Biscuits Blank The Wahoos
July 15, 2019
They went to rival colleges in the Pac-12 Conference, entered professional baseball in the same year, so Caleb Hamilton was well-familiar with Montgomery Biscuits pitcher Matt Krook.
“I had an idea of what he was doing, but he was still pretty nasty,” said Hamilton, the Blue Wahoos’ versatile catcher-infielder.
So nasty, in fact, that Krook struck out four of the six batters he faced in order Sunday, including Hamilton, in his role to pitch the first two innings as an “opener.” This is a concept the Biscuits’ parent club, the Tampa Bay Rays, introduced to baseball a year ago.
On the same day when the Rays used an opener (Ryne Stanek), then starter Ryan Yarbrough to nearly pull off the first combined, perfect game in baseball history, the Biscuits used their own tandem to help blank the Blue Wahoos in a 4-0 win at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Krook threw two perfect innings, then scheduled starter Kenny Rosenberg followed to work the next six, improving to 9-1 – tied for the most wins in the Southern League — after allowing just three hits and three walks.
It gave the Biscuits (59-35, 15-9 second half) their third win of a six-game series which concludes Tuesday. The Blue Wahoos (49-45, 11-13 second half).
As an organization, Tampa Bay is credited for starting a baseball trend that the Blue Wahoos and Minnesota Twins have tried at times.
The Rays’ perfect game bid was broken up in the ninth inning of their 4-1 win against the Baltimore Orioles, spoiling a feat that has never happened with two pitchers in MLB history.
”From my perspective, it’s you throw a closer role out there to open up the game to face the lineup’s best hitters, so the starter doesn’t have to face them three or four times,” said Hamilton, a Southern League All-Star and former Oregon State player, who went 2-for-3 Sunday and walked in another at-bat.
“So it’s always tough when you have a dude that’s pretty nasty up there… and in the beginning of the game… to go through once or twice,” said Hamilton, who was part of the 2016 draft with Krook. “It’s pretty tough to hit and then the actual starter comes in. You have to adjust and as hitters, we don’t want to adjust.”
It’s the 10th time this season that Krook, a former Oregon Ducks star, has worked as an opener. The Biscuits are 9-1 in those games.
Since returning July 6 from the injured list, Krook has struck out eight of 12 batters in two games and not allowed a baserunner in two appearances.
The two Biscuits pitchers held the Blue Wahoos to four hits and three walks. Neither team made an error. A night earlier, the Blue Wahoos broke out with 12 hits in their 5-3 win.
Sunday’s loss spoiled a second consecutive quality start by the Blue Wahoos Jorge Alcala. He worked into the sixth, allowing five hits and three earned runs. Alcala gave up a mammoth, solo home run blast to Brett Sullivan into the wind at right field in the fifth inning.
In the sixth, Alcala ran into trouble after issuing a leadoff walk, then giving up a one-out single that brought Blue Wahoos manager Ramon Borrego to summon reliever Andrew Vasquez.
But Alcala’s outing was another positive sign that the touted, hard-throwing right hander is on the right track.
“He is commanding three pitches,” said Hamilton, who was Alcala’s catcher Sunday. “Command is what comes down to his success.
“If he has no command, he gets hit around and he walks guys. He just needs confidence. That comes from the first pitch, that comes from the (warmup) bullpen.”
Vasquez, who began this season with the Twins in their bullpen, struggled in his first Blue Wahoos appearance.
After an intentional walk with two outs, loading the bases, Vasquez then walked in a run and gave up a two-single by Lucius Fox.
That was all the scoring in the game.
Just like the previous three games in this series, the wind from Pensacola Bay was a factor. Sullivan’s homer was the only one of the series and would have left any ballpark.
But the Blue Wahoos Lewin Diaz had a fourth-inning shot to right field that got knocked down to allow a warning track catch. In the ninth, Joe Cronin drove a pitch deep in left-center, but it was curtailed by the wind.
“It is always tough when you have a ball that can’t get out of the ballpark, but you have to adjust to it,” said Hamilton, in summation for the team. “And it almost makes the stadium quiet, because all you hear is wind.
“You can’t hear anything else. But you have to adjust. Baseball is a game of adjustments, so we can’t control weather.”
The loss was the Blue Wahoos’ eighth in their last 10 games. Montgomery, meanwhile, has won nine of its last 12 games.
But Hamilton put the game in perspective, after signing autographs for a group of young children, when assessing the team’s position.
“We are just trying to have some fun. The moment you are not having fun playing baseball is when it all goes downhill. We’re just going out there every day… to do our best and making adjustments to different pitchers but at the end of the day it’s just having fun and playing a kids’ game.
Man Charged In Two Cottage Hill Shots Fired Incidents; Photo Shows Bullet Hole In Victim’s Truck
July 14, 2019
[UPDATED DETAILS] At least one shot was fired from inside a pickup truck early Saturday morning in Cottage Hill in one of two shots fired disturbances that ended with one arrest.
James Peter Tipton, 38, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, firing a weapon in public or on residential property, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, armed burglary, and two counts of criminal mischief with property damage. He remained in the Escambia County Jail Sunday morning with bond set at $96,000.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 1800 block of Williams Ditch Road about 4 a.m. The victim reported that as he exited his vehicle someone driving a dark colored SUV fired two shots at him, according to Sgt. Melanie Peterson.
About 7 a.m. deputies responded to another shots fired disturbance a short distance away in the 1400 block of Highway 95A. Tipton’s uncle reported that Tipton drove into his yard and entered his garage. The uncle observed Tipton removing guns from his SUV and placing them into the bed of the uncle’s truck, Peterson said. The victim also stated that Tipton fired two shots from a rifle into the woods.
A photo obtained NorthEscambia.com shows a bullet hole in the driver’s door of the reported victim’s pickup.
Tipton was taken into custody without incident. There were no injuries reported.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fire Destroys Cantonment Mobile Home
July 14, 2019
Fire destroyed a mobile home midday Saturday in Cantonment.
The mobile home was fully involved when firefighters arrived on scene in the 500 block of Robinson Street. A second structure was also threatened by the fire.
There were no injuries immediately reported.
Further details have not been released on the cause of the fire.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Rogers, Macks Complete Basic Military Training
July 14, 2019
Nicholas J. Rogers
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Nicholas J. Rogers graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Rogers is the son of Alex C. and Jacquline A. Rogers of Cantonment.
Lane J. Macks
U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Lane J. Macks graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Macks (no photo provided) is the son of Amy and step-son of Bo Booker of Century.
He is a 2014 graduate of Northview High School in Bratt.
Flomaton Police: Man Burglarized Hardee’s, Other Businesses
July 14, 2019
A local man has been charged with the Friday burglary of the Hardee’s restaurant in Flomaton, and police say he will be charged with additional burglaries.
Andreas Payne, 26, was taken into custody less than three hours after the burglary and booked into the Escambia County Detention Center in Bretwon.
Early Friday morning, the Flomaton Police Department responded to the Hardee’s at Highway 31 and Sidney Manning Boulevard. They discovered the drive-thru window had been opened and the safe had been looted.
Flomaton Police said Payne was developed as a suspect and later confessed to the Hardee’s burglary. He is also the suspect in three other burglaries, including the burglary of Len’s Jewelers, according to police.
An employee at Hardee’s is also under investigation for involvement in the restaurant burglary, police said.
FWC Law Enforcement Report
July 14, 2019
The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending June 27 in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties
ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Officers Ramos and Long were on vessel patrol in an idle speed zone when they spotted a personal water craft (PWC) casting a wake and passing other vessels. They contacted the operator of the PWC who showed multiples signs of impairment. The operator was placed under arrest for boating under the influence and transported to the Escambia County Jail.
SANTA ROSA COUNTY
K9 Officer Hutchinson received a call about a teenage male subject who was missing at the Blackwater State Park. The teenager had been missing for over 24 hours after wrecking his truck on the previous day. Officer Hutchinson established the teens last known location, which was a parking lot inside Blackwater State Park. Officer Hutchinson deployed his K9 partner Zara and conducted an area search.
After searching for approximately 45 minutes in a thick swamp, K9 Zara located the teenager down an embankment sitting in the water and wedged between a tree and the river bank. When Officer Hutchinson contacted him he was unable to speak clearly and showed signs of severe dehydration. Officer Hutchinson provided him fresh drinking water and stabilized him to keep him from passing out in the river.
Officers H. Rockwell and Hoomes who were assisting with the search were notified that the teen was located. They retrieved a canoe from the state park and paddled to Officer Hutchinson’s location. The teen was unable to stand or move. The officers put him in the canoe and maneuvered it upriver. The teen was loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital.
This report represents some events the FWC handled during the time period; however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.
NorthEscambia.com photo.
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.