Berry Delivers Walk-Off Magic For Blue Wahoos With Game-Winning Hit
April 24, 2024
by Bill Vilona
Jacob Berry had reached base twice, albeit without a hit, before stepping to the plate in the ninth-inning with a chance to be the game’s star.
He made it happen.
With two outs and the crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium cheering in support, Berry connected on a two-strike pitch and laced a single that got past the glove of Biloxi right fielder Carlos Rodriguez for what became a walk-off 5-4 comeback win Tuesday night against the Shuckers.
It was the Blue Wahoos’ second walk-off win in 10 home games this season and began the second of consecutive homestands in a jubilant way. They had their first walk-off in the second game of the season.
The Shuckers (10-6), who entered with wins in eight of their previous nine games and were tied for the best start in the Southern League, took a 4-3 lead in the ninth when Zavier Warren led off with a single against Blue Wahoos reliever Raffi Vizcaíno. The next batter, Lamar Sparks, walked to put two on with no outs.
Ethan Murray then followed with a run-scoring double and Mike Boeve walked to load the bases.
And then came the game’s pivotal defensive moment.
Shuckers first baseman Ernesto Martinez hit a hard shot down the first base line that Zach Zubia fielded, threw to the plate to get the force out, and Pensacola catcher Joe Mack turned the double play by throwing to Cody Morissette covering first.
Vizcaíno then struck out Justin Dirden to end the inning and pump energy into the Blue Wahoos dugout.
Dalvy Rosario led off the bottom of the ninth with a single. Tanner Allen had a sacrifice bunt to move him into scoring position. With one out, Mack then tied the game with his first Double-A hit, a double into the left-center gap. Berry, who had reached on an error and walk earlier in the game, stayed patient and got a pitch to make solid contact for the game winner.
The Blue Wahoos took a 3-1 lead with a big inning in the fifth. Harrison Spohn and Rosario began with singles. Allen was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Paul McIntosh tied the game with an infield groundout and Mack laced a ball that first baseman Martinez misplayed into a 2-run error.
Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez was again solid with his third start, giving up three hits and recording five strikeouts.
The teams will have a quick turnaround for game two of this season. They will play at 11 a.m. Wednesday in a special Education Day game – one of two this season. The other will occur in the next Blue Wahoos homestand on May 8.
School children from various elementary and middle schools in the three-county area will attend the game with classmates and be treated to lunch and free tickets.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Wednesday, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
Preview: Northview At Tate Tonight In The Baseball Battle For North Escambia
April 23, 2024
Call it the Baseball Battle for North Escambia.
Tuesday night is the first meeting between the Tate Aggie and the Northview Chiefs in at least the last 20 years.
There will be a little extra motivation for Tate Tuesday night — it’s senior night.
Both teams are coming in with losses in their last game and have similar records as the regular season winds down this week. 1A Northview is 9-12, and the 6A Aggies are 10-12.
Tate is coming off a 10-5 loss to Fairhope last Friday night.
Clif Quiggins had a solo home run to right field in the top of the fourth for Tate and was 2-4 overall. Conner Hassell was also 2-4 with a run. Ketch King, and Madox Land both added one run for the Aggies.
Friday night, Northview fell 10-5 to Milton. Robbie Bodiford, Brady Smith, Jackson Bridges, and Jase Portwood had two hits each for the Chiefs. Bodiford and Portwood had two RBIs each.
The Aggies have struggled a bit in recent weeks, dropping nine of their last 11 games.
Northview has also suffered an “L” six of their last 11 contests.
The Tate Aggies have recorded an average of 7.9 strikeouts per game, while Northview has an average of 7.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Shut Out J.U. Blacksher
April 23, 2024
The Northview Lady Chiefs shut out J.U. Blacksher 11-0 Monday in Uriah, Alabama.
Jamison Gilman earned the win in the circle for the Chiefs, and was a force at the plate, going 3-4 at bat. She gave up no hits and no runs in a complete game five innings, striking out four and walking none.
Gilman, Mary Clayton Dawson, and Riley Brooks drove in two runs each.
Northview will be at Washington on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Blue Angels Thrill, Rocket City Blasts Past Wahoos In Series Finale
April 22, 2024
by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos will have Monday to rest and reset following their first home series loss against the Rocket City Trash Pandas in the matchup’s four-season history.
They seek a change in batting fortune.
A pair of Trash Pandas pitchers, led by top pitching prospect Caden Dana, checked the Blue Wahoos on just three hits in a 3-0 loss Sunday at Blue Wahoos Stadium to close out the first half of an extended homestand. The win enabled Rocket City (9-6) to win the series 4-2, after entering the week with a 2-16 record in Pensacola.
A crowd of 3,851 had its biggest excitement when the famed Blue Angels buzzed over the stadium under a clear-blue sky during the seventh inning while returning from a weekend air show. That was the loudest roar of the day.
In the ninth inning, however, there was some suspense on the field.
The first two Blue Wahoos batters, newcomer Joe Mack and catcher Paul McIntosh, drew walks to put multiple runners on base for the only time in the game.
Jacob Berry then missed on a game-tying home run when lining a shot foul down the right field line. He then fouled off a couple pitches before reliever Hayden Seig struck him out with a changeup. Shane Sasaki then hit a slow grounder that became a force out. Cody Morissette, who had laced two hard lineouts earlier in the game, grounded out to end the game.
After Javier Sanoja led off the Blue Wahoos first inning with a single, Rocket City’s Dana retired the next 15 batters in order. Dana, a 20-year-old righthander from Warwick, New York, entered this season ranked No. 2 overall among the Los Angeles Angels top 30 prospects.
The Trash Pandas team has all four of the Angels’ top quartet of prospects on the team to start the season.
Rocket City got two first inning runs off Blue Wahoos starter Paul Campbell, but then Campbell settled into a groove, retiring 12 of the next 16 batters he faced in a what became a rapidly played game that was complete in two hours, 22 minutes.
Campbell was solid again in his second start this week, working into the seventh with just three hits allowed and seven strikeouts and just one walk. It continued his comeback attempt after making his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021.
The Blue Wahoos (6-9) will now turn attention to the series against the Shuckers (10-4), who entered Sunday’s game with eight consecutive wins and the best start in the Southern League.
Lefthander Jonathan Bermúdez (1-1, 1.64 ERA) will start for the Blue Wahoos. He held Rocket City hitless into the sixth inning of the series-opening 1-0 win Tuesday.
GAME NOTABLES
—- Joe Mack walked into the Blue Wahoos front office at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, after flying into Pensacola from Beloit, Wisconsin, where he was the top hitter (.343, 12 RBI) and biggest force behind the Beloit Sky Carp’s fast start in the Midwest League as the Marlins High-affiliate. He’s the Marlins’ top catcher prospect and will likely see plenty of opportunity in that role in Pensacola.
The Blue Anchor Belles, a trio of military wives, whose husbands are stationed at NAS-Pensacola, performed the National Anthem.
—- It was West Florida High’s baseball team group outing Sunday. The 6-year-old son of Jaguars’ coach Joe Rieland threw out ta ceremonial first pitch and got a roar when he threw a pitch from the mound to home plate.
—- There were two outs in the top of the seventh at 5:43 p.m. when the unmistakable roar of the Blue Angels jets were heard a split- before the jets buzzed over the stadium.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday (April 23-28). Gametimes are 6:05 p.m. for all games except Wednesday at 11:05 and Sunday at 4:05.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Blue Wahoos Have Comeback Thwarted By Trash Pandas
April 21, 2024
by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos twice had late-inning rallies thwarted.
But it still became a grand night.
An overflow, sellout crowd of 5,000-plus, probably the largest so far this season, was treated to a three-element night of pregame festivities, a spoof with marinara sauce, and post game fireworks, after the Rocket City Trash Pandas held on for a 3-2 victory Saturday.
The Blue Wahoos twice scorched ground balls in the eighth and ninth inning with runners on base that were deftly fielded and turned into double plays – the latter to end the game.
After his eighth-inning shot down the first base line was snared and robbed, Jacob Berry gazed skyward and clapped his hands together in dismay after reaching the base.
Both kept Rocket City’s lead intact.
The massive crowd included more than a dozen groups, led by more than a dozen groups, including 200-plus from Navy Federal, plus large number of standing-room spectators. The outfield berm in right field was filled to its capacity along every available patch of grass.
Pregame tributes and gifts began for Saturday’s guest of honor on Jim Reeves Bobblehead Night. The former attorney and long-time Pensacola political leader, an influential voice in the push to build the stadium, was joined by his son, Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves, along with many of his close friends in the community on the field before the game.
It was part of a scene that included several youth baseball teams running out with players during introductions.
When the game began, Rocket City again jumped to a lead. The Trash Pandas took a 3-0 lead after three innings against Blue Wahoos starter M.D. Johnson, who otherwise had a quality outing. He struck out six batters, walked only one and gave his team six solid innings.
Just like Friday, the Blue Wahoos used a home run to get their first run. Third baseman Harrison Spohn blasted his first of the year over the left field wall in the fifth inning.
In the sixth, Berry scored on a wild pitch, after reaching on a single and advancing on Jake Thompson’s single.
Blue Wahoos releivers Josan Méndez and Matt Pushard combined for three innings of stellar relief, allowing just one hit, and Pushard pitched out of a two-walk jam in the ninth by recoding three strikeouts.
In the ninth, Zach Zubia hit a one-out single. Bennett Hostetler connected on a 2-2 pitch from reliever Mason Erla, and sent it over the second base bag where the Trash Pandas infield shift paid off with a step-and-throw double play.
The Blue Wahoos (6-8) will try to gain a split of the six-game series on Sunday against the Trash Pandas (8-6), who have now won more games this week in this ballpark than in their previous three years combined.
The first pitch is set for 4:05 p.m.
GAME NOTABLES
There were 10 ceremonial first pitches before the game. Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves preceded his father with a strike toss, prior to Jim Reeves closing out the sequence. The elder Reeves, a 1956 Pensacola High graduate, who rose to be a leader in the Florida House of Representatives, the later served on Pensacola City Council and the Community Maritime Park board.
The National Anthem was performed for a second time this week by Jessica Voigt, the Blue Wahoos group sales and community relations trainee, and UWF student, who elicited a loud applause after her rendition.
SUNDAY FINALE
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Sunday, 4;05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Photo: Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Gets Senior Night DoubleHeader Sweep Of Escambia (With Galleries)
April 20, 2024
The Tate Lady Aggies celebrated a blowout senior night doubleheader sweep over the Escambia Gators Friday.
The Aggies outscored EHS 22-3 with wins off 11-0 and 11-3.
For game action photos, click here.
For Tate Senior Night photos and candids, click here.
The Lady Aggies also honored their seniors — Kate Balagbagan, Olivea “Liv” Latner, Lizzy McVay and Kylea Gibbs — between games.
Tate 11, Escambia 0
Kara Wine slammed two home runs as she drove in six during Tate’s 11-0 shutout of Escambia.
Wine homered in the first and fourth innings.
Peyton Womack earned the wine for Tate. She pitched a complete five innings, surrendering one hit and no runs, striking out three and walking one.
Wine, Amburleigh Laird, Lacy Wilson, and Elizabeth McVay each had two hits for the Lady Aggies.
Tate 11, Escambia 3
In the second game of the Friday double header, Tate beat Escambia 11-3.
Balagbagan earned the win for Tate, allowing six hits and three runs in seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.
Tristen Showalter was 4-4 for Tate, and Balagbagan went 2-4 Tate. Elizabeth McVay, Womack, Wilson, and Jordan Smith, each contributed a run.
Pictured: Tate Lady Aggies softball seniors (L-R) #7 Kate Balagbagan, #21 Kylea Gibbs, #6 Lizzy McVay and #10 Liv Latner. Also pictured: Game action Friday afternoon as Tate hosted Escambia at Tate. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chiefs Top Dawgs On Northview Senior Night (With Gallery)
April 20, 2024
The Northview Lady Chiefs earned a 6-1 senior night win over the Crestview Bulldogs Friday night in Bratt.
For action and senior night photos, click here.
Mikayla McAnnally earned the win for the Chiefs. She surrendered two hits and one unearned run over six and two-third innings, striking out five and walking one. Makayla Golson opened for the Chiefs, recording no hits, no runs, no strikeouts, and no walks in one-third of an inning.
Riley Brooks, Makayla Golson, and Chloe Ragsdale each had two hits for Northview. Riley Brooks and Bailey Burkett both had two RBIs.
Northview will travel to Urian on Monday to take on J.U. Blacksher.
Before the game, Northview recognized seniors Chloe Ragsdale, Makayla Golson, and Mason Edwards.
Pictured top: Northview Lady Chiefs softball seniors Chloe Ragsdale, Makayla Golson, and Mason Edwards. Also pictured: Action as Northview defeated Crestview Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate, Northview Fall In Friday Night Baseball On The Road
April 20, 2024
In Friday night high school baseball, both the Tate Aggies and the Northview Chiefs lost on the road.
Milton 9, Northview 6
A four-point lead evaporated as the Northview Chiefs fell to Milton 9-6 Friday night in Milton.
Robbie Bodiford, Brady Smith, Jackson Bridges, and Jase Portwood had two hits each for the Chiefs. Bodiford and Portwood had two RBIs each.
Jackson Bridges opened on the mound for Northview, giving up five hits and three runs in four innings, striking out four and walking three. Grayden Sheffield went for two-thirds of an inning, giving up three hits and six runs while walking four and striking out two. Portwood tossed one and a third, striking out three, walking none and surrendering no hits and no runs.
Up next, the Chiefs will be in action Tuesday against at the Tate Aggie at 6 p.m.
Fairhope 10, Tate 5
The Tate Aggies fell to the Fairhope Pirates 10-5 Friday night in Fairhope.
Clif Quiggins had a solo home run to right field in the top of the fourth for Tate.
Quiggins and Conner Hassell recorded two hits each for the Aggies. Quiggins, Ketch King, and Madox Land each had one run for the Aggies.
Tate will host Northview at 6 p.m. next Tuesday.
Jake Thompson Overcomes Tough Start In Blue Wahoos Comeback Win
April 20, 2024
by Bill Vilona
Jake Thompson had just returned this week from the injured list and three at-bats into Friday’s game, things weren’t going so well.
But then he made something special happen.
Thompson met a two-strike pitch and delivered a game-tying single in the eighth inning that led to the Blue Wahoos 5-4 comeback win against the Rocket City Trash Pandas, igniting an extended roar from a capacity crowd at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It was followed by relief pitcher Austin Roberts slamming the door in the ninth inning as he’s done in all four save opportunities this season with a stellar finish. The Blue Wahoos had trailed 4-0 into the fifth inning when chipping away at the deficit.
“To start the game off, I was 0-for-3 and it wasn’t pretty,” said Thompson, who was signed by the Miami Marlins in 2022 as a free agent following his collegiate career at Oklahoma State. “Had the bases loaded and (hit into) douple play and had two strikeouts. I wasn’t seeing the ball the best.
“But I knew I was going to have an important at-bat at the end, so I stayed locked in, stayed positive, was up cheering everybody on, having fun that we were coming back.
“There was a game my first year (in professional baseball) when I was in Jupiter (2022). I was like 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and then hit a go-ahead homer late in the eighth and it was like everyone forgot about it (early game struggles) except my mom. I got a text from her and goes, ‘At least you finally touched it.’
“That just made me relax and laugh a little bit. It’s like, I’ve done that before and been able to come through when I had the opportunity.”
The win evened the series for the Blue Wahoos (6-7) against the Trash Pandas (7-6), the Los Angeles Angels affiliate.
A perfect evening and filled seating bowl Friday included Pensacola’s Bubba Watson, the two-time former Masters champion who attended with his two children, and Miami Marlins assistant general manager Gabe Kapler, a former 14-year major league veteran and San Francisco Giants manager.
The Trash Pandas produced three runs in the second inning off Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer, then added another run in the fourth.
But the Blue Wahoos got back into the game when Javier Sanoja launched a two-run homer in the fifth inning. They trimmed the decifict to 4-3 after Dalvy Rosario tripled.
In the eighth, Jacob Berry led off with a double. He scored on Thompson’s single. With Thompson at second. Shane Sasaki produced a textbook bunt single that sent Thompson to third and runners on the corners.
Sean Roby then laced a pitch 114 mph off his bat that was hit so hard in caused the centerfielder to fall after catching the ball and Thompson scored the go-ahead run with ease.
“That eighth inning, that was team baseball executed perfectly,” Thompson said. “Beautiful line drive up the middle to center and gosh, since you were 10-years-old, that’s how you’re taught to score runs.”
The series will continue Saturday with M.D. Johnson on the mound. A limited number of tickets are still available.
GAME NOTABLES
Blue Wahoos players passed on T-shirts to the first 1,000 fans courtesy of game sponsor Woodlands Medical Specialist.
Cassi McGee, teacher of the year in Escambia County, was honored before the game by leading a parade of fellow teachers who received awards and Magee threw out a first pitch.
WANT TO GO? WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Saturday, 6:05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Jay Royals Slide Past Northview 4-0
April 19, 2024
The Jay Royals defeated the Northview Chiefs 4-0 Thursday night in Bratt.
Cadee Carroll earned the win for Jay, going a complete seven innings, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out one and walking three.
Jamison Gilman started for Northview in the circle, giving up seven hits and four runs in four innings, walking two and striking out two.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
Brett Watson went 3-3 for the Lady Royals while Carroll and Ella Nelson were both 2-3.
MaKayla Golson led the Chiefs at the plate, going 2-2 for the night. Mikayla McAnally pitched three innings, surrounding three hits, striking out one and walking one.
Northview will host Crestview at 6:30 Friday night, and Jay will host Flomaton at 6 p.m.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
