Wahoos Win Pitcher’s Duel
May 9, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts, 3-2, on Thursday night in front of a sell-out crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (15-19) evened the series in a game in which the starting pitchers shined for both Pensacola and the Lookouts (14-19).
RHP Michael Lorenzen was fantastic in the start for the Wahoos. Each of the first four batters of the game reached for the Lookouts, but Lorenzen was able to work out of the jam and twirl a gem. Lorenzen retired twenty straight batters from the first inning into the seventh and struck out six Lookout batters during the process. The right-hander pitched 7.0 innings and gave up just three hits. RHP James Walczak pitched a perfect eighth inning and struck out one batter and earned his first win of the year.
The Wahoos had a tough time getting hits off of Lookouts starter Andres Santiago. Their first run in the contest scored on an error by second baseman Ryan Adams. Juan Silverio continued his hot hitting in the series, going 3-for-4 with three singles. Right fielder Juan Duran hit an RBI double into the left field gap to score Silverio all the way from first and give the Wahoos the lead in the eighth. Left fielder Steve Selsky added an insurance run with an RBI single to score Duran; Selsky went 3-for-4 with a double on the game.
Santiago had his longest outing of the season; he gave up 1 R/0 ER on five hits through 6.1 innings. Santiago added five strikeouts to his ledger. Reliever Pedro Baez took the loss for the Lookouts; the right-hander pitched 1.2 innings and gave up two runs on four hits.
Jeremy Hazelbaker led off the game with a triple down the right field line and later scored on a Brian Cavazo-Galvez single. Left fielder Scott Schebler had an RBI single in the ninth to cut the lead to one, but Shane Dyer struck out Chris O’Brien to end the game with the tying run at third. Despite allowing the ninth inning run, Dyer remained perfect in his four save tries.
RHP Mikey O’Brien (1-2, 4.24) will make his second start of the season for the Wahoos in the series finale on Friday. O’Brien pitched well in a spot start last week, giving up just 1 R/ER on three hits through 5.0 innings. The Lookouts will counter with RHP Garrett Gould (1-4, 6.41).
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 3-2 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium Thursday. Photo by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida Wins, Advances To State Championship Game (With Photo Gallery)
May 8, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars are headed to the 4A state championship game on Thursday.
The Lady Jags beat defending state champions Gulliver Prep 3-0 Wednesday at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. WFHS will play P. K. Yonge Thursday for the shot at West Florida’s first-ever softball state championship.
Korina Rosario pitched a two-hit shutout, striking out 12. For West Florida, Kristen Gunter was 2-2 with a RBI; Nachelle Watson was 2-3 with a RBI and run scored; Jordaine Watkins was 1-2 with a triple; Brianna Rogers was 1-2 with a triple and run scored. The Jags scored two in the first inning and one in second inning.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Drop Second Straight
May 8, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were shut out by the Chattanooga Lookouts, 6-0, on Wednesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-19) mustered just four hits against the Lookouts (14-18), who won their second straight game over Pensacola.
RHP Jon Moscot made his seventh start of the season for the Wahoos and gave up 3 R/ER and seven hits in 6.0 innings pitched. Moscot struck out five batters, which is tied for his second most strikeouts in an outing.
The Wahoos struggled for the second straight game to find hits against the Lookouts. Shortstop Devin Lohman went 1-for-5 with a single and a stolen base. Juan Duran and Chris Berset singled consecutively in the bottom of the seventh, but a double play thwarted the Wahoos rally. Duran ended the night 2-for-4, adding a double to his ledger in the ninth.
Chattanooga’s starting pitcher Chris Reed was fantastic for the Lookouts. The left-hander went 6.0 innings and gave up just one hit, which came from the leadoff hitter Lohman in the bottom of the first. Reed struck out seven and gave up just one walk to the Wahoos. RHP Juan Gonzalez came on in relief of Reed and gave up two hits, but pitched a scoreless seventh for the Lookouts.
Darnell Sweeney led the way offensively for Chattanooga. He went 2-for-5 and his fourth inning two-run home run broke the game open for the Lookouts. Third baseman Daniel Mayora had another successful day at the plate; he went 1-for-4 with an RBI sacrifice fly. Ozzie Martinez put the game away in the eighth with a pinch-hit solo home run off of reliever Justin Freeman.
The Wahoos will send RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 1.82) to the bump to try and even the series with the Lookouts. Chattanooga’s RHP Andres Santiago (0-2, 6.08) will oppose Lorenzen on the mound.
by Tommy Thrall
Northview, West Florida Out Of Baseball Playoffs; Catholic Advances
May 7, 2014
Both Northview and West Florida were knocked out of the regional semifinals in their respective classes Tuesday, while Pensacola Catholic advanced.
The Northview Chiefs lost to Bozeman 12-2 in the Class 1A regional semifinals Tuesday at Bozeman. The Chiefs ended their winning season at 15-7.
In 4A action, Catholic beat the West Florida Jaguars 8-0. West Floirda finished their season at an even 17-17. Nick Lackey went 2-4 at bat for the Jaguars, while Kyle Harrison was 1-2.
Catholic moves on to the Region 1-4A championship game at 7 p.m. Friday against the Jacksonville Episcopal Eagles at Jacksonville Episcopal High School.
Wahoos Fall 7-3 To Lookouts
May 7, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Chattanooga Lookouts, 7-3, on Tuesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-18) had their winning streak snapped at four games by the Lookouts (13-18), who won just their second game over their last seven contests.
RHP Robert Stephenson made the start for the Wahoos and gave up 3 R/0 ER in 5.0 innings pitched. Stephenson struck out nine batters, his highest strikeout total as a starter this season. RHP Drew Hayes pitched 1.0 inning in relief and struck out the side in the top of the ninth.
The Wahoos struggled to find runs in the game against Lookouts starting pitcher Tyson Brummett. Brummett retired 15 batters in a row from the end of the first inning into the sixth inning. Juan Silverio had a hit in his third straight game; he went 2-for-4 in the contest and scored a run. Catcher Ross Perez continued to swing the bat well and went 3-for-4 with three singles.
The Wahoos staged a comeback in the ninth inning off RHP Matt Shelton. Steve Selsky’s RBI groundout scored Ross Perez, and Devin Lohman’s RBI double scored recently added catcher Chris Berset. The comeback fell short in the ninth when Shelton shut the door with a strikeout and a groundout to finish the contest.
Brummett has been fantastic this season for the Lookouts and lowered his ERA to 0.49 after tonight’s start. He gave up five hits in 7.0 innings of work and surrendered just 1 R/0 ER.
The Lookouts continued to swing the bats well and had their second grand slam in as many nights. Daniel Mayora hit the grand slam in the seventh inning for the Lookouts and added a two-run double to his ledger. He finished with six RBI in the game, the second straight night a Lookouts player had a six-RBI game.
The Wahoos will send Jon Moscot (2-1, 1.93) to the bump on Wednesday night. Moscot has been fantastic over his last two starts; he’s 2-0 and has given up just five hits over 15.0 innings pitched. The Dodgers eighth best prospect, LHP Chris Reed (2-1, 2.19), will start for the Lookouts.
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lose to the Chattanooga Lookouts 7-3 Tuesday. Photo by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Royals Win Regionals, Headed To State
May 6, 2014
For the second time in three years, the Jay Lady Royals are headed back to the state softball tournament.
The Lady Royals beat Port St. Joe 6-5 Monday afternoon to claim the Region 2-1A championship.
Chassity McCranie pitched the win for Jay, allowing five runs, 10 hits, striking out seven and recording four errors in seven innings pitched.
For Jay (24-3) — Michaela Stewart 5-5, run, 2 RBIs, HR; Harley Taggert 2-4, RBI; Dana Blackmon 2-4, run; Emily Dodson 1-1, run, RBI; Taylor Moore 1-4, run, RBI, double. Stewart’s solo homer in teh third was over the fence — and through a truck’s back window.
The Lady Royals will play Bell in the state semifinals on Friday morning at 10:35 a.m. Eastern at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach.
Pictured: The Jay Lady Royals celebrate their 6-5 win over Port St. Joe for the Region 2-1A championship Monday in Jay. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Fourth Straight
May 6, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts, 9-8, in the first game of the series on Monday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-17) won their fourth game in a row, their longest winning streak of the season. The Lookouts (12-18) staged a big comeback scoring five runs in the seventh, but couldn’t score on the Wahoos bullpen over the final two innings.
RHP Daniel Corcino pitched well in the series opener, giving up 3 R/ER in 6.0 innings. Corcino allowed just four hits and had two strikeouts on the evening. RHP Shane Dyer earned his third save of the season giving up just one hit in the ninth inning.
The Wahoos had a huge night offensively and were led by Juan Silverio. The third baseman went 3-for-4 with a home run, double and two RBI. Silverio was just a triple shy of the cycle. Center fielder Beau Amaral drove in his second run at Double-A level and went 2-for-5 on the night. Rey Navarro hit the ball well all night and ended up going 1-for-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly. The Wahoos scored at least five runs so use the promo code WAHOOS and receive 50% off your entire order Tuesday at PapaJohns.com
Chattanooga’s Raydel Sanchez started his second game of the season and was chased from the game quickly by the Wahoos. The right-hander gave up 7 R/ER on six hits and made it just 3.2 innings. Nick Struck came on in relief in a Lookouts uniform for the first time this season and gave up 2 R/ER on five hits in 2.1 innings pitched.
O’Koyea Dickson led the charge and the comeback for the Lookouts; he hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and had a six-RBI night. Left fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker had a multi-hit night going 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.
Minor League Baseball announced today that the Blue Wahoos were one of the top 25 teams in licensed merchandise sales for 2013. Minor League Baseball’s 160 teams combined for more than 55.4 million in retail sales last year.
The Wahoos will send RHP Robert Stephenson (2-2, 5.40) to the rubber for game two of the series on Tuesday. The Lookouts will counter with RHP Tyson Brummett (2-2, 0.61).
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 9-8 Monday. Photos by (Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Third In A Road, Takes Series Over Jackson
May 5, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos won the rubber match against the Jackson Generals on Sunday. The Wahoos (13-17) exploded offensively to win their third game in a row over the Generals (14-16). Brodie Greene led the game off with a home run in the top of the first inning and the Wahoos never looked back.
RHP Mikey O’Brien made his first start of the season for the Wahoos. O’Brien had his longest outing of the year; he went 5.0 innings and gave up just one run. The right-hander struck out four batters and surrendered three hits. LHP Fabian Williamson was fantastic in relief of O’Brien, pitching 3.0 innings and giving up just one hit.
Greene went 3-for-6 with three RBI, including his first home run of the year. Bryan Anderson once again was a key component to the Pensacola offense. He went 3-for-4 with three RBI and hit his second triple of the season. Juan Silverio bounced back after a tough start to the series; he went 2-for-5 with an RBI. The Wahoos scored at least five runs so use the promo code WAHOOS and receive 50% off your entire order Monday at PapaJohns.com
Jackson’s Tyler Olson made his first ever Double-A start and the Wahoos hit him hard. Olson made it only 4.0 innings, giving up 10 hits and 6 R/ER. Moises Hernandez came on relief and steadied the ship for the Generals; he went 3.0 innings and gave up 1 R/0 ER. Jackson’s third baseman Ramon Moria had the only RBI on the evening for the Generals, a solo shot off of O’Brien.
The Wahoos will return to Pensacola Bayfront Stadium Monday to take on the Chattanooga Lookouts for a five-game home stand. RHP Daniel Corcino (2-3, 4.26) will head to the bump for the Wahoos in the first game of the series. The Lookouts have yet to determine their starting pitcher for Monday.
by Joey Truncale
West Florida Softball Headed To State Semi’s (With Photo Gallery)
May 5, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars made school history Sunday, earning the teams first ever trip to a state softball tournament. The Lady Jags earned the state berth with a tight 2-1 Region 1-4A championship win over West Nassau.
Korina Rosario pitched the win for the West Florida in seven, with two walks, one run and three strikeouts.
Rosario was 2-3 with walk; Kristin Gunter was 2-4 with a double and RBI; Ali Cutaio went 1-3 with a double; Jibrasha Moore was 1-3 with a sacrifice bunt; Breana Roger went 1-3; Emily Loring was 1-3 with the winning RBI.
The West Florida Lady Jaguars will play the Gulliver Preparatory Raiders in the 4A semifinals on Wednesday. The game begins at 10:35 a.m. Eastern at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. Admission is $9 per person, and parking is $8. The winner advances to a Thursday morning state championship game against either P.K. Yonge or Mulberry.
Pictured top: The West Florida High School Lady Jaguars won the Region 1-4A championship Sunday near Jacksonville. Pictured: the Lady Jags celebrate. NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
Regional Champs! Tate Lady Aggies Headed To Final Four
May 4, 2014
The Tate Lady Aggies won the Region 1-7A championship game Saturday night 5-1 over East Ridge.
Casey McCrakin hit an over the left field fence homer in the bottom of the first for the Lady Aggies. The Aggies improve their lead to 3-1 with consecutive doubles from Tori Perkins and Kaylen Rowell. McCrackin scored two runs — on a sacrifice fly from Rowell in the second and a fielder’s choice also from Rowell in the third.
Next up for the Aggies is a road trip to the final four state semifinals in Vero Beach against St. Thomas Aquinas Friday afternoon, with their eyes set on the state championship game on Saturday.