Barons Beat Blue Wahoos 8-4 To Even Series
May 15, 2012
Birmingham plated five runs in the top of the second inning, including a grand slam from third baseman Corey Smith, to lead the Barons to an 8-4 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Monday night at Pensacola’s multi-use stadium.
After Pensacola took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first thanks to part to DH Cody Puckett’s seventh home run of the season, Birmingham grabbed a lead they would not relinquish with a big second frame. CF Jared Mitchell led off the inning with a solo shot to left before the Barons loaded the bases with two walks and a single from 2B Jose Castro, which set the scene for Smith. The third baseman slugged the first pitch he saw down the left field line to clear the bases and give the Barons a 6-2 advantage.
The Blue Wahoos brought home single tallies in the fourth and fifth frames with 1B Joel Guzman leaving the yard for his fifth longball of the year in the fourth, while CF Ryan LaMarre singled and then was driven in on SS Didi Gregorius’ run scoring triple in the following frame. Birmingham would then plate additional insurance runs in both the sixth and seventh frames to increase the margin to 8-4.
LaMarre (2-3, 2 R, 1BB) and Guzman (2-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI) accumulated two hits on the night for the Blue Wahoos, while no Barons hitters recorded a multi-hit effort.
Barons starting pitcher Pedro Hernandez (5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 9 SO) earned his fifth win in as many starts after allowing four earned runs on six hits in five frames, while relievers Brandon Kloess (3.0 IP, 5 SO) and Leroy Hunt (1.0 IP, 1 SO) combined for the four perfect innings in support of Hernandez. Pensacola starter Daniel Corcino (5.0 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO) suffered the loss after yielding six earned runs on five hits in his five innings pitched.
With the series now tied at 2-2, the Blue Wahoos and Barons will meet Monday evening for the rubber match with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 pm at Pensacola’s bayfront stadium. RHP Tim Crabbe is scheduled to take the hill for Pensacola, while Birmingham is expected to send LHP Jose Quintana.
By Andrew Green
Wahoos Sweep Barons In Double Header
May 14, 2012
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were victorious over the Birmingham Barons in both games of their double header on Sunday afternoon at Pensacola’s multi-use stadium, winning the first game 8-0 before taking the subsequent contest 4-2 in front of another sellout crowd of 5,038.
Five Pensacola pitchers combined to shut out the Barons offense in the twin bill’s opener, which was the conclusion of Saturday night’s suspended game. RHP Kyle Lotzkar (6.1 IP, 2 H, 5 BB, 6 SO) earning the win after tossing 6.1 innings of two-hit ball, while also failing to yield a base knock in his first 5.2 frames. Birmingham LHP Nestor Molina (6.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) suffered the loss in the first game after allowing six earned runs on ten hits in 6.2 innings pitched.
The sixth through eight hitters in the Blue Wahoos lineup led the charge, hitting 8-for-10 in the contest with five runs, three doubles, a homer and three RBI. C Koyie Hill (3-3, 3 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB) provided the longball with a solo shot to left field in the fourth inning and also collected three hits, while OF P.J. Phillips (3-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI) also recorded a three-hit effort. In addition, 2B Brodie Greene (2-5, 2 RBI) and RF Josh Fellhauer (2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB) each tallied a pair of base knocks in the first contest.
Pensacola provided more power in the second game, with Fellhauer leaving the yard for his first roundtripper of the season in the opening frame to give the Blue Wahoos the early 2-0 advantage. The Barons however answered back with single tallies in the second and third frames thanks to 1B Seth Loman, who homered in the second before bringing home a score with an RBI single.
Both offenses would be silent until the sixth frame, when the Blue Wahoos made history with their first back-to-back home runs in the franchise’s history. After 3B Cody Puckett launched his team-leading sixth longball of the year, 1B Yordanys Perez followed with his first career roundtripper to put Pensacola ahead 4-2.
Blue Wahoos starter Mark Serrano (5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 SO) did not receive a decision despite allowing just two earned runs on four hits in five frames, while relievers Curtis Partch and Donnie Joseph were perfect in the final two innings in support of Serrano. Partch (1.0 IP) earned the win to improve to 1-2 with Pensacola and Joseph (1.0 IP, 2 SO) notched his sixth save of the year, fanning two in the last frame. Birmingham reliever Santos Rodriguez (3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 0-2 after yielding two earned runs in the final three innings.
The Blue Wahoos and Barons are slated to meet again Monday night, as Pensacola looks to clinch the series with a victory. RHP Daniel Corcino is expected to take the mound for the Blue Wahoos, while Birmingham is expected to send LHP Pedro Hernandez to toe the rubber. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the bayfront stadium.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: C Koyie Hill went 3-3 with a HR in the first game of Pensacola’s twin bill sweep. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Leroy Dashes Flomaton’s Championship Dreams
May 13, 2012
The Flomaton Hurricane’s hopes for a state championship were dashed by Leroy Saturday as they completed a best two out of three series at Hurricane Park.
The Leroy Bears beat the ‘Canes 16-6 Saturday to advance to the Class 2A championship game. Friday afternoon, Flomaton beat Leroy 2-1, while Leroy turned around to beat Flomaton 2-1 in the nightcap.
The game was tied 6-6 at the end of four, but the Bears jumped out with five in the fifth, three in the sixth and another two in the seventh for the win.
Leroy plays a best two of three for the state championship Wednesday and, if necessary, Thursday in Montgomery against Mars Hill.
For more photos from both Friday and Saturday play, click here.
Pictured top: Leroy defeated Flomaton Saturday. Submitted photo by Alisa Hart for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools Forced To Purchase New Football Helmets
May 12, 2012
The Escambia County School District is expected next week to approve the purchase of 451 high school football helmets for $60,885.
The purchase is necessary, according to the district, because a new national policy adopted by the Florida High School Athletic Association does not allow any helmet over 10 years old to be reconditioned. All helmets in the county are currently reconditioned and recertified each year for player safety. The rule was enacted over concerns about concussions and lasting injuries.
High school football programs typically pay for their own new helmets in Escambia County. But due to the high per school cost, the district will purchase the Riddell brand helmets and allow schools to repay the money in equal payments over three years.
At Northview High School, 28 of 64 total helmets will be replaced for a cost of $3,780. For the Tate Aggies, 55 of 464 helmets will be replaced for $7,425. At West Florida High School, the total cost will be $11,205 for the replacement of 83 of 129 football helmets.
Across the district, 46 percent of helmets are over 10 years old and will be replaced. The Escambia School District will piggyback on an Orange County Public Schools contract, saving an estimated $40,590 over the non-bid replacement cost.
NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Northview Dance Team Honored
May 12, 2012
Members of the Northview High School Dance Team were honored Friday afternoon at the school for their hard work and participation during the school year. The group performs at Northview football games and other school events under the direction of Heather Leonard.
Pictured above: (L-R, front) Courtney Lambert, Chloe Leonard, Ashley Cunningham, Danielle Scott, Morgan Digmon, (L-R, back) Anna Fischer, Shelby Nielsen, Lily Townson, Jessica Lowery, Rachel Presley and Samantha Barrow. Not pictured: Kinani Okahashi. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Beats Braves 4-3 In 10
May 11, 2012
Pensacola third baseman Cody Puckett drew a bases-loaded walk in the tenth inning as the Blue Wahoos held off the Mississippi Braves for a 4-3 extra-inning victory on Thursday night at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Mississippi.
Despite the defeat, the Braves won the series 3-2 thanks to their win on Wednesday afternoon. The win improves the Blue Wahoos’ record to 16-19, while Mississippi dropped to 14-21 with the loss.
SS Didi Gregorius got the extra frame started with a single, got to second on 2B Brodie Greene’s free pass and took third on a sacrifice bunt before 1B Joel Guzman was intentionally walked to load the bases. Puckett then came to the plate and drew a five-pitch walk to bring home Gregorius as the eventual game-winning run.
The Blue Wahoos wasted little time scoring with their two tallies in the first. CF Ryan LaMarre singled, moved to second on RF Josh Fellhauer’s base knock and came across on a Braves error, before Fellhauer was plated by Puckett’s run-scoring single to make it 2-0. LaMarre would later lead off the fifth with a single prior to Gregorius’ RBI double to right, which increased the margin to three.
Mississippi however would draw the game even at 3-3 in the sixth, with RF Keenan Wiley and SS Andrelton Simmons beginning the rally with back-to-back lead-off walks. Wiley would be sent in on a run-scoring base knock from C Evan Gattis, while Gattis subsequently scored on an RBI single from CF Todd Cunningham. After a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases, 2B Barrett Kleinknecht was plunked to force in the tying run.
Blue Wahoos closer Donnie Joseph (2.0 IP, 2 SO) earned the win after retiring each of the six batters he faced in the final two innings, while Braves RHP Billy Bullock (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 SO) suffered the loss after tossing the final frame. Neither Pensacola starter Tim Crabbe (5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO), nor Mississippi RHP Gary Moran (5.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO) factored in the decision after each allowed just a lone earned run in five innings.
LaMarre (2-4, 2 R, 1 BB), Gregorius (2-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI) and Puckett (2-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB) each collected two hits in the contest for the Blue Wahoos, while Cunningham (2-4, 1 RBI)was the only Braves batter to accumulate multiple base knocks. LaMarre’s single in the first extended his hit streak to nine contests, during which he has hit .375 (12-32).
Pensacola now heads back home for a five-game series with the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, beginning Friday night at 7:05 pm. RHP J.C. Sulbaran is slated to get the nod for the Blue Wahoos, while the Barons are scheduled to send LHP Matt Wickswat to the hill.
The Blue Wahoos will be hosting 2012 Masters champion and Milton High School graduate Bubba Watson during Friday evening’s contest, with Watson scheduled to throw out a first pitch pre-game. Fans attending Friday’s game are encouraged to wear green in honor of Watson winning golf’s famed ‘Green Jacket’ as part of a green out. In addtition, the first 1,000 fans to enter the gates will receive a Blue Wahoos beach towel, compliments of Florida Blue as part of Fan Appreciation Friday.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: Closer Donnie Joseph earned his fourth win of the year in the Wahoos’ 4-3 win. File photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Drop 3 In A Row
May 10, 2012
A trio of wild pitches from Blue Wahoos pitchers in the bottom of the seventh led to four runs as the Mississippi Braves took their third straight from Pensacola with a 5-3 win. For Mississippi, the victory secured a win in the five-game series.
The Blue Wahoos broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the seventh when Ryan LaMarre singled home Cody Puckett and Yordanys Perez to give Pensacola a 3-1 advantage.
Wahoos starter Daniel Corcino cruised through the first six innings allowing just one earned run. The right-hander exited after issuing a leadoff walk which started the four-run answer to the Wahoos top of the inning rally. Clayton Tanner (0-2) came in and faced two batters in relief of Corcino. He walked one and gave up a hit to another and threw a wild pitch which led to a run. Drew Hayes came in following Tanner and uncorked a pair of wild pitches. The first scored Adam Milligan from third, and the second scored two runners. Barrett Kleinknecht scored from third base and Andrelton Simmons scored from second giving the Braves a 5-3 lead. All four seventh inning runs the Braves scored, came home on wild pitches.
Tanner ended up taking the loss, while Cory Rasmus (1-0) got credit for the win out of the Braves bullpen. Mark Lamm (4) worked a perfect ninth to earn the save. David Hale started for the Braves and was charged will all three Blue Wahoos runs after working 6.1 innings. He gave up six hits, he walked three and he fanned three batters.
LaMarre was the bright spot for the Blue Wahoos offensively. He went 3-for-3 with a run scored and two RBI. He was the only Pensacola hitter with a multi-hit game.
The two teams wrap up the series on Thursday. The Blue Wahoos will send right-hander Tim Crabbe (1-2, 5.72) to the mound against Braves righty Gary Moran (0-1, 4.30). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. from Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss.
By Tommy Thrall
Jay Lady Royals Fall In State Championship Game
May 9, 2012
The Jay Lady Royals may have finished second Tuesday in the Class 1A State Championship game in Clermont, Florida, but they were still big winners in the eyes of the little Santa Rosa County town.
The Lady Royals finished their season at a respectable 21-4. It was the first ever appearance in a softball state championship game for Jay. And Tuesday’s 12-9 loss to Lafayette set a couple of records. The 21 total runs were the most ever scored in a FHSAA state final softball game. And Jay’s nine runs were the most ever scored by a second place team.
Only one Pensacola area team has ever brought home a state softball championship — that was Pace with the 5A crown in 2007. Jay joins just one other Escambia or Santa Rosa team to ever finish as a class runner-up — Tate (5A) in 2001.
Lafayette 12 — Jay 9
Lafayette jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first, but Jay answered to tie it at 3-3 by the end of the inning. Camille Driver and Michaela Stewart had RBI singles, while Syndney Lowery had a bases loaded walk. The inning ended for the Royals with the bases loaded.
The Hornets took a 5-3 lead in the third, as Jay was three up and three down.
The fourth ended with Lafayette with a 8-4 lead. The Lady Royals scored with a sacrifice fly from Samantha Steadham.
The fifth added a lot of excitement to the state championship game as it evened up 9-9. Jay had consecutive RBI singles from Becca Calloway and Camille Driver, and Tessa Hendricks was on an infield grounder. Olivia Wright had a two-run single for the tie.
But the Hornets stung again in with three runs, 12-9.
Pictured top: The Jay Lady Royals. Pictured inset: Tearful senior captains Tessa Hendricks and Becca Calloway tearfully accept their runner up trophy. Pictured below: A group of Jay fans made the long road trip to Clermont Tuesday to cheer on the Lady Royals. Submitted photos by Tori Reid for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos On Short End Of Rain-Shortened Game
May 9, 2012
The Blue Wahoos dropped a seven inning rain-shortened game with the Mississippi Braves 3-1. The Braves had runners at the corners with two outs in the bottom of the seventh when the rain started and the field was covered. The game was called after a 43 minute delay.
Mississippi scored first in the bottom of the second when Cory Harrilchak scored from third on a groundout by Barrett Kleinknecht. Harrilchak reached on a walk and then stole two bases before scoring on the groundout. The run was ruled unearned against Blue Wahoos starter Kyle Lotzkar who made his Double-A debut for Pensacola on Tuesday night.
The Wahoos evened the score in the fourth, when Joel Guzman singled home Brodie Greene to make it 1-1. That would be the only run Pensacola would scratch across against Braves lefty Sean Gilmartin (1-4).
In the fifth, the Braves got to Lotzkar for the winning runs. Phil Gosselin tripled home Andrelton Simmons for the first run of the inning. A batter later, Evan Gattis singled in Gosselin to give the Braves all they would need.
Lotzkar went six innings in his Blue Wahoos debut and was charged with two earned runs, three total, on five hits and three walks. He finished with two strikeouts in the losing effort. Gilmartin earned the win by allowing just the one run over seven innings. He surrendered six hits, walked just one and struck out a season-high nine batters.
The series continues on Wednesday morning. The Blue Wahoos will send right-hander Daniel Corcino (2-1, 2.61) to the mound against Mississippi righty David Hale (2-2, 4.73). First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m.
By Tommy Thrall
Lady Royals Advance To Historic State Championship Game
May 8, 2012
The Jay Lady Royals rallied top beat Port St. Joe 7-5 Monday in the state semifinal round to reach the Class 1A state championship game today.
Update: Jay lost to Lafayette Tuesday afternoon 12-9. A previous story is below.
Port St. Joe took an early 3-0 lead Monday afternoon in the first inning. In the bottom of the first, senior Tessa Hendricks knocked a solo homer over the fence of the National Training Center to make it 3-1.
The Lady Royals were on fire in the bottom of the second with four runs for a 5-3 Jay lead. The Royals had RBI singles from Olivia Wright, Tessa Hendricks and Ashlyn Geek.
Port St. Joe made it a tie game in the third with a couple of a RBI singles, 5-5.
The fourth and five innings were scoreless.
In the sixth inning, the Lady Royals added two. Olivia Wright had a single and made second on sacrifice bunt by Ashlyn Geek. Tessa Hendricks was walked. Then Port St. Joe committed a grave error on a fly to right, allowing the ball to roll to the fence. That sent Wright and Hendricks across the plate.
Then with three up and three down for Port St. Joe in the seventh, the Lady Royals secured the chance at the state championship game on Tuesday.