Blue Wahoos Fall 6-1 As Baseball Returns To Pensacola
May 12, 2021
Once all the afternoon rain stopped, the skies parted into a postcard sunset. And people filled the seats.
The only missing element was a Blue Wahoos win, after the Birmingham Barons jumped to a big lead in the first three innings en route to a 6-1 victory in the Wahoos long-awaited, home opener Tuesday night.
While the game didn’t evolve to the fans’ desire, the festive atmosphere became the overriding element.
After a 20-month, 600-plus days absence, Pensacola’s team ushered baseball entertainment and new affiliation with the Miami Marlins back into people’s hearts. The result was a good time among the crowd of 3,669 at Blue Wahoos Stadium
Wahoos Life was back. That mattered.
“The atmosphere was great from start to finish,” said Blue Wahoos manager Kevin Randel, who previously managed against Pensacola while with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
“(Fans) were out there, they didn’t miss a beat. I’m sure they were excited to get back out to the stadium and watch some baseball. It was a fun atmosphere. I just wish we could have played a little better for ‘em and had something for (fans) to cheer about, but it was one of those games.”
On the field, the second pro start for Blue Wahoos acclaimed pitcher Max Meyer did not go as well as the first.
After a clean first inning, it got difficult for Meyer, the No. 3 overall player chosen by the Marlins in the 2020 draft. Meyer worked only four innings, giving up eight hits, including a two-run homer by clean-up hitter by cleanup hitter Micker Aldofo in the Barons’ 4-run, third inning.
“He didn’t have great stuff out there (Tuesday), Randel said. “He battled out there, he competed well. His weapon, his slider, was unable to get going. (Barons) did a great job game-planning against him. I think their approach was to just let (slider) go and they were sitting on fastball.
“We are going to get back with him. He’s got some work to do in between starts. We’re going work on some fastball command get that slider in for strikes.”
It was one of five extra-base hits the Barons (6-1) produced against Meyer. The other four were doubles.
In all, he yielded five runs, all earned, two walks, two strikeouts on 71 pitches. It was a contrast to his dominating performance a week ago in the season-opener at Mississippi , where he tossed a 1-hitter against the M-Braves and didn’t yield a run in winning his debut.
But the night still began in a special way.
Without being unable to have traditional first-pitches, the Blue Wahoos (4-3) started a new one: “First Fishes.”
Led by popular WKRG-TV sports personality Robby Baker, who is moving to a new TV job in his home state of Arizona, actual fish were tossed into a waiting net held by Blue Wahoos mascot, Kazoo.
Then, after some microphone issues on the National Anthem, the crowd came to the rescue and sang the words in unison to rescue the moment. The singer and the players both reacted in a good way.
On the field, the second pro start for Blue Wahoos acclaimed pitcher Max Meyer did not go as well as the first.
After a clean first inning, it got difficult for Meyer, the No. 3 overall player chosen by the Marlins in the 2020 draft. Meyer worked only four innings, giving up eight hits, including a two-run homer by clean-up hitter by cleanup hitter Micker Aldofo in the Barons’ 4-run, third inning.
“He didn’t have great stuff out there (Tuesday), Randel said. “He battled out there, he competed well. His weapon, his slider, was unable to get going. (Barons) did a great job game-planning against him. I think their approach was to just let (slider) go and they were sitting on fastball.
“We are going to get back with him. He’s got some work to do in between starts. We’re going work on some fastball command get that slider in for strikes.”
It was one of five extra-base hits the Barons (6-1) produced against Meyer. The other four were doubles.
In all, he yielded five runs, all earned, two walks, two strikeouts on 71 pitches. It was a contrast to his dominating performance a week ago in the season-opener at Mississippi , where he tossed a 1-hitter against the M-Braves and didn’t yield a run in winning his debut.
The Blue Wahoos had their best chance for a big inning in the third inning. They loaded the bases with none out on a trio of singles by Lazaro Alonso, Riley Mahan and Connor Justus.
Birmingham starter Blake Battenfield then got Victor Victor Mesa to hit into double-play that scored the Blue Wahoos lone run of the game. Battenfield then retired JJ Bleday with a ground out to end the inning.
Birmingham racked up 11 hits in the game, but only three off a trio of Blue Wahoos relievers. Blue Wahoos shortstop Demetrius went 2-for-4, leading the way among the team’s five hits.
With so much uncertainty on how in-game activities would evolve, the Blue Wahoos were able to generate some of their most popular contests, including the beloved “Roach Run” after the fifth inning in the outfield. They ran the Military Mascot Races on the concourse after the sixth inning.
The Blue Wahoos also became a pregame site for coronavirus vaccines. Nurses from the Department of Health administered the Johnson & Johnson dose to a group of people in the Cox Clubhouse area on the concourse. Vaccinations will also be available on Saturday and Sunday before the final two games of this full-week series.
The homestand will continue Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. against the Barons.
The Blue Wahoos will play Thursday and Friday games at 6:35 p.m. as well, then have their first Fireworks Saturday game at 6:05 p.m. before closing the 6-game series on Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
By Bill Vilona, Blue Wahoos Senior Writer
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Get A Vaccine At One Of Three Upcoming Blue Wahoos Games
May 11, 2021
You can watch a Wahoos game and get a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time at two upcoming games.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County, will offer free COVID-19 vaccines to fans at their games on Saturday, May 15, and Sunday, May 16. Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccines will be available to medically-eligible fans ages 18 and up and will be administered by Department of Health nurses.
“We’re so excited for the opportunity to work together with the Florida Department of Health to offer vaccines to our fans,” team president Jonathan Griffith said. “Helping get Pensacola vaccinated meets our mission as an organization to improve the quality of life in our community. I’m so excited about this chance that I’ve committed to get vaccinated myself on the dugout during the 7th inning stretch while singing Take Me Out To The Ballpark!”
No appointments will be necessary for fans attending the games. 500 vaccine doses will be available at the ballpark in first-come, first serve fashion.
“This collaboration with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos is not only a great opportunity to increase vaccinations in our community but also a model of the vital role that partnerships play in our public health system,” Marie Mott, health officer and administrator for FDOH-Escambia, said. “The COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool to stop the spread of COVID-19, and I encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated.”
Jay’s Jillian Thornton Wins State 1A High Jump Title
May 10, 2021
Jay High School’s Jillian Thornton took first place in the state in high jump at the FHSAA 1A track and field meet in Jacksonville.
She came in at 5-foot, 1.75-inches to take state. The senior joins just two other Royals that were track and field state champions in the past three decades.
Teresa Dobson, a current Jay track coach, took first place in the 3200 meter run and set a new state and school record in 1991, and Crystal Creamer Kelly was state champion in shot put in 1998.
Thornton was coached by Caleb Copeland for Jay.
Also at the 1A meet last Friday, Jay’s Isaac Black placed eighth and Landry Cato placed 11th in pole vault.
Pictured top: Jay High School’s Jillian Thornton won the Florida 1A High Jump Championship Friday the University of North Florida Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. Pictured below: Thornton with Jay coach Teresa Dobson, who won the 3200 meter state championship in 1991 and set a state record. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High’s Logan Tyree Signs With UWF Soccer
May 10, 2021
Tate High School’s Logan Tyree has signed to play soccer for the University of West Florida.
Tyree was a four-year varsity starter for the Aggies. He played on the Gulf Coast Texans club team, as well as the Pensacola FC NPSL team.
Mom Watches Escambia Firefighter Son Save A Life During Mother’s Day Brunch
May 10, 2021
An Escambia County firefighter made his mom extra proud during Mother’s Day brunch Sunday.
“So it’s not everyday that a mom gets to watch one of her children save someone’s life,” Madeline Willis wrote in a social media post. “But that happened to me today. What an amazing Mother’s day!”
Willis is in Pensacola visiting with her son Jacob Hoskins, an Escambia County Fire Rescue firefighter assigned to the Ensley Fire Station.
They were at a McGuire’s for Mother’s Day brunch when a woman began to choke. Hoskins jumped into action, and saved the woman’s life.
“So saving people’s lives is something he does on a daily basis…but for me to observe this humble son of mine do his ‘job’ was an experience I’ll never forget,” Willis said. “So proud!”
Pictured: Madeline Willis (front left) watched her firefighter son Jacob Hoskins (middle right) save a choking victim during Mother’s Day lunch on Sunday. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Drop Game To The Braves, Bring Series Win Back To Pensacola
May 10, 2021
Pensacola dropped the finale of their first series of the year in a 6-2 game shortened by rain.
Home runs were the story once again for the M-Braves as they scored five of their six runs via the long ball on Mother’s Day. C.J. Alexander hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the first off Wahoos starter Will Stewart (L, 0-1) to put the M-Braves up 3-0.
Jerar Encarnacion had a quick response when he led off the second inning with a spectacular solo home run that landed in the parking lot well beyond the left field bullpen.
However, it was Mississippi who homered again, and this time Jacob Pearson hit a two-run shot off Stewart in the bottom of the fourth, pushing the M-Braves lead to 5-1. They would add another run in the sixth, and after the Wahoos scored in the seventh to make it a 6-2 game, the skies opened up and the game was called due to a heavy downpour.
RHP Matt Withrow made his first start for the M-Braves in almost four years, dating back to May 21, 2017 against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. He pitched four innings, and allowed just the one run on two hits while striking out two.
Pensacola leaves Mississippi with its first series win in hand as they prepare for back-to-back homesteads, the first beginning on Tuesday, May 11th against the Birmingham Barons.
by Chris Garagiola, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Mississippi Braves Beat The Pensacola Wahoos
May 9, 2021
Shea Langeliers delivered a three-run home run in the eighth inning of Saturday’s contest to propel Mississippi to their first win of the season at Trustmark Park.
The M-Braves struck first in the bottom of the fourth courtesy of a couple of defensive miscues by Pensacola. Braden Shewmake reached on an infield single and took second on a throwing error by Wahoo starter Jason Alexander. After a Trey Harris single, Langeliers hit what looked like a double play; however, Riley Mahan’s throw to first was too high for Lazaro Alonso to corral. The play allowed Shewmake to score from second.
Jeff Lindgren (L, 0-1) came in relief for the Wahoos and pitched well, despite taking the loss. His only two mistakes came to Langeliers.
The first was in the sixth, when after Lindgren retired the first two batters, Langeliers lifted a solo shot into left to give Mississippi a 2-0 lead.
Despite a two-run seventh inning by the Wahoos, Langeliers struck again in the eighth after Shewmake and Harris led off the inning with back-to-back hits. He sent an 0-2 pitch over the left-center field wall to give Mississippi the eventual winning score of 5-2. The loss is Pensacola’s first of the season.
Pensacola drew eight walks in the loss, with Victor Victor Mesa and JJ Bleday combining for half of that.
The opening series for the Wahoos concludes tomorrow afternoon when LHP Will Stewart (0-0, 0.00) makes his 2021 debut for the Wahoos. He will be opposed by RHP Matt Withrow (0-0, 0.00), who pitched two scoreless innings earlier in the series. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 PM CT.
After Sunday’s contest, the Wahoos will return home to kick off their 2021 season opener on Tuesday, May 11th with a six-game set against the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.
Northview Shuts Out Paxton, Holmes County Tops Jay In Regional Semifinals (With NHS Gallery)
May 8, 2021
Josh Landis tossed a two-hit, complete game shutout Friday night as Northview beat Paxton 6-0 in the Region 1-1A semifinal.
Landis allowed no runs and two hits while striking out three and walking five.
Rustin Pope led at the plate for the Chiefs, going 2-4 with an RBI. Bryce Korinchak went 1-3 with two RBIs.
Northview sealed the win with double plays to end both the sixth and seventh innings.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Northview coach Jeremy Greenwell said his Chiefs fed off the excitement of a sold out crowd.
“We’ve got the whole community, as many people as we could get in here,” he said of the crowd, which was limited due to the pandemic. “They made it a great environment…The players played exactly how we expected them to; they played up to they hype. We don’t expect any less as a program.”
Also Friday night, Jay lost to Holmes County 3-2. That sets up a regional final Tuesday night with Northview travelling to Bonifay to face Holmes County.
“We are not going to try to instill anything new, just stay with fundamentals,” Greenwell said of the teams prep for Tuesday. “We’ll hold a short practice on Monday to get ready for Bonifay on Tuesday.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Honors Late Baseball Hall Of Famer Don Sutton, Former Molino Resident
May 7, 2021
The Escambia County Commission issued a proclamation Thursday night honoring the late baseball Hall of Fame pitcher and former Molino resident Don Sutton. He passed away in January at age 75.
Members of Sutton’s family and members of the 1962 Tate High School baseball state championship team stood by as District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry read the proclamation and presented it to Don Sutton’s brother, Ron Sutton. (Read the complete proclamation below.)
“When Don talked about coming back here, he was coming home,” an emotional Ron Sutton told the commission. “The thing is his career is a testament to my mom and dad who taught us if you have a good work ethic, and you try hard enough, anything is possible.”
About the family’s move to Molino in 1950, Ron Sutton said, “My daddy always said we came to the land flowing with milk and honey, and I believe that.”
Sutton was born April 2, 1945, in Clio, Alabama. He attended Molino Junior High School for nine years and graduated from Tate High School as the Class of 1963’s “Most Likely to Succeed.” He played basketball, football and led two Aggie baseball teams to two state championship games. In 1962, he pitched 13 innings for the Aggies in their state championship win
During his career as a right-handed pitcher, he won 324 games, including 58 shutouts and earned the seventh place spot on baseball’s all-time strikeout list with 3,574. Sutton played over a decade with the LA Dodgers, and also played for the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland A’s and California Angels before returning for one last season with the Dodgers. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998.
“My mother used to worry about my imaginary friends ‘cause I would be out in the yard playing ball,” Don Sutton said in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 1998. “She worried because she didn’t know a Mickey, or a Whitey, or a Yogi, or a Moose, or an Elston, but I played with them every day.”
Sutton also had a successful 29-year broadcasting career, working for major networks including TBS and NBC, along with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals.
The Don Sutton Ballpark in Molino is named in his honor, and a portion of Highway 29 in Molino is known as the Don Sutton Highway. There is also a display devoted to Sutton in the Molino Museum in the Molino Community Complex.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are wearing the number 20 on their uniforms this season to honor Sutton.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Regional Softball: Chiles Eliminates Tate; Jay Tops Freeport By 10
May 7, 2021
Region 1-6A
Chiles 5, Tate 1
The Tate Lady Aggies fell behind early in a 5-1 Region 1-6A quarterfinal loss Thursday at Tallahassee Chiles.
Abbie Burks allowed five runs and seven hits in six innings, walking one.
Michayla Kent led the Aggies at the plate, going 2-3 with one run. Hannah Halfacre and Courtney Adams had one hit each for Tate.
Chiles will host Lincoln in the regional semifinals on May 11.
Region 1-1A
Jay 11, Freeport 1
The Jay Royals beat Freeport in the Region 1-1A semifinals 11-1 Thursday night in Jay.
Mattie Cochran earned the victory for Jay, going give innings, allowing one run and three hits will striking out nine and walking one.
Caitlyn Gavin (pictured above) had a fifth inning home run for the Royals. It was her ninth dinger of the season.
Brett Watson went 3-4 for the Lady Royals, and Audrey Barnes was 2-3 the plate. Jay also had hits from Gavin, Ella Nelson, Cochran, Madison Mathis and Kassidy Nevels.
Jay will travel to Holmes County on Tuesday in the regional finals.
Pictured: Caitlyn Gavin had a fifth inning home run for the Jay Royals Thursday night, her ninth homer of the season. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.