Wahoos Drop Second Game of Series To The Jacksonville Suns
May 17, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (18-24) dropped the second game of the series to the Jacksonville Suns (19-22), 3-2, at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Home runs accounted for all the runs in the game and starting pitchers Robert Stephenson and Chipper Smith combined for 14 strikeouts.
Stephenson had his longest outing of the season for the Wahoos; he gave up 3 R/ER in 7.0 innings pitched. The Reds’ top prospect struck out eight batters and walked just one, but he took the loss. The right-hander had pitched 13.0 consecutive scoreless innings before giving up a fourth inning home run to Brady Shoemaker. RHP Drew Hayes followed behind Stephenson with a scoreless eighth inning and a strikeout. RHP Justin Freeman pitched a perfect ninth inning and struck out one batter.
Travis Mattair broke up the no-hitter in the fifth inning for the second night in a row on a single to center. Juan Duran followed behind him with the game-tying home run to left field. It was Duran’s third homer of the season.
Smith made his Double-A debut for the Suns. The left-hander gave up 2 R/ER on three hits through 5.2 innings, which was his longest outing of the season. Smith struck out six Wahoo batters and gave up just one walk. RHP Jheyson Manzueta earned the win in relief of Smith; he gave up no hits through 2.1 innings. RHP Nick Wittgren earned the save, getting Juan Silverio to ground out to shortstop Austin Nola to end the game.
The Suns were aided by a couple of home runs from their four and five hitters. Shoemaker’s two-run home run in the fourth gave the Suns their first lead of the game. Catcher J.T. Realmuto took Stephenson deep in the seventh to take back the lead.
The Wahoos will start Jon Moscot (3-2, 1.97) in the third game of the series. Marlins top prospect LHP Andrew Heaney (3-2, 2.35) will go for the Suns.
by Tommy Thrall
Wahoos Fall 11-0 To Suns
May 16, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (18-23) fell to the Jacksonville Suns (18-22), 11-0, in the first game of the five-game series in front of a sellout crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Suns jumped on the Wahoos early for nine runs in the first three innings and never looked back.
RHP Daniel Corcino was chased from the contest just 1.2 innings into the game. Corcino gave up six runs, but only two of them were earned as an error in the second inning thwarted him from having a quick one-two-three inning. Brooks Pinckard pitched well in relief for the Wahoos; the right-hander threw a perfect sixth inning and struck out one batter.
Hits were hard to come by for the Wahoos as they managed just three throughout the game. Travis Mattair singled in the fifth to break up the no-hitter for RHP Jose Urena. Steve Selsky managed an infield hit to lead off the sixth, but the top of the order couldn’t bring home the defensive replacement. Brodie Greene got his second hit as a pinch hitter in the ninth.
Urena had a fantastic start for the Suns. The right-hander gave up two hits over 6.0 innings of work and struck out five Wahoo batters. The Suns have now won each of Urena’s last six starts. Edgar Olmos pitched 3.0 innings in relief and earned the save for the Suns.
The Suns exploded offensively over the first three innings of the game against the Wahoos. J.T. Realmuto led the charge for the Suns; he went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Realmuto is the 10th best prospect in the Marlins system and had an RBI in each of the first three innings. Leadoff hitter Brent Keys had a great night at the plate; he went 4-for-6 with four singles and three runs scored. Third baseman Alfredo Silverio hit a solo shot to lead off the top of the third and gave the Suns a 7-0 lead. Austin Nola doubled three times for the Suns and added two RBI to his ledger.
The Wahoos will send top prospect RHP Robert Stephenson (2-3, 3.72) to the bump in the second game of the series. The Suns starter has yet to be determined.
by Tommy Thrall
Wahoos Win Rain Shortened Game
May 15, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (18-22) defeated the Birmingham Barons (16-23), 3-2, in a rain-shortened contest at Regions Field in Birmingham. The Wahoos scored in the top of the fifth thanks to a Juan Silverio RBI double and the Barons would only get one more opportunity as the game was called due to rain in the middle of the sixth inning.
RHP Mikey O’Brien made the start for the Wahoos and earned his second win of the season. O’Brien allowed 2 R/0 ER on five hits and struck out two batters through 5.0 innings. The right-hander has lowered his ERA from 5.25 to 3.33 over his last three starts. RHP Terry Doyle took the loss for the Barons. Doyle pitched 6.0 innings and gave up three runs on eight hits.
Silverio led the Wahoos with two doubles and two RBI. Left fielder Donald Lutz hit his first home run since April 24th, a solo shot that put the Wahoos ahead in the first inning. Yorman Rodriguez had his third multi-hit game in a row and hit his first double since coming off the disabled list.
Birmingham’s Rangel Ravelo and Josh Richmond had a hit and an RBI each. Shortstop Jaime Pedroza went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored.
The Wahoos return to Pensacola Bayfront Stadium for a 10-game homestand on Thursday. The Wahoos take on the Jacksonville Suns in the first five-game set. RHP Daniel Corcino (3-3, 3.97) will start for the Wahoos and RHP Jose Urena (3-2, 5.63) will go for the Suns.
Late Rally Not Enough For Wahoos In 5-4 Loss
May 14, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos scored three runs in the ninth inning and left the tying run at second base in a 5-4 loss to the Birmingham Barons Tuesday night at Regions Field. The Barons scored five runs over the fourth and fifth innings against Wahoos starter Michael Lorenzen (L, 2-2) to shore up the series win over the Wahoos.
The Wahoos had a brief 1-0 lead after plating a run in the third, but the Barons rallied for two off Lorenzen in the fourth. In the fifth, Birmingham used four hits to score three more against the Wahoos starter. He allowed season highs in hits (8) and runs (5R/ER) over 5.0 innings. It was the first time this season he allowed more than two runs in a start.
Trailing by four runs in the ninth inning, the Wahoos loaded the bases with nobody out against former Wahoo Parker Frazier. A fielder’s choice, sacrifice fly and an error led to the three runs before the Barons escaped the jam to hang on for the win. Yorman Rodriguez paced the offense for Pensacola with a 2-for-4 game. Elvin Ramirez and James Walczak combined to work three scoreless innings out of the Blue Wahoos bullpen allowing just a hit each.
Barons (W, 2-2) starter Scott Snodgress held the Wahoos to just 1R/0ER over 7.0 innings to earn his second win of the season. Nester Molina (S, 1) came in to get the final out in the ninth and he picked up his first save of the year.
The two teams will wrap up the series on Wednesday morning beginning at 11a.m. RHP Mikey O’Brien will get the nod for the Blue Wahoos while RHP Terry Doyle will go for the Barons.
by Tommy Thrall
Summer Dance Workshop Offered At Byrneville Community Center
May 13, 2014
A Summer Dance Workshop will be offered at the Byrneville Community Center June 9-13.
Classes will be offered as follows:
- 8:30 – 9 am — Pre-ballet (ages 3-4)
- 9:15 – 10:15 am — Ballet I (ages 5-7)
- 10:30 – noon — Ballet II and Jazz (ages 8-10) 0-3 years dance experience
- 12:30 – 2 p.m. — Ballet III and Jazz (ages 9-teen) 4 or more years dance experience
Proper dancewear and dance shoes are required. An optional Summer Dance Workship t-shirt will be available for $15 at registration time. The registration deadline is June 2. Contact Heather Leonard’s Danceworks by email at hldanceworks@gmail.com or on Facebook.
A registration will also be held Thursday at the Byrneville Community Center from 6-7:30 p.m.
Pictured: Last year’s Heather Leonard’s Danceworks recital at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Cruise To 7-0 Win Over Barons
May 13, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos claimed their first win of the five-game set with Birmingham 7-0 on Monday afternoon at Regions Field. Jon Moscot (W, 3-2) dominated for the Wahoos turning in seven shutout innings on his way to his third win of the year.
Rey Navarro kick-started the offense by lacing a home run over the right field fence to lead off the game. The Wahoos scored in each of the next three innings and five of the next six frames. Navarro blew the game open with a bases-loaded two-run single in the sixth inning to make it a 6-0 Wahoos advantage.
Moscot was on cruise control after running into trouble in the third inning. The Barons loaded the bases against with no outs. Moscot coaxed the next three hitters into pop outs to wiggle out of the jam. He struck out six and walked just one in the winning effort.
Myles Jaye (L, 0-5) allowed four runs over five innings in the start for Birmingham. He walked three and fanned four in suffering his fifth loss of the year.
Navarro and Ross Perez paced the Wahoos offensively with three hits each. Navarro had three RBI while Perez scored three runs. Donald Lutz was held hitless in five at bats in his first full game back since getting sidelined with a hamstring injury back on April 24.
The series continues Tuesday night when the Blue Wahoos send RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 1.73) to the mound against LHP Scott Snodgress (1-2, 5.45). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. CT from Regions Field in Birmingham.
Barons Over Wahoos 3-2
May 12, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos broke a scoreless tie with two runs in the top of the ninth only to have the Barons hit a three-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning handing the Wahoos their second straight loss, 3-2. Christian Marrero, who was just activated from the disabled list before the game, avenged a three-strikeout game with a three-run opposite field home run with one out in the bottom of the ninth for the game winner.
Both teams traded zeros over the first eight innings of Sunday’s game in Birmingham before the Blue Wahoos finally broke through in the top of the ninth inning. Steve Selsky opened the inning with a base hit then alertly moved up two bases on Devin Lohman’s sacrifice bunt to the third baseman. The base went uncovered and Selsky took advantage. Ray Chang, a batter later, executed a suicide squeeze perfectly to score the game’s first run. Rey Navarro and Brodie Greene followed with back-to-back doubles to put the Wahoos in front 2-0.
The Barons rallied in the ninth against Shane Dyer (L, 0-1), who came into the game perfect in four save tries this season. He allowed a leadoff walk and a one-out single to setup Marrero’s game-winning home run.
Robert Stephenson was stellar in 6.0 innings in his start. He allowed just four hits with a walk and five strikeouts in the no-decision. Drew Hayes followed him with back-to-back scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth. Barons starter Chris Beck matched Stephenson for 6.0 innings. He also took a no-decision after allowing seven hits, two walks and one strikeout. Despite allowing both Wahoos runs in the ninth inning, Birmingham reliever Ryan Kussmaul (W, 1-0) earned the win.
Greene and Selsky paced the Wahoos offense with three hits each. Greene had a pair of doubles while all three of Selsky’s hits were singles.
Pensacola will try to get in the win column against the Barons on Monday afternoon. The Wahoos will send RHP Jon Moscot (2-2, 2.28) to the mound against RHP Myles Jaye (0-4, 5.25). First Pitch is set for 11:30 a.m. CT at Regions Field.
Wahoos Lose 2-1 To The Birmingham Barons
May 11, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 2-1 in a pitcher’s duel with the Birmingham Barons on Saturday night at Regions Field to open the five-game series. With the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning, Chris Curley singled home Jaime Pedroza from third to break the 1-1 tie and lift the Barons over the Blue Wahoos.
Pensacola broke up Nick McCully’s no-hit bid in the sixth inning on a base hit to right field by Brodie Greene. He then stole second base and scored on a Rey Navarro single for the game’s first run. Birmingham was quick to answer in the bottom of the inning to lock the game up at 1-1.
Daniel Corcino allowed just the one run but pitched out of trouble all game. His final line was impressive with 6.0 innings worked just the 1R/ER allowed on two walks and four strikeouts. Barons starter McCully matched him over 7.0 innings giving up just the 1R/ER on only three hits with a walk and a strikeout. Neither started recorded a decision.
In the ninth inning, Fabien Williamson (L, 0-3) allowed a one-out single to Pedroza. He then went to second on an errant pickoff attempt at first base, and up to third on a wild pitch. After a strikeout, the Barons loaded the bases on an intentional walk and an unintentional walk. Williamson battled back from a 3-0 count to work it full against Curley before he singled into shallow centerfield to drive in the winning run.
Pensacola had just three hits in the game, while the Barons had 12 and left 12 on base. Nester Molina claimed the win for the Barons with a perfect ninth inning out of the bullpen.
The Blue Wahoos will continue the series on Sunday with RHP Robert Stephenson (2-3, 4.41) on the mound against RHP Chris Beck (2-5, 4.93). First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. from Regions Field in Birmingham, Ala.
by Tommy Thrall
Wahoos Come From Behind For 4-2 Win Over The Lookouts
May 10, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (16-19) came from behind to win the rubber match against the Chattanooga Lookouts (14-20), 4-2. First baseman Travis Mattair’s two-run double capped a three-run eighth, which gave the Wahoos the lead and eventually the win.
RHP Mikey O’Brien made his second start of the season for the Wahoos. O’Brien, starting in the place of injured RHP Carlos Contreras, pitched well going 5.0 innings and giving up just two runs on three hits. Justin Freeman pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth while striking out three Lookout batters to earn the win for the Wahoos.
Shortstop Devin Lohman continued his hot series against the Lookouts with a solo home run in the second that cut the Lookouts lead to just one. Juan Silverio came up with a big RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at two before Mattair put the Wahoos ahead with his double.
RHP Garrett Gould had his best start of the season for the Lookouts, going a season-high 6.0 innings with a season-high nine strikeouts in the series finale. Gould gave up 1 R/ER on four hits and took a no decision. Gould allowed two runs or less for the third straight start. Juan Noriega took the loss for the Lookouts; the right-hander gave up 3 R/1 on three hits.
Chattanooga’s first baseman O’Koyea Dickson homered for the third time this series. Dickson’s first inning home run gave the Lookouts a quick 2-0 lead. It was the fourth time in the series that the Lookouts scored in the first inning.
The Wahoos will head to Birmingham to begin a five-game series starting Saturday evening. RHP Daniel Corcino (3-3, 4.35) will get the start for the Wahoos, while RHP Nick McCully (2-2, 6.33) will go for the Barons.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 4-2. Photo by (Warren Thompson/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
by Tommy Thralll
West Florida Jaguars Win 4A State Championship (With Photo Gallery)
May 9, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars won the 4A state championship in almost impossible grand style Thursday afternoon. The Lady Jags were down 5-1 with two outs in the seventh, before coming back to beat P. K. Yonge 6-5 in Vero Beach.
It was the first softball state championship for West Florida High. In face, it was the first team state championship of any kind for the school.
The Blue Wave’s pitcher was tossing a no-hitter all the way to the sixth inning when Nachelle Watson popped a single up the middle followed a single from Korina Rosario. Watson scored on a fielder’s choice to put the Jags on board at historic Dodgertown, 5-1.
Then with two outs, bottom of the seventh, Rosario had a grounder to the shortstop who threw wide to first base. That sent Emily Loring and Watson home, 5-3. Kristin Gunter’s hit sent Jibrasha Moore and Rosario home, 5-5.
Then Gunter crossed home plate on a winning hit from Ali Cutaio, setting of a wild celebration for the state champion West Florida Lady Jaguars.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: The 4A state champion West Florida High School Jaguars. Pictured inset: Coach Jessica Simpson is dunked by her team. NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
