Walks Haunt Wahoos In 6-4 Loss At Montgomery
April 26, 2023
Dax Fulton and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitching staff struggled to find the strike zone on Tuesday night, issuing a combined nine walks in a 6-4 defeat to the Montgomery Biscuits.
Fulton (L, 0-4) surrendered a career-high six walks, plus a two-run double to Evan Edwards and a two-run homer to Diego Infante, as the Biscuits built an early lead. The Blue Wahoos put up a fight, collecting RBI singles from Dane Myers and Will Banfield in the middle innings, but left the bases loaded in the sixth and two runners on in the eighth.
Biscuits starter Mason Montgomery was chased from the game in the fifth inning after a Griffin Conine double, but a bullpen effort from Michael Mercado, Enmanuel Mejia and Graeme Stinson (W, 1-0) kept the Blue Wahoos at bay.
Cristian Charle, Zack Leban and Jefry Yan combined to deliver 4.0 scoreless innings of relief for Pensacola in the defeat.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Biscuits on Wednesday morning at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery.
by Erik Bremer, Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Jefferson Homers, Pitches Complete Game As Northview Destroys Milton 17-3
April 25, 2023
With an 11-run fifth inning, the Northview Chiefs beat Milton 17-3 Monday night in Milton.
Jamarkus Jefferson pitched a complete run-ruled five inning game, allowing two hits and three runs while striking out four.
Jefferson had a homer in the fifth for the Chiefs and went 2-4. Josh Landis was also 2-4 on the night. Kaden Odom, Rustin Pope, Tyler Shaw, Ethan Collier, Trent Knighton and Cason Burkett had one hit each.
Northview will host Niceville Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in their final regular season game of the year.
Photos by Brystal Rhodes for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Late Wahoos Rally Falls Short In 3-2 Loss To Birmingham
April 23, 2023
he Blue Wahoos had set a ninth-inning stage Saturday to create their first walk-off win.
But they were unable to complete it.
Birmingham reliever Caleb Freeman threw a trio of wicked curve balls to strike out José Devers with the bases-loaded, preserving the Barons 3-2 victory before an overflow, sellout crowd on a fireworks night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Nearly all of the fans remained in the ninth when the Blue Wahoos got a one-out single by Dane Myers, then had Norel González reach on a walk. After J.D. Orr struck out, catcher José Estrada in his Blue Wahoos debut walked to load the bases and keep the crowd energized.
Devers, however, was unable to make contact with any of Freeman’s breaking pitches.
This night became the Blue Wahoos’ third consecutive capacity crowd on a perfectly clear night at the bayfront ballpark.
Blue Wahoos starting pitcher M.D. Johnson had one blemish Saturday on his otherwise solid start. He did not allow a hit in the first four innings.
But the Barons (5-9) punched through against Johnson in the top of the fifth, after it looked like he might pitch out of a jam.
He gave up a lead-off single, then a walk, then a bunt single to load the bases. Duke Ellis hit a flyout to left, but not deep enough to score a run. Taylor Snyder hit a ground out that Blue Wahoos third baseman Myers turned into a force out at the plate.
Moises Castillo followed and delivered a bases-clearing double into the outfield gap for the 3-2 lead, which held up for the finish. From this point, both teams’ bullpens took over and did not allow another run.
The game began well for the Blue Wahoos (6-8).
Johnson issued four walks in the first four innings, but picked off one runner in the third inning, then Estrada threw out another runner on a steal attempt in the fourth inning.
Estrada produced the Blue Wahoos’ first run when hitting a one-out double in the third inning. He then scored on a two-out single by second baseman Nasim Nuñez.
In the fourth inning, Troy Johnston led off with a triple. Victor Mesa Jr. followed with an RBI single. Dane Myers then singled. But with none out, the Blue Wahoos missed the opportunity for a big inning and it proved costly.
Barons starter Christian Mena battled back to retire the next three batters without allowing a ball out of the infield. He struck out Norel Gonzalez and retired Orr and Estrada on ground outs.
Blue Wahoos relievers Brady Puckett and Austin Roberts each had two shutout innings to keep the game in reach. Barons relievers Gil Luna and Freeman combined to pitch three shutout innings.
The Blue Wahoos will close out the homestand with the Barons on Sunday with Zach King (0-1, 4.26) making his second start this week against the Barons’ Chase Solesky (0-0, 2.57) in the final meeting of these teams in Pensacola this season.
written by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Northview Suffers 5-4 Senior Night Loss To Pensacola Catholic (With Gallery)
April 22, 2023
The Northview Chiefs fell short on a comeback attempt in a senior night 5-4 loss to Pensacola Catholic Friday night in Bratt.
Aubrey Stuckey went for a complete game, allowing seven hits and five runs while striking out six.
Chloe Ragsdale went 2-3 at bat to lead the Chiefs. Emma Gilmore and Allison Flowers added one hit each.
For more photos, click or tap here.
Before the game, the Lady Chiefs honored two seniors — pitchers Emma Gilmore and Aubrey Stuckey. On the first play of the game, Gilmore started at catcher. During her high school career, she had played every position on the field during a game except catcher.
Northview will host W.S. Neal Thursday at 6 p.m. in their last home game of the regular season.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
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Monteverde Masterful In 12-1 Wahoos Win
April 22, 2023
Troy Johnston has described hot hitting like riding a wave.
He caught another one Friday in helping the Blue Wahoos to a 12-1 win against the Birmingham Barons before another sellout crowd (5,038) at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Johnston drove in three runs with a pair of doubles, as the Blue Wahoos batted around in back-to-back, explosive innings while rolling to an easy win.
Their 14-hit attack combined with another impressive performance from starting pitcher Patrick Monteverde, who earned his second win with a 10-strikeout, three-hit effort in six innings.
With Monteverde, this is now a trifecta of exceptional.
In his three starts, Monteverde, 25, has been one of the best pitchers in the Miami Marlins minor league system with just five hits and one run allowed in 19 innings with 29 strikeouts. The Pittsburgh native began the year as the Marlins’ No. 30 prospect by MLB Pipeline.
“It’s incredible,” said Johnston. “When I was facing him in spring training – whenever I would see I was facing him – I almost would give my at-bat up, because I did not want to face him. That is how good he is. He is showing what he is capable of and he is an absolute bulldog on the mound.”
Monteverde faced the minimum nine batters the first three innings before allowing a one-out double to Moises Castillo, one of the Barons’ top prospects, who later scored their only run on a double steal.
The Blue Wahoos answered with a thunderclap of runs.
After coaxing five walks and two hits, but zero runs after three innings, against Birmingham starter Hunter Dollander (0-3), the Blue Wahoos exploded in their next at-bat.
Seven of the first eight batters reached in a six-run, fourth inning. Jose Devers tripled home two runs. Johnston later followed with a bases-clearing double.
“I hope I can ride the wave, but it’s a long season and I’m just going to try to do the best I can every day.”
In the fifth, nine Blue Wahoos batted, including Johnson’s second double, in a five-run inning. In all, every Blue Wahoos batter reached base. Eight scored runs. Seven of the nine batters had multiple hits.
Devers, Nasim Nunez and Victor Mesa Jr. all had two RBI apiece.
“It is a testament to what we have been doing. We have been working really hard,” Johnston said. “I know things haven’t been clicking all the time, but as you can see in the fourth and fifth inning, it clicked. Hopefully we can run with it.”
Jefry Yan pitched two scoreless innings with five strikeouts to follow Monteverde and Sean Reynolds pitched the ninth as Blue Wahoos pitchers combined for 16 strikeouts Friday.
Game five of this homestand is set for Saturday, with the Blue Wahoos’ M.D. Johnson (0-0, 3.38 ERA) going against Birmingham’s Christian Mena (0-1, 6.43).
written by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Northview Gets Senior Night 14-4 Win Over Central (With Gallery)
April 21, 2023
The No. 4 state ranked Northview Chiefs celebrated senior night with a run-ruled 14-4 win over Central Thursday night in Bratt.
The Chiefs jumped out to an 11-0 lead in the first inning.
Northview had one hit each from Kaden Odom, Luke Bridges, Josh Landis, Jamarkus Jefferson and Rustin Pope.
Odom earned the win on the mound for the Chief. In three innings, he allowed one hit and three runs while striking out five. Grayden Sheffield threw two innings in relief, allowing one hit and one run while striking out seven.
For game action photos, click or tap here.
Before the game, Northview honored 10 seniors — Rustin Pope, Cason Burkett, Kaden Odom, Josh Landis, Trent Knighten, Ethan Collier, Jamarkus Jefferson, Luke Bridges, Aron Chavira, and Tyler Shaw.
For senior night photos, click or tap here.
Northview will travel to Milton on Monday before hosting Niceville in the final game of the regular season on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
McAnally Gets Third Grand Slam Of The Week As Tate Shuts Out West Florida
April 21, 2023
Ethan McAnally had his third grand slam in two games Thursday night as the No. 9 Tate Aggies shut out West Florida 11-0.
McAnally’s long ball came in the second inning, and Bray Touchstone had a homer in the third.
Three Aggie pitchers combined for the shutout.
Gabriel Patterson three two innings for Tate, giving up one hit, no runs and striking out one. Rilee Lowery was on the mound for two innings, surrendering three hits and no runs while striking out four. Aiden Byrd tossed one inning, allowing no runs, not hits and striking out one.
James Davis went 3-3 for the Aggies, and Frank Randall was 2-3 to lead the Aggies at bat.
Tate’s Friday night varsity game against Pensacola High School has been canceled. Senior night has been moved to Tuesday as Tate hosts Escambia at 6:30 p.m. with senior night festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday night, McAnally had two grand slams and pitched a complete game as Tate beat Washington.
Pictured: Tate senior Ethan McAnally. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview Beats W.S. Neal; West Florida Walk-Offs Lady Aggies
April 21, 2023
Northview 9, W.S. Neal 5
The Northview Lady Chiefs beat the W.S. Neal Eagles 9-5 Thursday night in East Brewton.
Emma Gilmore pitched a complete game win in seven innings, allowing four hits and five runs while striking out one and recording no walks.
Mary-Clayton Dawson led Northview at the plate, going 2-4. Gilmore, Chloe Ragsdale, Jamison Gilman, Rylee Brooks, Aubrey Stuckey, Allison Flowers and Berklee Hall each added a hit for the Chiefs.
Northview will host Pensacola Catholic at 6 p.m. Friday with senior night festivities beginning at 5:15 p.m.
West Florida 3, Tate 2
West Florida got a walk-off win over the Tate Lady Aggies 3-2 Thursday night.
Tate was up 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth when West Florida’s Layla Justice singled on a 2-2 count to score two runs.
Jordan Smith allowed three runs and seven hits striking out five in seven and two-thirds innings.
Lacy Wilson and Kara Wine both went 2-4 for Tate. Tristen Showalter and Charli Vinson both added one hit.
The Tate Lady Aggies will close the regular season next Thursday at 6:30 p.m. as they host Milton.
Pictured: The Northview Lady Chiefs beat W.S. Neal Thursday in East Brewton. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pérez, Nuñez Lead Blue Wahoos To 6-0 Win
April 21, 2023
The new Mullets uniforms were unveiled Thursday at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
And the past form of ace pitcher Eury Pérez returned.
In a performance that reminded of so many last season, Perez allowed just two hits and completed five innings for his first win this season as Pensacola produced a 6-0 shutout against the Birmingham Barons on “Mullet Thursday,” before a sellout crowd of 5,038 at the ballpark.
Perez gained run support from the top of the batting order helping stake a 4-0 lead through four innings. The group was led by leadoff batter, shortstop Nasim Nuñez, who went 4-for-5 and No. 3 hitter, third baseman Joe Rizzo, who drove in three runs.
Perez, who turned 20 five days ago, and is the Miami Marlins top-rated prospect, stayed in command without his fastball ranging from 97-100 mph and mixed in his other three pitches well.
It was his longest and best outing since July 7, 2022 when he went six innings, allowed just two hits and one run in a game at the Mississippi Braves.
This night, Perez had five strikeouts and walked just one batter. He picked off a runner to end the fourth inning and worked out of a two-on, two-outs situation in the fifth inning.
Behind him, the Blue Wahoos bullpen of Patrick Murphy, Josan Méndez and Zack Leban combined on four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits.
The team wore its newly designed lime and blue jerseys and hats with the Pensacola Mullets logo in a nod to the nickname that finished second in fan voting before the inaugural 2012 season.
At the plate, four Pensacola batters had multiple hits. In addition to Nuñez, who drove in a run and scored a run, Rizzo doubled home the game’s first run, then had a two-run, two-out single in the fourth inning.
Will Banfield delivered a towering home run in the seventh inning for the final run.
The Blue Wahoos (5-7) also shined defensively with José Devers making a pair of gems by throwing out a runner from deep in his second base position then making a sensational leaping catch later in the game.
The fourth game of the series is set for Friday with the Blue Wahoos’ Patrick Monteverde (1-0, 0.00 ERA), who has allowed just two hits and no runs in two prior starts, taking the mound against Birmingham’s Hunter Dollander (0-2, 14.29).
written by Bill Vilona, photos Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Blue Wahoos Schooled In 4-1 Education Day Loss
April 20, 2023
The near-miss left Nasim Nunez shaking his head in a play that epitomized the Blue Wahoos’ 4-1 loss in Wednesday’s matinee game against the Birmingham Barons.
Nunez thought he had enough distance on a seventh-inning fly ball for a 3-run homer that would have tied the game. Instead, it settled into the glove of Barons right fielder Ben Norman at the base of the wall for the third out.
As Nunez paused after rounding first base, visibly frustrated, the sequence was part of a day of missed opportunities with the Blue Wahoos, who fell for a second time in the series during the first “Education Day” game in franchise history. Nearly 1,000 school kids from the Pensacola area attended as part of a field trip experience.
The Blue Wahoos had never played a mid-week, home game with an 11:05 a.m. start until Wednesday. They will do again on May 3 against the Mississippi Braves.
The Barons scored the game’s first run on a two-out single by Yoelqui Cespedes in the first inning. They took a 2-0 lead in the third when Blue Wahoos starting pitcher Dax Fulton made an errant pickoff throw at first base with the ball going down the right field line, enabling Duke Ellis to score.
Nunez drove in the Blue Wahoos’ lone run in the bottom of the third on a bases-loaded groundout. But the Blue Wahoos missed a chance for a bigger inning when Barons starter Matthew Thompson retired the next two hitters.
Fulton (0-3) finished his third start with five innings pitched, four runs allowed on six hits with five strikeouts.
The Barons scored their other two runs in the fourth off Fulton after a double by Xavier Fernandez and Norman’s sacrifice fly.
The Blue Wahoos were held to five hits with leadoff batter José Devers going 2-for-5. Victor Mesa Jr., who hit for the cycle in Tuesday’s game, extended his hitting streak to nine games with an eighth inning single.
The teams will continue the series on “Mullet Thursday” with top-rated prospect Eury Pérez (0-1, 5.00 ERA) on the mound for the Blue Wahoos against the Barons’ starter Garrett Schoenle (0-1, 3.18).
In addition to the team wearing “Pensacola Mullets” uniforms, plus adult beverage specials, the game’s other promotion is “Legalize Marinara Night” as a spoof with the pasta sauce. T-shirts will be available for purchase.
written by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos