Offensive Woes Continue As Wahoos Drop Third Straight To Barons
May 23, 2025
The Blue Wahoos got one opportunity Thursday to change the game.
It almost happened.
But instead, the wrong side of an existing pattern continued in a 4-2 loss against the Birmingham Barons, the third setback in as many games this week against the Southern League’s North Division leaders at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Taking on their alternate identity as the Pensacola Mullets on Mullet Thursday didn’t flip the lack of run production, which has ailed the team for most of the past couple weeks.
Trailing 4-1 in the eighth inning, the table was set for a comeback. Pensacola loaded the bases with one out. The Blue Wahoos had the right hitter, Jake Thompson at the plate. He put a charge into a pitch, sending the ball high into the left center gap that was tracked by left fielder Caden Connor, turning a potential tying double into a run-scoring sacrifice fly.
The next batter, Kemp Alderman struck out swinging to end the threat. It’s been this kind of stretch for the team. It was the only time in the game that the Blue Wahoos had multiple runners on base.
Pensacola starter Evan Fitterer grinded through five innings. He allowed all four Barons runs, but only two were earned as another costly error led to a pair of runs in the second.
Birmingham’s leadoff hitter, second baseman Rikuu Nishida, a Osaka, Japan native who played for the Oregon Ducks, was the Blue Wahoos’ biggest thorn. He factored into three of the Barons’ runs.
In the first inning, he slapped a single, stole second, went to third on a slow roller and scored on a sacrifice fly. In the second inning, after Caden Connor reached on a two-out, infield error, No. 9 hitter Mario Camilletti smashed an RBI triple. He then scored on a perfect bunt single from Nishida.
In the fourth inning, Nishida’s two-out single made it 4-0.
The Blue Wahoos got a solo homer blast from third baseman Josh Zamora, his third of the season, to lead off the fifth inning. But with exception of the eighth inning, there was not a rally opportunity against three relievers the Barons used.
Alex Williams gave the Blue Wahoos three solid innings of relief to follow Fitterer, allowing just two hits, and Josh Ekness pitched a clean ninth.
But this became the 13th time in the last 18 games where the Blue Wahoos scored three or fewer runs.
The Blue Wahoos will need to win the final three games of this homestand, beginning Friday, to avoid their first home series loss this season.
GAME NOTABLES
— The National Anthem was performed by the Spanish Fort (Alabama) High School Choir.
— The Gulf Breeze Wave youth baseball team with a contingent of 250 was among 14 groups attending the game. Some others included Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi with 150, Upper Room Church in Gulf Breeze with 100 and Training Air Wing 5 in Milton with 82.
— The loss dropped the Blue Wahoos to 7-12 in May after starting the season in April with the best record (16-7) in Double-A.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Friday through Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Cantonment Man Convicted Of Attempted Murder For 2023 Bowling Alley Shooting
May 22, 2025
A Cantonment man has been convicted of attempted murder for a 2023 shooting outside a bowling alley.
Nicholas Vallia, 21, was found guilty by a jury of attempted second degree murder with a firearm, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and discharging a firearm from a vehicle.
During an investigation into a shooting on Nine Mile Road that occurred on September 23, 2023, investigators determined that Vallia, who was 19 years old at the time, shot into a vehicle occupied by three high school teenagers, who had just left the Deluna Lanes Bowling Alley.
Prior to the shooting, the high school students and the Vallia and his friends exchanged insults in the bowling alley parking lot. As the high school students drove away from the bowling alley, Vallia got in his car and followed behind them, according to prosecutors. A short distance later, Vallia then fired his gun into the occupied vehicle. A bullet struck the driver in his left arm and then it traveled through his elbow and through his abdominal region. Vallia fled the scene. The victim was treated for his life-threatening injuries at Sacred Heart Hospital by a trauma team.
Vallia will be sentenced on June 18.
Family, Faith, and Firsts: Northview Lady Chiefs Had A Remarkable And Historic Journey
May 22, 2025
Everybody just knew this seasons was going to be something special for the Northview Lady Chiefs, full of family, faith and firsts.
That’s despite the Chiefs falling short of the state championship in a really tough 11-1 loss to Trenton on Wednesday afternoon near Orlando.
The Chiefs ended their season at 22-7, but what it season it was.
The Lady Chiefs had plenty of reasons to celebrate, including wins over Jay, their biggest rival. The Chiefs beat Jay 9-5 on April 3 in Bratt. And on a field in Jay that has seen more than its share of tears as seasons ended for the Lady Chiefs over the years. Northview claimed the district championship 9-1 over the Royals.
Then, for the first time ever, Northview earned a regional title with a 4-1 win over Jay.
“This has been a long time coming,” Northview Amy Holland said after the regional win. “We’ve been here so many times, so many times. It feels great.”
Holland said she knew, even back during summer ball, that this year’s team would do great things.
On Monday, Northview beat Branford 14-6 in their first ever trip to the Final Four, leading to the school’s first ever appearance in a state championship softball game.
The team, the coach said, has been more like a family with players from the local area and a major community support. All season, she talked about her “young team”, and that’s expected to be a key factor in the future for the Lady Chiefs.
This year, Northview had only one senior — pitcher Jamison Gilman — on the team. Most of the players were freshmen or sophomores, including sophomore MiKayla McAnally, which will mean most, if not all, will return next season.
After the Chief’s regional win over Jay, McAnally was quick to give credit to God for the team’s historic season.
“On the bus, we all pray together, and one of teammates goes around to every single person, and we pray in groups. Then we pray individually,” McAnally said. “We just know we have to give all the glory to God…and we’ve just to know that we do it all for Him.”
RELATED: After Historic Season, Northview Takes State Runner-Up Spot
NorthEscambia.com and courtesy photos, click to enlarge.
Police Say Man Baked Live Puppy In His Oven To Quiet Barking
May 22, 2025
An Atmore man has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals for allegedly baking a live puppy in his oven after a deceased chihuahua puppy, severely burned, was discovered at his residence.
On Monday, an Atmore Police Department officer responded to a call regarding an injured animal at a home in the 100 block of Cruitt Drive. Upon arrival, the officer found the badly burned remains of a chihuahua puppy lying on the driveway.
Investigators learned that James Allen Williamson allegedly intentionally placed the puppy in an oven due to what he considered excessive barking. A witness reported overhearing Williamson threatened to put the puppy in the oven if it did not stop barking. Shortly thereafter, the witness heard a dog yelping in pain but did not realize the gravity of the situation at the time.
“Evidence was discovered in the oven and in the kitchen that corroborated the statements,” APD Sgt. Darrell McMann said.
Kingsfield Road Over Eleven Mile Creek Bridge Work Begins Next Week
May 22, 2025
Motorists using the Kingsfield Road (County Road 186) bridge over Eleven Mile Creek will encounter lane restrictions starting next week, as crews begin guardrail repairs and general maintenance on the eastbound lane.
The work will begin Tuesday, May 27 and is expected to last approximately 45 days, weather permitting. During this period, traffic across the bridge will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers on site to direct vehicles while workers are present. Drivers are urged to exercise extra caution, adhere to road crew instructions, and follow all posted signs when traveling through the work zone.
While the construction is underway, residents, pedestrians, local traffic, and emergency vehicles will maintain access to properties within the affected area at all times. However, there may be brief instances where a driveway or entrance is temporarily blocked as equipment and materials are moved during the construction process.
Mostly Sunny, High Near 90 Today
May 22, 2025
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Memorial Day: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
Monday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84.
Florida Black Bear Hunt Passes At FWC Meeting
May 22, 2025
An annual black bear hunt took another step forward Wednesday at a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Ocala.
The proposed hunt passed 4-1 on Wednesday to set the hunt for 23 this December, but a final vote will be required in August. The hunt will allow 187 bears to be removed from the state’s estimated 4,000 black bears.
“The resurgence of the Florida black bear is not just a victory for conservationists; it’s a win for all Floridians,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the FWC. “Hunting is a biologically sound method to slow population growth, resulting in a healthy and well-managed Florida black bear population for the future.”
The bear hunt would not include Escambia or Santa Rosa counties; the closest area to be included would be Bay County.
Woman Arrested On Drug Charges After Allegedly Backing Down Road
May 22, 2025
A Walnut Hill woman was arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop in Atmore.
Tebyl Presley, 53, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to the Escambia County, AL Detention Center.
According to Atmore Police, an officer conducted a traffic stop after observing Presley backing down Rockaway Creek Road into a parking lot without a visible tag. During the interaction, the officer noted suspicious behavior from Presley and requested a K-9 unit to the scene. The K-9 officer conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle, and the K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was then conducted. During the search, officers discovered a small amount of a crystal-like substance, which field tested positive for methamphetamine. Additionally, items commonly used to ingest narcotics were found, according to APD.
Stellar Outing From Snelling Not Enough In 7-2 Wahoos Loss
May 22, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
Through six innings, it seemed like Wednesday night’s game between the Blue Wahoos and Barons was shaping up to be a classic pitcher’s duel in front of a crowd of 3,223.
The Blue Wahoos led 1-0, and starters Robby Snelling (L, 2-3) and Jake Palisch (W, 3-0) had finished six innings of shutout and one-run ball. As soon as the Pensacola bullpen got involved in the game, it was flipped on its head, leading to a 7-2 loss.
After Snelling’s six shutout innings, which included eight strikeouts and no walks for the 21-year-old southpaw, the Barons’ offense came alive as the Pensacola defense faltered in historic fashion.
The Barons plated five runs in the frame, as the Blue Wahoos made five miscues, totaling seven in the game to set a franchise record. This also set the record for most errors in one inning in Southern League history.
Left-handers Justin King and Dale Stanavich surrendered the five runs in the seventh, with all five being charged to King’s line, all five of which were unearned. The two relievers didn’t allow a hit in the inning, but King allowed two walks while Stanavich hit a batter to allow a run.
The Barons’ offense continued to pile on in the seventh, as Gonzalez drove in two with a home run to deep right off Stanavich.
Tony Bullard picked up the Blue Wahoos’ first run of the night in the third, with a solo home run to center for his first at the Double-A level.
Bullard’s home run broke a 20-inning scoreless streak for Palisch, which spanned across three starts.
Sam Praytor picked up an RBI in the eighth on a double off the wall in right-center, narrowly missing his third home run of the year.
The Blue Wahoos will turn their attention to Mullet Thursday for tomorrow’s game, as right-hander Evan Fitterer (2-2) is slated to take the mound. Fitterer was the Southern League Pitcher of the Month for April, throwing four innings of three-run ball in his last outing against Rocket City.
GAME NOTABLES
— The National Anthem was performed on Wednesday by Joshua Tenniswood from the Trinitas Christian School in Pensacola, which had a group outing of 75 people. Jonathan Rook sang God Bless America in the 7th inning. And several Trinitas students threw out ceremonial first pitches.
— The West Florida High softball team had its end-of-season outing with a combined 98 guests that included players, coaches, parents and friends.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: The games on Thursday through Saturday night will all start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game will be a 4:05 p.m. start – the first late afternoon start time of season.
Mosquito Control To Spray Tonight In Century, Bratt, Byrneville, McDavid And Barth
May 21, 2025
The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division will conduct fogging missions today in the Century, McDavid, Barth, Byrneville and Bratt areas.
This includes the area east and west of North Century Boulevard from North Barth Road north to the Alabama state line. The area also includes the areas north and south of West Highway 4 to Bratt. Specific locations are in the maps above and below, click to enlarge.
Mission hours vary, but typically occur in the evening hours from 6-9:30 p.m. All operations are dependent on weather conditions.
When possible, pre-application and post-application surveillance is performed to ensure fogging is warranted. Methods used to determine need include dry ice-baited light traps, landing rate counts, and service requests received from the public.
