackwater?
July 2, 2024
Did You Hear The One About The Kangaroo On The Blackwater? No joke, for real.
Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Deputy James Hendry took a photo with the kangaroo as he patrolled the Blackwater River over the weekend.
Mr. Bojangles is not wild and was seemingly happy to pose for the photo. He belongs to a local resident.
Photo courtesy Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
FHP Explains Improper Turns And Passing Following Molino Crash
July 2, 2024
A semi-truck driver making a turn from Highway 97 was cited after a pickup truck attempting to pass him struck the truck Monday in Molino.’
Many NorthEscambia.com readers questioned how the semi driver could be at fault, so we reached out to the Florida Highway Patrol for more details on how the law works.
But fist, a recap of what FHP says happened Monday:
The crash happened about 11:40 a.m. on Highway 97 at Gibson Road. The Florida Highway Patrol said the northbound semi attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Gibson Road. The pickup driver, also northbound, “initiated a pass in a lawful passing zone”, FHP said.
The semi turned in front of the pickup causing the front of the pickup to collide with the left side of the cab of the semi. The pickup truck left the roadway and crashed into a wooded area at the intersection, while the truck came to rest in the opposite ditch after striking a utility pole.
The 76-year-old male driver and 66-year-old passenger of the pickup were transported to West Florida Hospital by Escambia County EMS. The semi driver, a 62-year-old from Alabama, was not injured.
FHP said the driver of the semi was cited for an improper left turn.
FHP Explains Florida law:
“A turn signal is a request, not a demand, and you have to ensure a clear path of travel to your left, right, front, and rear before executing any turn or lane change,” Lt. Jason King said.
“The biggest thing is a blinker is a request to take an action and changing direction. not a demand, and if someone is committed to passing, they legally occupy the lane first,” he said. “When you begin a turn you violate their right of way”.
King said FHP often issues a citation for an improper turn in this type of situation.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Purr In The Park: Cat Night As The Wahoos Open Series With Win Over Biscuits
July 2, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
Six innings into the night, the Blue Wahoos were heading down a familiar path of frustration against the Montgomery Biscuits.
This was the first “Purr In The Park” night in team history with fans allowed to bring their cats. But heat and humidity limited the number of pets.
Paul McIntosh changed that fate with one big swing.
His two-run, game-tying homer in the seventh inning became a much-needed emotional lift, followed by another break that led to a 3-2 win against the Biscuits in the only Monday game of the season for the Blue Wahoos. It made for a desired start to the Fourth of July week for the Blue Wahoos against their league divisional rivals.
“Yeah, it was awesome,” McIntosh said. “We hung around and we capitalized on it.”
McIntosh pounced on a first-pitch fastball from Biscuits reliever Patrick Wicklander and sent the ball over the left-center wall to ignite a crowd of 3,535, as well as the home team dugout.
Joe Mack led off the seventh inning by working a walk from Wicklander. Up stepped McIntosh with a clear mindset.
“I was just waiting for a fastball over the plate and I made sure not to miss it.” McIntosh said. “Going into that [at-bat], I had seen [Wicklander] a bunch, and he’s had success against me and I just wanted to make sure I got up there and saw a good pitch and made a good swing on it.”
He did. And it connected.
The Biscuits had won nine of these previous 12 meetings, all in Montgomery. It was the difference in the Biscuits edging out the Blue Wahoos for the South Division first half win and post-season playoff berth.
But in their stadium Monday, the Blue Wahoos received the usual array of strong pitching to stay within striking distance.
After McIntosh tied the game, the Blue Wahoos got the go-ahead run in the eighth without putting the ball in play.
Jakob Marsee reached on a one-out walk against reliever Keyshawn Askew. He then scored on three wild pitches with the Blue Wahoos’ Jacob Berry at the plate.
The third wild pitch came on a three-ball count, causing Marsee to race home while Berry went to first.
Blue Wahoos reliever Raffi Vizcaíno then closed out the game by retiring the Biscuits in order to get his eighth save. He was preceded by Dale Stanavich, who entered in the seven when Zach McCambley suffered an injury.
With rapid warmup and a 3-2 count, Stanavich struck out the Biscuits’ Matthew Dyer, who drove in the game’s first run in the third inning. Stanavich (2-0) then retired four of the next five batters he faced to earn his second win.
Blue Wahoos starter Adam Laskey worked five innings, allowing just four hits and striking out five.
The Blue Wahoos had just two hits until McIntosh’s blast, but the game stayed close.
“This is a special pitching staff,” McIntosh said. “I’ve had the liberty of having really special pitching staff last couple years in Pensacola, but man these guys keep us in games.”
The three-game home series will continue Tuesday and Wednesday before the Blue Wahoos then head to Montgomery for games Thursday through Saturday.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Montgomery Biscuits vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Tuesday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Semi Truck Driver Cited After Molino Highway 97 Crash That Injured Two
July 1, 2024
A semi-truck driver was cited by troopers after a crash with a pickup truck midday Monday in Molino.
The crash happened about 11:40 a.m. on Highway 97 at Gibson Road. The Florida Highway Patrol said the northbound semi h attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Gibson Road. The pickup driver, also northbound, “initiated a pass in a lawful passing zone”, FHP said.
The semi turned in front of the pickup causing the front of the pickup to collide with the left side of the cab of the semi. The pickup truck left the roadway and crashed into a wooded area at the intersection, while the truck came to rest in the opposite ditch after striking a utility pole.
The oversize load semi-truck was hauling building trusses.
The 76-year-old male driver and 66-year-old passenger of the pickup were transported to West Florida Hospital by Escambia County EMS. The semi driver, a 62-year-old from Alabama, was not injured.
FHP said the driver of the semi was cited for an improper left turn.
The McDavid, Molino and Cantonment stations of Escambia County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the wreck, The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Felony Suspect In Custody After Standoff On Highway 97
July 1, 2024
A felony suspect was taken into custody just after 8 p.m. Sunday after an hours-long standoff with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Walnut Hill.
John Edward McDowell, 48, was taken into custody after the four to five hour standoff. He eventually exited the home and was arrested without incident on Alabama warrants, including violation of probation and two warrants for failure to appear. He was booked into the Escambia County (FL) Jail in Pensacola to await extradition back to Alabama and charged with interfering with the custody of a minor..
The ECSO said they received a tip that the man was at a residence on Highway 97 north of Wiggins Lake Road. Deputies responded to serve the warrant, but the ECSO said he refused to exit the home.
Deputies said they knocked and announced their presence on a public address system, but he never responded.
Dozens of ECSO units responded, along with their SWAT team and negotiators. A spokesperson said no shots were fired during the standoff.
During the incident, the sheriff’s office closed Highway 97 and detoured traffic onto Highway 99A (at Ernest Ward Middle School) to the south of the scene and Highway 164 to the north.