Wahoos Beat The Montgomery Biscuits
July 14, 2019
Uncertain weather the past few days forced the Blue Wahoos to forego taking batting practice on the field.
Saturday, manager Ramon Borrego, who constantly checks a weather app on his phone, got the players out earlier and left nothing to chance.
The effect was noticeable throughout Saturday’s game, as the Blue Wahoos matched one of their season-best hitting performances in a 5-3 win against the Montgomery Biscuits. A night after Biscuits’ pitchers flirted with a no-hitter, the Blue Wahoos had multiple hits by five of the top six guys in the batting order.
“Basically that was one of the points,” Borrego said. “For me, it’s better when those guys can hit on the field. They get a better view, they know how the ball carries.”
Alex Kirilloff saw it well. He went 3-for-4, drove in a run and scored twice as batting average climbed to .281.
“It’s different coming back here after being on the road, I think just having the reps on the field that we haven’t had the first two days helps,” said Kirilloff, the Minnesota Twins No. 2 overall prospect and No. 10 ranked overall by MLB Pipeline.
“To see pitches on the field… the wind was a little different (Saturday) which helps, too,” said the 21-year-old Kirilloff. “But you never want to make excuses, you just roll with the punches and deal with it.”
That’s the same way he reflects upon a season where he’s twice dealt with being on the injured list. Since being in the lineup every game since the second half began, his production has climbed.
“I haven’t thought about that,” he said. “For me, each year is its own year. This year has come with challenges as far as injuries, but this is the year that has been given me and I just try and make the best of it.”
Again Saturday, the wind was blowing in from Pensacola Bay as the side effects from Hurricane Barry’s landfall in Louisiana were evident.
This time, the Blue Wahoos drove pitches into outfield gaps. Kirilloff’s first-inning double was followed by an RBI double from Ivan De Jesus Jr., 32, a former major league player, including two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, who the Twins signed earlier this week.
In the second inning, Mark Contreras’ run-scoring double made it 2-0. The Blue Wahoos added three runs in the fifth, all after two out, none-on. They had a triple, double and two singles in that inning.
Kirilloff, Lewin Diaz and Caleb Hamilton all had run-scoring hits.
“That is the Alex we expected,” Borrego said. “He’s a really good hitter. Obviously he was dealing with a lot of stuff. We lost him for couple weeks in the first half.
“But Alex is a very smart guy, he knows what to do. He knows how to make an adjustment. He made some really nice swings. He stayed through the ball Saturday, so that was good.”
On the mound, Charlie Barnes (2-2) earned the win with one of his best starts this season. He worked six innings, allowed six hits, struck out six and allowed just one walk.
Reliever Sam Clay followed Adam Bray in the eighth inning with the bases loaded, one out, and got out of the jam after catcher Brian Navarreto made a perfect throw on Josh Lowe’s attempted steal of second base.
In the ninth, Clay yielded a one-out walk and single, but retired the next two batters, ending the game on a strikeout. Clay has been consistent all season.
“We are so happy for him and the way he’s been pitching this season,” Borrego said. “He’s making a lot of improvements.. If something wrong, he fixes it. And he just gives you results right now.
“His ball has a lot of movement right now.”
The win slowed Montgomery’s movement. The Biscuits had won five in a row and eight of their last nine games. The Blue Wahoos, meanwhile, had lost six of their last seven.
“We know there are still a lot of games left to play and we try not to get too far ahead of ourselves now and take each day as it comes,” Kirilloff said.
Borrego is hoping to repeat the batting practice plan on Sunday in the fourth of six games in this series. The final two games will be Monday and Tuesday night.
“When they hit out on the field, they swing better, they know how the ball carries, so that was helpful,” Borrego said
Blue Angels Fly Shows Shortened By Hurricane Barry
July 13, 2019
The Blue Angels performed limited shows Friday and Saturday for the Pensacola Beach Air Show due to Hurricane Barry.
Strong surf in the Gulf has prevented the U.S. Coast Guard ships to be able to mark center point and show right, limiting the maneuvers performed by the Blues.
With the lack of water rescue capabilities, the civilian acts of the Pensacola Beach Air Show were canceled Saturday and Sunday.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.
Body Found Inside Vehicle In Brewton Walmart Parking Lot
July 13, 2019
Officials in Brewton say that foul play is not currently suspected after a body was found inside a vehicle in a Walmart parking lot.
About 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, the Brewton Police Department was dispatched to Walmart on Douglas Avenue. Emergency personnel responded and pronounced the individual deceased inside the vehicle.
Brewton Police said late Friday afternoon that no foul play is suspected at this time.
The body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences where an autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. The incident remains under investigation.
Pictured: The Walmart in Brewton. File photo.
FDLE: Inmate Threatens 9/11 Style Attacks, ‘Blood Will Run’
July 13, 2019
Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents have arrested Norberto Iglesias, 53, on charges of terrorism; threat to throw, project, place or discharge any destructive device; and written threats to kill, do bodily injury or conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism. Iglesias is an inmate at Blackwater Correctional Facility serving a 15-year sentence for grand theft and fraud.
The investigation began in April after FDLE received information that Iglesias wrote threatening letters claiming to have information about weapons and explosives throughout Florida. Iglesias threatened that “blood will run” and that people will die as they did during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He also wrote that Miami will be a “river of blood” as a result of a terrorist war.
During an interview with investigators, Iglesias refused to provide details unless he and another unnamed inmate could serve their prison sentences on house arrest or at a hotel in Miami. Agents say Iglesias fabricated the threats to get out of prison early.
Agents served an arrest warrant on Iglesias, and he was arraigned yesterday in Santa Rosa County. This case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 1st Judicial Circuit.
Photo: Tropical Storm Barry Sunset At Lake Stone
July 13, 2019
Low clouds from Tropical Storm Barry led to a vibrant sunset Friday at Lake Stone near Century. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Eight Things You May Not Know About Watermelons
July 13, 2019
Watermelons mean summer in most places, but perhaps no more so than in Florida, the country’s number one producer of this quintessential summer fruit.
They may be 92 percent water, but there’s more to growing and eating watermelon than you might think, say experts with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Florida grows A LOT of watermelon
Florida watermelon farmers sold 800 million pounds of watermelon last year, said Bob Hochmuth, assistant director of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Suwannee Valley.
“Watermelons are grown throughout the state, with concentrated acreage near Immokalee, Belle Glade, Arcadia and the Suwannee Valley. The Suwannee Valley produces a third of Florida’s watermelon crop,” Hochmuth said.
Watermelon plants love sand
We’re not talking sandy beaches. “Watermelon grows best in well-drained sandy soils, which are common in areas with a lot of watermelon production,” Hochmuth said.
Watermelons need pollinators
Like many fruits and vegetables, watermelon need pollinators to pollinate their flowers in order to reproduce. Without honeybees, native bees, wasps and the like, we would not have watermelon to enjoy, Hochmuth said
Watermelon farmers need science to do well
“UF/IFAS provides several key education programs for watermelon farmers throughout the year,” Hochmuth said. “Most importantly, UF/IFAS Extension agents make farm visits during the growing season to help with disease and pest identification, and other irrigation and fertilizer management decisions.
Watermelon is good for you
Watermelon generally considered a healthy food because of its high water content, which means each serving is relatively low in calories, said Samantha Kennedy, family and consumer sciences agent with UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County.
“Most are unaware that it contains any protein or fiber, but it does, and many are surprised to learn that it has a decent amount of potassium,” Kennedy said.
It’s a versatile ingredient
While most are familiar with eating watermelon by the slice, there are many ways to include the fruit in your snacks and meals, Kennedy said.
“Add chunks of watermelon to a fresh summer salad for a bit of sweetness, or combine pureed watermelon with frozen lemonade and lime juice for a refreshing drink. You can also throw watermelon slices on the grill for a few seconds for a different twist on a familiar flavor,” she said.
Get them while it’s hot
Watermelon is in season during the hot summer months, Kennedy said. In season produce is generally cheaper and of better quality because it doesn’t have to travel as far to get to the consumer.
Look for heft, balance and a yellow spot
“The Watermelon Board recommends that consumers look for a melon that feels heavy for its size, and looks and feels symmetrical,” Kennedy said. One side of the watermelon should have a creamy, yellow spot—this is where the melon rested on the ground as it ripened.
Pictured: Watermelons for sale on Highway 97 near Pine Forest Road in Davisville. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Escambia Sheriff’s Office Wrangles Goat After Standoff In Century
July 13, 2019
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office took a goat into custody Friday night after a standoff near a Century grocery store.
Deputies were called to the area of the Food Giant on North Century Boulevard about 8:45 p.m. due to the goat on the run. A witness said the goat and deputies ended up in a standoff.
The ECSO’s livestock officer responded and roped the goat about two hours later.
The Sheriff’s Office will make an effort to reunite the goat with its owners. Lost or abandoned animals are ultimately rehabilitated and then auctioned off to good homes, usually at the ECSO Substation on Highway 29 in Molino.
Anyone that has information about the goat’s owner can call the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.
Reader submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Health Dept. Issues Water Quality Advisory For Park West On Pensacola Beach
July 13, 2019
The Escambia County Health Department has issued a health advisory for the Gulf side of Park West near the Fort Pickens gate in response to bacteriological sampling.
The bacteriological sampling occurred during water quality monitoring activities, and the level of bacteria has exceeded the level established by state guidelines. The department advises against any water-related activities at the above locations due to the potential for high bacteria levels.
“Water samples gathered at this site showed high-levels of enterococci bacteria, which is naturally present in the intestines of people and animals. Enterococci counts commonly spike after heavy rainfall washes fecal matter from wild animals into nearby water bodies,” says Escambia CHD Director Dr. John Lanza. “We advise against engaging in water-related activities at this site until further notice.”
The Escambia CHD staff will continue to monitor the water quality in the area and advise the public of results
Manhunt In Nokomis And Atmore For Escaped Prison Inmate
July 12, 2019
A manhunt was underway Friday in Nokomis and Atmore for an inmate that escaped from a work release center in Alabama Wednesday night, but he eluded capture.
The US Marshals and officers from the Alabama Department of Corrections were being assisted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Atmore Police Department and other agencies.
Travis Wyatt Dawson, 41, escaped from Loxley Work Release at about 9 p.m. Wednesday. Authorities believe he was in the area of Rockaway Creek Road and Miller Road Friday. The manhunt was later expanded along Rockaway Creek Road in Atmore.
A perimeter was established and K-9 units were called to the scene. As of about 3 p.m., the original portion of Friday’s manhunt was called off. Authorities were still on the lookout for the escapee. By late afternoon, the manhunt had shifted to Highway 31 west of Atmore.
Dawson was sentenced to 20 years in 2013 on a possession of a controlled substance conviction in Escambia County, AL.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Alabama Department of Corrections at (800) 831-8825, the Escambia County (FL) Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or 911.
Pictured top: Officers from the Alabama Department of Corrections speak to an Escambia County (FL) deputy and a citizen a roadblock on Miller Road in Florida midday Friday. Pictured below: An Escambia County (FL) Road Prison K-9 team searches near a Rockaway Creek Road bridge that spans the Alabama-Florida state line. Pictured bottom: An Escambia County (FL) deputy helps maintain a perimeter around a neighborhood along Rockaway Creek Road at Grubbs Street in Atmore Friday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Civilian Acts Canceled; Blue Angels Set To Fly Limited Performances
July 12, 2019
The civilian acts have been canceled for the Blue Angels Air Show at Pensacola Beach, and the Blue Angels will try to fly Saturday and Sunday.
The Blues will perform a limited show at 2 p.m. both days if the weather and winds fall within their limits.
The civilian acts were canceled due to winds from Tropical Storm Barry and a lack of availability of rescue units in the water.
The Santa Rosa Island Authority, FAA and Escambia County Emergency Management will decide at 8 a.m. Saturday if the Blue Angels will fly, and we’ll have the announcement on NorthEscambia.com.
In order to fly, the Blue Angels need the wind to be under 25 knots (28.76 mph) and a visibility of at least three nautical miles (3.45 statute miles).
NorthEscambia.com photo.