Zamora’s Clutch Swing Gives Wahoos Walk-Off Win
April 24, 2025
by Bill Vilona
Josh Zamora guessed right on the first pitch and connected well.
It turned a game that went from deflating an inning earlier for the Blue Wahoos into a walk-off, 10th inning celebration, after Zamora’s run-scoring hit and 4-3 win against the Knoxville Smokies at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The Smokies trailed 3-0 and were down to their final out when Pablo Aliendo blasted a game-tying homer deep over the left field wall off reliever Zach McCambley.
But the Blue Wahoos got a terrific relief performance in the 10th inning from Dale Stanavich, who stranded runners in scoring position with one out, by striking out the next two batters to keep the game tied.
“It says a lot,” said Zamora, after being twice doused with ice bucket water moments after his big hit. “Our clubhouse, from top to bottom, the word is resilient.”
The Blue Wahoos rallied with textbook execution to get the run.
In the bottom of the 10th, Mark Coley II was the placement runner on second. Jared Serna was intentionally walked.
Shane Sasaki followed with a perfect sacrifice bunt that forced the only play to first base.
With runners on second and third, Nathan Martorella was intentionally walked and the Smokies chose to bring in an outfielder to have five infielders between bases.
On the first pitch he saw from Smokies reliever AJ Puckett — a fastball — Zamora sent it sailing into left field and the game was over.
“Honestly, I was trying to see a ball up at the plate and put a good swing on it.”
He did. And the Blue Wahoos won a game that seemed headed their way after eight innings.
Starting pitching Robby Snelling was brilliant again in his fourth start. The lefthander pitched six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits, struck out nine batters and gave up just one walk.
Snelling, the Blue Wahoos highest-rated prospect, has allowed just one run in three of his four starts and just five runs this season in 21 innings pitched.
But when he exited after throwing 84 pitches, the game was still scoreless.
The Blue Wahoos broke through in the seventh inning. Jake Thompson and Johnny Olmstead hit back-to-back doubles. Thompson had to wait on the ball hit by Olmstead and stayed at third base. With one out, Dalvy Rosario had an RBI single. Coley II hit a grounder that deflected off the third baseman’s glove for an RBI and 2-0 lead.
Sasaki scored after a leadoff walk in the eighth and stolen base, then an errant pickoff attempt to make it 3-0.
But in the top of the ninth, the Smokies got a one-out single, then a walk. McCambley struck out the next batter, Hayden McGeary.
But he left a one-strike pitch against Aliendo, one of the Chicago Cubs top 30 prospects, up in the strike zone and he walloped a no-doubter to tie the game. It was the only mistake McCambley made in three solid innings of relief.
Stanavich’s clutch relief and then Zamora’s heroics produced a good end for the Blue Wahoos to even the series.
GAME NOTABLES
— The Blue Wahoos entered the game as the Southern League leader in stolen bases with 40.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Knoxville Smokies vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Thursday thru Sunday
GAME TIMES: Thursday through Saturday games all start at 6:05 p.m. The game on Sunday starts at 1:05 p.m.
Molino Man Sentenced To 25 Years For Attempted Capital Sexual Battery Of Child
April 23, 2025
A Molino man has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison in a child sex abuse case.
Brannen Lee Bateman, now 31, was convicted of attempted capital sexual battery.
Bateman was sentenced by Judge Linda Nobles to 25 years in state prison to be followed by 25 years sexual offender probation. He was also designated as a sexual predator.
According to court documents, Bateman was 21 years old when he began forcing a 5-year-old girl to have sexual contact with him and watch pornographic video on his phone.
He was also accused of abusing another 6-year-old girl, according to court documents. The girl told her parents, but they did not believe her.
EREC Awards Four Scholarships
April 23, 2025
Escambia River Electric Cooperative has announced four scholarships awards to students in the utility’s service area.
Four-year Herman D. Johnson Scholarships are being awarded to Colton Criswell from Northview High School and Braden Adams from Jay High School.
EREC Trade/Votech Scholarships are being awarded to Ayden Attalah from Northview High School and Lael Peterson from Jay High School.
The students will be recognized at the EREC Annual Meeting on April 26 at Wallace Lake K-8 School.
Pictured top: Colton Criswell (left) and Braden Adams. Pictured below: Ayden Attalah (left) and Lael Peterson. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Charged With Homicide After Victim Found Stabbed In Ensley Home
April 23, 2025
A 34-year-old Escambia County man is charged with homicide after allegedly stabbing a man in the neck at an Ensley home.
Kyle Alexander Miller, 34, remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond after being arrested Monday.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1200 block of Barmel Street off Fowler Avenue for a welfare check. When they arrived, they found a man that had been deceased for several days in the master bedroom. According to an arrest report, the homicide was believed to happen on our about April 9.
An autopsy determined the man died after being stabbed twice in the neck. Miller was then developed as a suspect; investigators believe Miller was the victim’s roommate at the time.
Northview Tops Tate Varsity 9-4; Tate JV Shuts Out NHS (With Gallery)
April 23, 2025
Northview 9, Tate 4
The Northview Lady Chiefs ended their regular season with a 9-4 win over the Tate Aggies Tuesday night in Bratt.
Mikayla McAnally earned the win with a complete game with seven innings in the circle. She gave up eight hits and four runs while walking three and striking out eight. Jordan Smith opened for Tate, giving up four hits and six runs (two earned) in five and one-third innings while striking out four and walking five. Peyton Womack closed in two-thirds of an inning, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits while striking out one and walking three.
Kylee Langham slammed a home run to center field to the put the Chiefs on the board in the bottom of the first. Riley Brooks, Mikayla McAnally, and Daviona Randolph each had two hits for the Chiefs. Mikayla McAnally, Jamison Gilman, and Langham each had two RBIs.
Kaylie Mitchell went 1-for-4 at the plate for the Aggies with two RBIs.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
Up next for the Chiefs is the district tournament, with a schedule to be announced.
In their final regular season game, the varsity Lady Aggies will host Escambia at 5:30 Wednesday. It’s youth night…kids wearing their team jersey will be admitted at no charge and receive free hotdogs, chips, and a drink from the concession stand (first come, first serve). A few local youth softball teams will be highlighted beginning at 5 p.m.
Tate 15, Northview 0 (JV)
The junior varsity Tate Aggies shut out Northview 15-0 on Tuesday.
Sarah Mitchell earned the win for Tate, giving up one hit and no runs in three innings, walking two and striking out seven.
Mitchell went 3-3 at the plate. Aubree Gorum and Gracyn Campbell each had three RBIs for Tate.
The game closed the season for the JV Aggies.
NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Florida Broadcasters Recognized Dave Hoxeng, Owner Of Cat Country, Other Local Stations
April 23, 2025
The Florida Association of Broadcasters (FAB) has announced Dave Hoxeng as the 2025 recipient of FAB’s prestigious William J. Brooks Award. Established in 1988, this award honors legendary Florida broadcasters whose exceptional service and dedication set a standard of excellence in the industry. Presented annually, the award celebrates individuals who embody the high ideals exemplified by its namesake, William J. Brooks.
FAB said Dave Hoxeng, owner of ADX Communications, has profoundly influenced the radio landscape of Northwest Florida through an unwavering commitment to local content, community service, and broadcast excellence. Since launching Cat Country 98.7 (WYCT-FM) in 2003, Dave and his wife Mary have grown their media presence to include NewsRadio 92.3/AM 1620 (WNRP), ESPN Pensacola 1330/99.1 (WEBY), and Pensacola’s Playlist 94.5. These locally owned and operated stations serve Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with a dynamic mix of music, news, sports, and talk programming.
Hoxeng’s dedication to local broadcasting has been central to the stations’ success and national recognition. Cat Country 98.7 was named the 2024 CMA Radio Station of the Year, adding to previous wins in 2017 and 2019. The station has also earned multiple honors from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), and has been recognized by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) with the NAB Crystal Radio Award and the NAB Service to America Award for outstanding community service.
Beyond the airwaves, the Hoxengs are deeply rooted in the local community. They established the Dave and Mary Hoxeng Endowed Scholarship at Pensacola State College to support aspiring journalism students. Their commitment to ethical leadership and civic engagement has also been recognized with awards such as the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics and the PACE Award for Spirit of Pensacola.
“These honors and accolades reflect Dave’s dedication to the industry and the impact his stations have on the communities they serve,” said Pat Roberts, President and CEO of the Florida Association of Broadcasters. “He is a pillar of our industry, and I can think of no one more deserving of this award.”
The William J. Brooks Award will be presented at the Florida Association of Broadcasters’ Annual Luncheon on Thursday, June 26, at The Breakers Palm Beach, as part of the FAB’s Annual Convention.
Blue Wahoos Miss Opportunities, Fall 2-1 To Smokies
April 23, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Producing two-out, run-scoring hits has been a staple of the Blue Wahoos’ early-season success.
They could not buy one Tuesday. It cost them a game.
The Knoxville Smokies broke a tie game without a hit in the eighth inning and held on for a 2-1 victory against the Blue Wahoos to begin a series that matched the Southern League division leaders at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It became a frustrating night for the Blue Wahoos. They had runners in scoring position in five of the final six innings, but could not get a clutch hit. They were 1-for-9 in the game in that scenario.
A crowd of 3,568 on Doggone Tuesday with one-price tickets, witnessed a game with solid defensive plays on both sides. The Blue Wahoos turned a double play with the bases loaded to thwart the Smokies in the fifth. Left fielder Mark Coley II made an inning-ending, diving catch an inning later to prevent extra bases and potentially a run.
The Smokies picked off the Blue Wahoos’ Kemp Alderman in the fourth inning and had first baseman B.J. Murray Jr. make a terrific diving stop on a ball scorched off the bat by Nathan Martorella in the eighth. The next Blue Wahoos batter, Coley II, hit a double that would have tied the game.
Three Blue Wahoos pitchers had solid outings adversely affected by a combined eight walks. Two of those walks led to Smokies runs.
The Blue Wahoos started well, getting a first-innning run when Jared Serna reached on a single, moved over on a fielder’s choice and scored on Alderman’s single.
Knoxville tied the game in the second inning when Parker Chavers walked and eventually scored when Hayden Cantrell – a former Blue Wahoos player – delivered a two out single.
Blue Wahoos starter Jacob Miller worked the first four innings, giving up three hits, but issuing five walks. Reliever Justin King pitched out of a bases loaded, no-out jam that he inherited from Miller in the fifth inning.
Blue Wahoos catcher Sam Praytor, now the team’s No. 1 catcher with Joe Mack elevated Monday to Triple-A Jacksonville, reached base twice in the game. His frustration boiled in the ninth when he was called out on a third strike call, then was ejected when yelling at the home plate umpire.
It was among 10 strikeouts for the Blue Wahoos in the game. Coley II had two of the Blue Wahoos’ six hits.
The teams will continue the six-game series Wednesday in a matchup of each team’s top-rated pitcher. Robby Snelling (2-0. 2.20 ERA) makes his fourth start for the Blue Wahoos against Knoxville’s Will Sanders (0-1, 4.05 ERA).
GAME NOTABLES
— Joe Mack quickly made an impact in his Triple-A debut Tuesday with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. After the Blue Wahoos catcher was called up Monday to replace Augustin Ramirez, who made his MLB debut Monday with the Miami Marlins, he was in Jacksonville’s starting lineup.
Batting fourth, he reached on an error, walked and scored a run in four plate appearances. Also joining Jacksonville on Monday was Blue Wahoos second baseman Harrison Spohn, who did not play Tuesday. The Jumbo Shrimp (16-6) defeated the Gwinnett Stripers to extend their first place lead in the International League East Division.
— Three area teachers were honored before the game and threw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Knoxville Smokies vs. Blue Wahoos
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
WHEN: Wednesday Thru Sunday.
GAME TIMES: Wednesday through Saturday games all start at 6:05 p.m. The game on Sunday starts at 1:05 p.m.
TDC Recommends $25 Million For Upgrades At John R. Jones Complex, Including Artificial Turf
April 22, 2025
The Escambia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) has approved a $25 million allocation for upgrades, including artificial turf, for the John R. Jones complex on East Nine Mile Road with a focus on sports tourism.
The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners must give final approval to funding the project, and the dollar figure could change.
“I am under the impression that there is a lot of momentum behind this from the board,” said Ashlee Hofberger, TDC board member and Escambia County District 4 commissioner. “Obviously I am only one of five, but I think a lot of people are excited about this. It’s just a question of how we balance the spending with the (Pensacola) Bay Center spending. Just knowing that all of that has to come from the same pot, one of those projects is going to have to be scaled back to some degree.”
Last year, the TDC approved $90 million on for significant upgrades and enhancements at the Pensacola Bay Center and to construct a new indoor sports facility at Ashton Brosnaham Park in District 5. The BOCC has or moved forward on Ashton Brosnaham and has considered four concept designs ranging from $22 to$104 million for just the Bay Center.
The TDC’s vote recently to recommend $25 million for John R. Jones was 5-3. With the Bay Center cost weighing into the decision on a negative vote for at least one TDC member. Charles Bare, who also serves on the Pensacola City Council. said he wanted to wait and see what the final price tag for Bay Center upgrades will be.
“It’s not because I don’t support youth sports,” Bare said at the TDC meeting. “I think without having a clear picture of where we are going with the Bay Center right now, that’s just more critical to the city at this point, not that city residents won’t enjoy what’s happening up there at this particular facility, but it is more focused on the county at large. I just want to make sure there’s plenty of funding there to do whatever we are going to do at the Bay Center.”
“I love the thought of us hosting the softball, baseball, and lacrosse tournaments so many of our families are currently traveling to play in tournaments,” Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said Monday afternoon. “Also, the thought of all those teams coming to our community in the future, staying here and spending money at our local businesses should benefit all Escambia citizens. That’s something that should make everyone smile.”
In September 2024. the TDC recommended an indoor sports facility costing up to $60 million for Escambia County’s Ashton Brosnaham Park, and about $30 million in upgrades for the Pensacola Bay Center.
Barry said Monday that the Ashton Brosnaham project “isn’t currently moving forward”.
John R. Jones Complex
The John R. Jones complex currently has 18 baseball and softball fields, plus two rectangular multi-use fields for sports such as football, lacrosse, soccer, cheerleading and more.
Over $2 million in LED lighting improvements were made last year at the park.
According to the proposal, the new facility would attract hundreds of teams, players and fans for tournaments and be competitive with similar facilities in nearby communities such as Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Panama City, Fort Walton Beach, Daphne and more.
There are 23 hotel properties within seven miles, and it is about 15 minutes from the Pensacola International Airport.
The Nine Mile Road facility would have the capacity to host 39 weekend tournaments plus 12 full week tournaments during the summer, creating over $2.3 million in revenue subject to the tourist development tax.
Breaking Down The $25 Million
The $25 million would fund:
- $20 million – Artificial turf for 20 Fields
- Approx. $1 million per field
- 18 multi-dimensional diamond fields,
- Plus, two rectangular multi-use fields
- $500,000 – Landscaping & Common Areas
- Flower beds and aesthetic landscaping
- $1.2 million – Sidewalks & Parking Upgrades
- Entryway and sidewalk connectivity
- $1 million – Fence, Shade & Dugout Work
- Overall fence work, shade areas & dugout upgrades
- $1.5 million – Concessions & Building Upgrades
- Remodeling and upgrading buildings.
- Miscellaneous Expenses – $400,000
- Various Aesthetic Upgrades
- Design – Permits or Consulting Fees – $400,000
- Potential fees for design or consulting
Escambia County Parks and Recreation Director Michael Rhodes aid a conversion to article turf fields, would also eliminate the need and expense of fertilizers, pesticides, water, and mowing.
Stakeholder Support
The project has received letters of support from key stakeholders, including:
- NEP Baseball
- 2D Sports
- USSSA
- USFA
- UWF
- PSC
- Home2 Suite – Davis Hwy.
- Courtyard West Pensacola
- Zen Hospitality
- Escambia County Destination Marketing Organization
“We strongly believe these improvements will provide significant benefits not only to the park itself but also to Escambia County and the surrounding communities,” said John Buck, NEP president. “One of the most impactful upgrades being discussed is the transition to turf fields. By making this change, NEP Ballpark would become a premier facility capable of attracting multiple softball and baseball tournaments from surrounding areas—not only at a local and regional level but also on a national scale. These events would bring in teams, families, and spectators, providing a major boost to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants while further establishing Pensacola as a top destination for youth and amateur sports.”
New Ladder Truck Now In Service At ECFR’s Ensley Fire Station
April 22, 2025
A new Escambia County Fire Rescue ladder truck went into service on Monday in Ensley.
The new Ladder 6 is at Station 6 on Highway 29, which is known as “The Big House”, the busiest fire station in Escambia County.
The new truck will provide call relief for Engine 6 in addition to providing a staffed aerial truck to respond in north and central Escambia County.
Station 6 in Ensley is now home to Ladder 6, Engine 6, Hazmat 6 at a battalion chief. Every firefighter assigned to the station is a certified hazardous material technician. Station 6 was the busiest fire company in Escambia County last year, running about 2,500 calls including over 100 fires.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students, Employee Of The Month
April 22, 2025
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their employee and student of the month for March. (L-R) Pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger are students Camden Miller, eighth grade; Brooklynne Fountain, seventh grade; Hadley Weaver, sixth grade; and Michelle Thomas, science teacher. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.