Blue Wahoos Split Doubleheader In Biloxi
April 20, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoo split a doubleheader in Biloxi Friday. Pensacola took game one 9-1, and fell in game two 4-3.
Game One
The Blue Wahoos came out swinging in game one of their Friday night double header in Biloxi, using a pair of home runs and another brilliant outing from Griffin Jax on their way to a 9-1 victory.
Pensacola scored four times in the third inning. Brian Navarreto led off the inning with a double and Mark Contreras followed by reaching on a walk. A fielding error by Biloxi pitcher Alec Bettinger on a Jordan Gorec comebacker allowed Navarreto to score. Brian Schales followed with a three-run home run to make it 4-0.
With the lead, Jax was brilliant. The Air Force grad entered the game with the best ERA in the league and delivered 6.0 stellar innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out five. Major League rehabber Gabriel Moya added a scoreless inning of relief after Jax’s strong outing.
Navarreto was 3-4 in the game with 3 RBI, including a three-run home run in seventh and a double. Mark Conteras was 2-3 with an RBI.
Game Two
For the fifth time this season, the Blue Wahoos played in a game that ended with a 4-3 final score, this time ending on the losing end in game two.
Biloxi took an early 2-0 lead, scoring twice in the home half of the first on a throwing error, stolen base, and three consecutive singles.
Pensacola answered with two of their own in the top of the second. Mitchell Kranson opened the inning with a solo home run. Caleb Hamilton followed with a triple and scored on an RBI ground out by Taylor Grzelakowski.
A single, balk, and subsequent RBI single by C.J. Hinojosa gave Biloxi the lead back in the third inning against Blue Wahoos starter Andro Cutura, but the Blue Wahoos again answered the following inning, using a double by Brian Schales, a ground out to move him over, and a wild pitch to tie the game.
Jeff Ames entered in relief of Cutura (3.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K) in the bottom of the fourth. A pair of walks and an RBI single by Michael O’Neill gave the Shuckers the lead back at 4-3.
The score held there as Biloxi relievers Angel Perdomo (W, 2.1 IP, 0 H, 5 K) and Nate Griep (S, 1.0 IP, 0 R) combined to close out the game and preserve the win for the Shuckers.
Tate Softball Blanks Washington 16-0; Northview Shuts Out Baker 12-0
April 19, 2019
Tate 16, Washington 0
The Tate Lady Aggies shut out Washington 16-0 Friday.
Amber Decoux led the Aggies with a grand slam in the first.
Abbie Burks pitched a complete game win, going three innings, allowing no runs on only one hit, striking out four and walking none.
Northview 12 Baker 0
The Northview Lady Chiefs beat Baker 12-0 in six innings Friday.
Tori Herrington pitched the win with eight strikeouts. She was 2-3 at bat with one RBI. Also for Northview: Ashley Ragsdale 1-3; Aubree Love 2-4; Kailyn Watson 2-4, 2RBI; Makayla Jeneske 1-4, 2RBI; Nevaeh Brown 2-4; 3RBI; Heather Knowles 1-3.
Wahoos Win 5-2 Over Biloxi
April 18, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos bounced back from Tuesday’s heartbreaking loss with a hard-fought 5-2 win over the Shuckers Wednesday night at MGM Park.
Pensacola, after not scoring a run until the tenth inning of last night’s loss, wasted no time getting on the board in Wednesday’s middle game. With two on and one out in the first, Braden Webb (L, 0-3) issued back-to-back walks to bring home Jordan Gore. Webb was removed in the first inning after throwing 37 pitches.
The Wahoos were right back at it in the second, plating home two more thanks to RBI singles from Gore and Brian Schales to put the Wahoos up 3-0. Biloxi had a response of their own in the bottom of the second inning plating home a pair of runs.
For the reigning Southern League Pitcher of Week, Devin Smeltzer, the two runs allowed in the second inning were his first two all season. However, he responded in the third and fourth, retiring six of the next seven Shuckers in order.
The game took a turn for the worst in the bottom of the fifth inning when Smeltzer was struck in the back of the head from a line drive off the bat of Max McDowell. Smeltzer lay on the ground motionless for several moments while he was tended to by the medical staffs from both clubs. Fortunately, he was able to rise to his feet and walk off the field on his own power.
Adam Bray (W, 1-1) was called into the game and was brilliant for the Blue Wahoos as the right-hander hurled three shutout innings en route to his first win of the season. Ramon Borrego turned the ball over to Sam Clay in the eighth inning, and the former Georgia Tech product pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth inning to earn his first save of the year.
This was an unorthodox game compared to Tuesday’s pitching duel. The Wahoo batters were hit five different times, including Joe Cronin who was hit three times including once in the head by Aaron Kurcz. Cronin would however remain in the game uninjured. Pensacola also drew seven walks and stranded 16 men on base by the game’s conclusion.
The Wahoos have two chances to pick up their third series win of the season beginning tomorrow night when RHP Griffin Jax (0-0, 0.00) takes the hill for Pensacola. He will be opposed by RHP Thomas Jankins (1-0, 2.25)
High School Softball, Baseball Roundup
April 17, 2019
SOFTBALL
Northview 14, Chipley 0
The Northview Lady Chiefs shut out Chipley 14-0 in five innings Tuesday night in Chipley.
Tori Herrington pitched the win with nine strikeouts.
At the plate for Northview: Herrington 1-2; Ashley Ragsdale 3-4, 2RBI; Aubree Love 2-4, 2 RBI; Mikayla Jeneske 2-3, RBI; Heather Knowles 1-3, 2RBI; Lydia Smith 1-3, 2RBI; Valen Shelley 1-1.
Niceville 5, Tate 3 (10 innings)
The Tate Lady Aggies fell to Niceville Tuesday night 5-3 in 10 innings.
At the end of seven, the game was tied at 3-all when Niceville scored two runs in the top of the 10th.
Shelby McLean led the Lady Aggies with two hits in four at bats.
Avery Beauchanie allowed five run on 12 hits while walking three and striking out three in a full 10 innings on the mound for Tate.
Williams, John Pinette, Tekoah Roby, and Christian Munoz all had multiple hits for Pine Forest
BASEBALL
Choctawhatchee 14, Tate 9
The Tate Aggies fell to a Choctawhatchee Tuesday night 14-9.
Trevor Norton, Mason Land and Jordan Jarman had two hits each to lead the Aggies.
Tate 6 Choctawhatchee 4 (JV)
The junior varsity Tate Aggies beat Choctaw 6-4 Tuesday.
Pine Forest 5, Pensacola Catholic 4
Pine Forest defeated Pensacola Catholic 5-4 Tuesday.
Timmy Williams earned the win for Pine Forest, allowing four hits and one run on three hits while walking one and striking out one.
Lady Chiefs Beat T.R. Miller; Tate Freshmen Top Navarre
April 16, 2019
SOFTBALL
Northview 14, T.R. Miller 1
Northview 8, T.R. Miller 6 (JV)
The Northview Chiefs defeated T.R. Miller 14-1 Monday night in Brewton.
Tori Herrington earned the win with 11 strikeouts while going 2-4 with one RBI at the plate
Also for Northview: Kaitlin Gafford 3-6, 2 RBI; Ashley Ragsdale 2-4, 1 RBI; Aubree Love 5-5, 4 RBI; Mikayla Jeneske 2-5, 2 RBI; Nevaeh Brown 1-1, 1 RBI; Heather Knowles 2-5, 2 RBI; Rylee Huskey 1-1, 1 RBI.
BASEBALL
Tate 7, Navarre 3
The Tate Freshmen Aggies beat Navarre Monday 7-3. The freshmen are now 10-0-1 on the year and will have a home game against West Florida on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Blue Wahoos Top The Biloxi Shuckers
April 16, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos once again rode dominant starting pitching and timely offense to another one-run victory as they defeated the Biloxi Shuckers 4-3 at MGM Park.
Pensacola’s offense supplied the talented right-hander with three runs in the top of the first inning, capped off by Brian Schales’s two-run home run off Marcos Diplan (L, 0-1) to put the visitors up 3-0. At one point the Wahoos led 4-0 after Mark Contreras’s RBI sac fly that scored Jimmy Kerrigan.
Alcala’s only hiccup came in the sixth inning when he surrendered a two-run double to Biloxi’s Patrick Leonard. Manager Ramon Borrego went to the bullpen immediately after and brought in Jovani Moran, who recorded the final out of the inning.
Biloxi added a third when C.J. Hinojosa belted a solo home run to open up the eighth inning. Moran tried to finish out the frame, but after issuing a four-pitch walk to Leonard, Borrego again went to his bullpen and asked Dusten Knight to record the final four outs of the game.
After a sensational catch on a line drive from Luis Aviles Jr to end the eighth, Knight retired the Shuckers in order, including striking out the final two batters. After striking out Trent Grisham, Knight performed his signature backflip before celebrating with his teammates.
The Wahoos improved their Southern League-best record to 8-3 while Biloxi fell to 5-6. Game two of the series continues Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m. Top pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol will start for the Wahoos and will be opposed by Trey Supak.
Blue Wahoos Top Shrimp
April 15, 2019
- On a picture-perfect sunny Sunday afternoon at Blue Wahoos Stadium, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos completed their first comeback win of the season, beating the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 4-3 thanks to a late two-run double by Jimmy Kerrigan and strong relief outings from Sean Poppen (W, 1-0) and Ryan Mason (S, 2).
Jacksonville took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first on a two-run home run by John Silviano, just the second time this season the Blue Wahoos have allowed their opponent to score first.
Tanner English responded immediately in the home half of the first inning, leading off and hitting the first pitch thrown to him over the fence in left to cut Jacksonville’s lead in half.
After allowing two in the first, Blue Wahoos starter Andro Cutura settled in and put zeroes on the board the next three innings. Jacksonville added an additional run in the fifth, stringing together three straight singles with two outs to increase their lead to 3-1.
Jumbo Shrimp starting pitcher Cody Poteet was excellent early, allowing just the first pitch homer. But, the Wahoos caught up to him in the sixth inning.
Four straight Blue Wahoos batters singled to lead off the sixth inning with Jordan Gore, Luis Arraez, Brian Schales, and Mitchell Kranson each consecutively knocking base hits. With the bases loaded and no outs, Jimmy Kerrigan dropped a double down the right field line, scoring two and giving Pensacola a 4-3 lead.
Cuture finished with a line of 5.0 innings pitched, eight hits and three runs allowed, no walks, and two strikeouts. Poppen entered in the sixth, throwing two one-hit innings of scoreless relief and striking out four to earn his first victory of the season. Mason didn’t allow a hit in 2.0 scoreless, striking out three on his way to his second save.
Today’s win improves the Blue Wahoos record to a Southern League best 7-3 while Jacksonville falls to 4-6. Pensacola heads on the road to Biloxi tomorrow for a five-game series against the Shuckers.
Northview’s Kite Places Third In 1A State Weightlifting Meet
April 14, 2019
Northview High School’s Tent Kite finished third in the 129-pound weight class Saturday at the FHSAA 1A State Weightlifting Championship in Panama City.
Kite had best bench press of 240 lbs. and a best clean/jerk of 195 lbs. for a total 435, just five behind the second place finisher from River Ridge High School.
He placed second in the state meet last year.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview, Jay Track Athletes Advance To Regionals
April 14, 2019
Regional track results:
Northview High School
The boy’s track team placed second overall, while the girl’s team place third.
The following Northview track athletes will advance to regionals in Jacksonville:
Chris Nordman in triple jump
Ray Bush in long jump
Karlee Criswell in high jump
Sarius Davis in the 400m
Nene Findley, Lexi Broadhead, Keyshawn Breedlove, Dainel Merrit, Quay Thomas, Jarius Moorer in the 100m
Nene Findley, Daniel Merrit, and Keyshawn Breedlove in the 200m
Girl’s and Boy’s 4×100m Nene Findley, Lexi Broadhead, Korelis Morales, Sarius Davis, Daniel Merritt, Keyshawn Breedlove, Quay Thomas, Jarius Moorer
Girl’s and Boy’s 4×400m Nene Findley, Karlee Criswell, Sarius Davis, Taylor Lashley, Keaton Brown, Colby Morris, Daniel Meritt, Jarius Moorer
Jay High School
Jillian Thornton placed first in the girl’s high jump.
The following Jay girls track athletes will advance to regionals:
Jillian Thornton: 400m and High Jump
Hannah Whitlock: 1600m
Alyssa Chavis: 100m Hurdles and 4×100m
Amber Cross: 4×100m
Lexi Copeland: 4×100m
Amber Cross: 4×100m
Landry Cato: Pole Vault
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Top The Blue Wahoos
April 14, 2019
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos continued their stretch of incredible starting pitching on Saturday evening at Blue Wahoos Stadium, but the team fell 1-0 in a late-inning loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.
Griffin Jax took the mound for the Wahoos and delivered another scoreless start. He went 6.0 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out four.
The Jumbo Shrimp countered with Jordan Yamamoto, who was just as good, allowing just one hit over 5.0 shutout innings and striking out four.
The game turned into a bullpen battle late, and Jacksonville came out on top. Adam Bray entered in the seventh for the Blue Wahoos and set the Jumbo Shrimp down in order, but gave up the game’s only run in the eighth.
Jacksonville’s Magneuris Sierra singled to right with two outs in the eighth inning and quickly stole second. After Brian Miller walked, Justin Twine pushed a single through the left side of the infield, scoring Sierra and giving Jacksonville the 1-0 lead.
Out of the Jumbo Shrimp bullpen, Jordan Milbrath (W) threw 2.0 scoreless innings, striking out four. Dylan Lee (S) also threw 2.0 scoreless, earning his first save of the season.
The loss drops the Blue Wahoos’ record to 6-3 on the season, still good for first place in the Southern League South and the best overall record in the league. Jacksonville improves to 4-5 with the win. The two teams will finish their five-game set Sunday afternoon .