Wahoos Win In Extra Innings
July 31, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (15-25, 46-64) won the series finale in extra innings, 1-0, over the Mississippi Braves (22-18, 61-48). With the win in the 10th inning, the Wahoos snapped their four-game losing streak to the Braves.
The Wahoos finally broke the scoreless tie in the 10th inning. Devin Lohman walked to begin the inning and Ray Chang laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him to second. After a wild pitch moved Lohman to third base, Yorman Rodriguez singled sharply up the middle to give Pensacola the lead. Rodriguez and Kyle Waldrop had multi-hit games for the Wahoos.
In the bottom of the 10th inning, Braves’ left fielder Mycal Jones began the inning with a walk. The Braves had successfully used the running game all series long, but for the second time in the game, Wahoos’ catcher Chris Berset threw out a runner at second. The Braves put together a couple of singles, but Shane Dyer was able to get Barrett Kleinknecht to ground into a double play to end the game.
RHP Michael Lorenzen had a terrific start for the Wahoos; he went 5.0 innings and allowed no runs on three hits. LHP Scott Maine, RHP Tim Adleman and RHP Carlos Gonzalez put together four straight scoreless innings before the game was sent to extra-innings. The trio struck out four batters and allowed just two hits. Gonzalez moved to 3-0 on the season with the win and Dyer earned his 12th save of the season.
RHP Mitch Atkins produced a fantastic start for the Braves. He went 7.0 innings and surrendered six hits while striking out four batters. RHP Jorge Reyes fell for the first time this season for the Braves.
Pensacola continues along their 10-game road trip as they head to Kodak, Tenn. RHP Ben Lively (0-5, 3.68) is set to start game one for the Wahoos. The Tennessee Smokies will send RHP Matt Loosen (4-5, 5.69) to the mound.
by Joey Truncale
Mississippi Downs Blue Wahoos
July 30, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their fourth straight to the Mississippi Braves, 4-3, on Tuesday night at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss. Robert Stephenson (L, 5-7) was plagued by seven walks over his 4.2 innings of work despite striking out six Braves hitters.
Mississippi scored their first run on a passed ball to match the Blue Wahoos first-inning run and tie the game early. Pensacola re-claimed the lead with a run in the third when Ryan Wright scored from second on a hustle double into shallow centerfield by Travis Mattair.
The Braves did the lion’s share of their damage in the fifth. Robert Stephenson fought his control with three walks in the fifth inning and he allowed just one single before exiting with the bases loaded and two outs and the game tied at two. James Walczak allowed a single to the first batter he faced, Braeden Schlehuber, which scored two runs and gave the Braves all they needed.
Stephenson allowed 4 R/3 ER over his 4.2 inning and matched his season high with seven walks to go with six strikeouts. He surrendered just three hits in the losing effort.
Braves starter Ryan Weber (W, 4-4) picked up the win after allowing just 3 R/ER on eight hits over 6.0 innings. Ryan Kelly (S, 2)came in to work a scoreless ninth for his second save of the year.
The Blue Wahoos will try to stop the skid on Wednesday with RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-5, 2.70) on the mound against Braves RHP Mitch Atkins (5-0, 4.65). First pitch is slated for 7:00 p.m. from Trustmark Park.
by Tommy Thrall
Braves Claim Third Straight Win Over Wahoos
July 29, 2014
Make it three nights in a row that the Braves have claimed a 6-2 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Trustmark Park. The Braves used a five-run first inning on Monday night to put the Blue Wahoos away in the middle game of the five-game set.
Jon Moscot (L, 5-10) was met with early adversity when he surrendered a three-run home run to Kyle Kubitza after starting the game with back to back walks. The Braves mounted a second rally in the first inning after two were out. Mississippi strung together four straight two-out hits to go up 5-0 before the first-inning ambush came to an end. Moscot settled down and retired the next seven batters he faced, and 10 of the next 12.
The Blue Wahoos got on the board with a pair of runs in the fifth. Juan Duran’s triple started the threat against M-Braves starter Williams Perez (W, 4-6). Brodie Greene knocked him in with his second single of the game, and Greene came home on a base hit from Yorman Rodriguez. Those were the only runs the Wahoos could put on the board against Braves pitching.
Greene was one of three Wahoos with a multi-hit contest. Duran and Travis Mattair had the other, and both finished 2-for-4.
Moscot was saddled with the loss after going 6.0 innings. He gave up the 5 R/ER on eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Perez picked up the win for the Braves after allowing 2 R/ER on seven hits over 6.0 innings.
Pensacola will try to snap their skid with RHP Robert Stephenson (5-6, 4.12) on the mound Tuesday night against RHP Ryan Weber (3-4, 4.54). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. from Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss.
by Tommy Thrall
Northview QB Club Reschedules Softball Tourney; Still Accepting Registrations
July 28, 2014
The Northview High School has rescheduled their double elimination coed softball tournament from August 2 to August 16. The tournament will be held from 8 a.m. until at Showalter Park in Century, with proceeds benefiting the Northview Chiefs football program.
For more information or to sign up a team, call Amy at (850) 516-8400 or Tony at (850) 516-5736.
Braves Win Second Straight Over Pensacola Blue Wahoos 6-2
July 28, 2014
For the second straight night, the Braves scored three late runs to take down the Blue Wahoos 6-2 at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss. Rich Poythress doubled home two in the eighth to put the game out of reach, before later scoring on a sac fly to give the Braves a four-run lead.
Pensacola started the game struggling offensively. Braves right-handers J.R. Graham and Greg Ross (W, 4-1) combined to face the minimum over the first 5.1 innings of the game before Brodie Greene broke through with a base-hit. Ryan Wright immediately followed that up with a two-run home run to pull the Wahoos within one in the sixth inning. That would be all for the Wahoos offensively.
Daniel Corcino (L, 9-9) allowed a pair of baserunners in the first inning before he settled down to retire the next eight batters he faced before he issued back to back walks to open the fourth inning. Both came home on a two-run triple from Daniel Castro, which was followed up by an RBI double from Mycal Jones.
Corcino was charged with 3 R/ER on three hits over 3.1 innings with three walks and three strikeouts in the losing effort. Drew Hayes was tremendous in relief going 3.2 innings without allowing a run to keep Pensacola in the game. He allowed just one hit with a strikeout in the longest outing of his career.
Much like the Braves seventh inning rally on Saturday night, Mississippi started their three-run eighth on Sunday with a bunt single. Mississippi used their speed effectively Sunday totaling seven steals including three in the eighth.
Graham didn’t factor a decision after going two perfect innings with a strikeout in his start. The win went to Ross after he allowed just 2 R/ER on four hits over 5.0 innings.
Pensacola will turn to RHP Jon Moscot (5-9, 3.18) against Braves RHP Williams Perez (3-6, 3.51) in the middle game of the five-game series on Monday. First pitch is slated for 7:00 from Trustmark Park in Mississippi.
by Tommy Thrall
Wahoos Record 100th Sellout With Win Over Mobile’s Baybears
July 26, 2014
On a historic night when the Pensacola Blue Wahoos recorded their 100th sellout in only its third season, Michael Lorenzen became the team’s first pitcher to hit a home run.
It wasn’t just any home run, it was a two-out grand slam that broke a 1-1 tie and vaulted Pensacola to a 7-1 lead over the Mobile BayBears, who have the best record in the Southern League.
Pensacola never looked back and went on to win its fourth straight game – tying its longest streak of the season – with a 9-1 victory in front of 5,038 fans at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
Lorenzen said he wished it was his pitching, not his hitting, that fans gave him a standing ovation for during a curtain call.
“It was one of the best feelings ever,” he said afterward. “It stunk that I had to do it as a batter instead of a pitcher. But everyone loves playing here and we want to make the fans happy.”
Lorenzen came to the plate with the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the third inning. The BayBears highly touted Archie Bradley, who is the Arizona Diamondbacks No. 1 pitching prospect, intentionally walked Brodie Greene to pitch against Lorenzen. Greene had doubled in Kyle Waldrop to tie the game at 1 in the second inning, which extended his hitting streak to eight games.
Pensacola Manager Delino DeShields knows what Lorenzen can do at the plate from jacking balls out of the ballpark during batting practice. Lorenzen, who played outfield for Cal State Fullerton last year before being drafted by Cincinnati, hit .335 with seven homers and 35 RBI in college. For the Wahoos this season, Lorenzen leads all pitchers with a .227 average and five of his hits now include three doubles and a grand slam.
“I was not expecting a home run but I knew if he got a strike he would do something with it,” DeShields said. “Mike’s a good hitter.”
Lorenzen’s last grand slam came for Cal State Fullerton in 2013 when he knocked one out in the first inning after coming straight from his brother’s wedding.
The Wahoos bullpen also put up another good outing, allowing no hits in five innings. James Walczak who relieved Lorenzen in the fourth inning, pitched three innings, allowed one hit and struck out six, including five in a row. Walczak entered the game having given up four runs in 1.1 innings in his last outing.
Both Lorenzen and Walczak emphasized how much they enjoy playing in front of sellout crowds at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium that’s on the scenic waterfront in downtown Pensacola.
“I love this Pensacola atmosphere,” Lorenzen said. “It’s been fun all year, even though, it has not been a good season for us. We enjoy making everyone go wild.”
Walczak said he feeds off the energy of the Pensacola fans.
“It’s energizing for us,” he said. “We know the fans are there for us whether we win or lose. I love how Pensacola takes care of us.”
DeShields said on Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer’s 63rd birthday, he was happy to get the 100th sellout and the win. It was the 29th sellout in 55 home games this year and puts the Wahoos on pace to surpass 300,000 fans total for the third year in three seasons.
“A big shoutout needs to go to the staff and Quint Studer for all they do,” DeShields said. “It’s a credit to them. This is an excellent venue for the fans.”
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos start a five-game series with Atlanta Braves Double-A affiliate Mississippi Braves at 6 p.m. Saturday. RHP Ben Lively (0-4, 3.52) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the Braves RHP Jason Hursh (8-6, 3.70).
Varsity Northview Cheerleaders Attend Florida State Camp
July 25, 2014
The Northview High School varsity cheerleaders recently attended a two-night stunt camp at Florida State University.
The team received an overall superior rating and the “Banana Spirit Award”. Kendal Cobb received the “Pin It Forward Award”, and Morgan Ward and Megan Bryan were selected as All-American Cheerleaders. Ward and Bryan will have an opportunity to take part in the London New Year’s Day parade.
“We are anticipating a great season,” Coach Megan Carroll said.
Pictured top: The Northview High School varsity cheerleaders recently attended a stunt camp at Florida State University. Pictured below: Morgan Ward (left) and Megan Bryan (center) where selected as All-American Cheerleaders, and Kendal Cobb received the “Pin It Foward Award”. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three In A Row: Blue Wahoos Beat The Mobile BayBears
July 25, 2014
Bryson Smith broke an 0-for-15 slump since returning to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos lineup in Hollywood-type fashion.
Smith belted a grand slam in the third inning that put the Wahoos ahead, 7-2, against Southern League South Division leader the Mobile BayBears. Pensacola held on to win its third straight game, 7-6, Thursday in front of a sellout crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos took their first series in the second half with the dramatic win.
It was the right fielder’s first RBI since June 15, 2013. That’s when Smith made an all-out play that cost him the second half of last season and a majority of this one. Chasing down a fly ball, he climbed the right field wall and his foot got stuck in the fencing’s padding, tearing every ligament in his ankle and shattering his fibula in six places. Smith still managed to catch the ball.
Smith hoped to play through the injury this season but went back on the DL on April 25 because of bone chips as a result of the surgery to repair the initial breaks. He was activated July 7 and sent to High-A Bakersfield before rejoing the Wahoos July 18.
“A fairytale would have been in my first at bat back, not my 20th,” said a smiling Smith, who still has no feeling on the outside of his leg and foot. “It’s a relief. It’s been a year since I’ve felt good. I’m still not 100 percent now, but I’m just glad to be playing.”
Before the injury, Smith was a career .308 hitter in his three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds organization. He admits it’s a miracle to be back in the game he loves and still trying to reach the Major Leagues one day. Smith plans to get a lot of rest in the offseason and lots of at bats in winter ball.
“To God be the glory that I’m here and talking to you,” he said. “I definitely have not given up hope. I know I can do it. My goal is to be in Cincinnati.”
Travis Mattair, Smith’s roommate, remembers watching the horrific accident, He says he will also remember Smith’s grand slam.
“I’m so excited for him,” Mattair said. “That was a big one tonight. We’re all happy to see it.”
Pensacola Blue Wahoos Manager Delino DeShields said he wishes Smith the best of luck in his long comeback.
“I’m really glad to see him here,” DeShields said. “He’s a very fortunate young man to just be here playing baseball still. I think he has been pressing a little bit but it was good to see him get one tonight.”
For the second consecutive game, Mobile’s shortstop Nate Sansom started the game with a home run driving a 95 mph fastball from Pensacola starting pitcher Robert Stephenson over the left field fence. Stephenson settled down getting 11 outs in a row at one point before exiting after 4.1 innings of work and seven strikeouts. In all, five Wahoos pitchers combined for 15 Ks.
Pensacola immediately came back with two runs in the bottom of the first and then got five more in the third inning, including four on Smith’s shot to leftfield.
The finale of the five-game series with Arizona Diamondbacks Double-A affiliate Mobile BayBears gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Friday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-5, 2.72) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the BayBears RHP Archie Bradley (1-0, 1.78). Bradley is the top prospect in the Diamondbacks’ system and the top pitching prospect in all of baseball.
Pictured: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Mobile BayBears 7-6 Thursday in Pensacola. Photos by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Cheerleaders Attend Summer Camp
July 24, 2014
The 2014-2015 Ernest Ward Middle School Cheerleaders attended a three-day Universal Cheerleaders Association camp at the school this week. The camp wrapped up Wednesday afternoon with a performance for family members and an awards ceremony. Gabrielle Kline, Madison Sherouse, Nikoal Creamer and Jayda Crabtree were named UCA All-American Cheerleaders and will have the opportunity to participate in the Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade later this year. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Second Straight
July 24, 2014
How can you out do the excitement of having two of the greatest football players in college history at the Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball game?
You hit a two-out blast over the left field wall that wins the game for the home team, 3-2.
That’s exactly what Travis Mattair, who has the most home runs in Wahoos history with 22 over the past two seasons, did. He jacked a deep homer in the seventh inning that broke a 2-2 tie and ended up the game-winner against the Mobile BayBears at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. It was the Wahoos second straight win over Southern League South Division leader Mobile.
Wednesday’s game began with former Heisman Trophy winners and national champions Charlie Ward, a Florida State Seminoles quarterback, and Danny Wuerffel, a Florida Gators quarterback. Ward won his Heisman in 1993 and Weruerffel in 1996. Although the fans cheered loudly for them, most of the Wahoos were too young to remember the college superstars.
But Mattair out shone the legendary guests, especially since he has struggled with a season-long slump at .225. He went 3-4 Wednesday, though, adding two singles. He now has nine home runs and 44 RBI on the year.
Mattair said he’s following advice given to him by Cincinnati Reds great Ken Griffey Sr. who told him to play the game like he did when he was a boy during a slump in High-A Bakersfield.
“I’ll never forget that,” Mattair said. “I’m just trying to have fun and contribute to the team. It has been kind of a tough year but I can still make this a good year.”
Pensacola manager Delino DeShields said Mattair’s attitude remains positive on the field and off.
“Moose still has a pulse there,” DeShields said. “He’s still battling. His attitude hasn’t changed even through his struggles.”
DeShields also liked having a new middle reliever in Ben Klimesh who got called up from High-A Bakersfield on Wednesday. In his debut, Klimesh got the win by throwing a scoreless seventh inning.
“That was the biggest inning of the night,” DeShields said. “Putting up a zero gives us a chance to win. I thought (Klimesh) was very good out there.”
The BayBears got on the scoreboard first when Nate Samson started the game with a home run. However, the Wahoos came right back in the bottom of the first inning with two runs when Ross Perez singled in Brodie Greene and Kyle Waldrop hit a deep fly ball to left field to score Perez.
After the first inning, starting pitcher Jon Moscot retired 11 in a row after getting a double play to end the first inning. He allowed six hits and one walk and struck out two in six innings of work.
Mobile’s Jake Lamb, hitting .353 with runners in scoring position, hit a deep sacrifice fly to right field to score Samson from third to tie the game at 2 in the sixth inning, setting up Mattair’s heroics.
The fourth game of the five-game series with Arizona Diamondbacks Double-A affiliate Mobile BayBears gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. RHP Robert Stephenson (5-6, 3.84) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the BayBears RHP Bradin Hagens (8-4, 3.95).