Wahoos Even Series With Mobile
August 16, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos saved their best game for last in front of Cincinnati Reds Bill Bavasi, who was in town to evaluate the players firsthand.
Bavasi oversees Cincinnati’s scouting, player development and international operations and looked on as the Reds’ Double-A affiliate romped to an 8-3 victory over its archrival Mobile BayBears – the top team in the Southern League.
Bavasi’s assessment? He gives Pensacola, its club, ballpark and fans all high marks.
“This place is terrific. It’s off the charts,” he said. “This league is full of guys who have great tools and are on their way up. This is a great city and a terrific place to play.”
One of those Wahoos players the Reds have an eye on is its top prospect Robert Stephenson who started Friday’s game. Stephenson earned the win and is now 6-8 on the year. He went five innings, allowing one run on four hits, while striking out five to retake the Southern League lead with 121 on the season.
Stephenson, who left the game after the fifth inning and 88 pitches because his right calf started cramping, said there’s no added pressure when a front office executive like Bavasi pays a visit.
“They have videos and are watching every game any way,” he said. “It didn’t concern me. I just wanted to pitch the way I’m supposed to pitch.”
The hard throwing righty bounced back from his last start when he allowed five runs and nine hits in just 2.1 innings.
“I felt great,” Stephenson said. “I felt my struggles lately have just been mental. I told myself I was going to get everyone out and I was just better than them. It seemed to help me.”
Blue Wahoos Manager Delino DeShields reminded his players of one important lesson.
“They’ve been evaluated all along,” he said. “It comes down to how the guys finished, not how they started. They are all still playing hard. I appreciate the effort they’re giving.”
Stephenson, outfielder Jesse Winker (No. 2), starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (No. 4) and starting pitcher Ben Lively (No. 6) are all among the Reds top 10 prospects in their organization, according to MLB.com. In addition, starting pitcher Daniel Corcino is ranked No. 12, outfielder Yorman Rodriguez No. 13 and starting pitcher Jon Moscot No. 16.
Bevasi said while Stephenson and Winker get all the kudos as the top two prospects, a lot of other players have a chance to play for the Reds in the coming years. Winker has been on the disabled list since July 24 with a sprained right wrist.
“Robert (Stephenson) has developed well and this is a good place for him to get challenged,” Bevasi said. “We wish Jesse (Winker) wasn’t hurt. We’d like to see him get more at bats. But the guys who are written up are not always the ones who end up playing in the Major Leagues.”
And Blue Wahoos players who have the best chance of joining Cincinnati’s starting lineup? All Bevasi revealed is, “I like them all.”
In Friday’s game, the players most fans liked best were leftfielder Juan Silverio, who clubbed a solo homer in the sixth, and first baseman Travis Mattair, who blasted a three-run home run in the seventh inning that put Pensacola up, 8-1.
GAME NOTES
The finale of the five-game series with Arizona Diamondbacks Double-A affiliate the Mobile BayBears (73-48) gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-5, 2.98) takes the mound for the Wahoos (53-71) and is scheduled to be opposed by the BayBears RHP Archie Bradley (2-2, 3.77).
by Tommy Thrall
Fire Damages Bratt Home
August 15, 2014
Fire damaged a single story home in Bratt Friday morning.
The fire was reported about 9:15 a.m. in the 3800 block of Macks Road, just east of North Highway 99. A resident reported a problem with a propane gas stove and a resulting kitchen fire. The fire was quickly contained.
There was no immediate report of any injuries.
The Walnut Hill, Century and McDavid station of Escambia Fire Rescue, the Atmore Fire Department and Escambia County EMS were dispatched to the fire.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Advisory Issued Due To West Nile Virus Case
August 15, 2014
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County has received notification of a probable case of West Nile virus infection in a resident of Escambia County, FL.
“There is a heightened concern that other Escambia County, Florida, residents and visitors may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito,” the department said in a news release.
The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division and DOH-Escambia is continuing surveillance and prevention efforts. The health department is reminding residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.
Northview’s FFA To Be Honored As One Of America’s Best Chapters
August 15, 2014
The Northview High School FFA chapter will once again receive one of the highest national honors presented by the National FFA.
Northview’s FFA will receive the Three Star Chapter award on live national television during the National FFA Convention & Expo this fall in Louisville, KY. The program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the county that successfully complete an annual set of required activities that encourage members to grow individually, work as a team and serve others in their community.
In addition to the national honors, the Northview High FFA chapter was recently honored for having the top Fresh From Florida Food Advocacy Program, formerly known as the Food for America Program, in the entire state. The chapter has received top state award numerous times.
During the FFA state convention this summer, the Northview FFA was also selected for the Florida’s Premier FFA Chapters award. The Premier Chapter Award was initiated to recognize superior achievement by chapters in agricultural education and the FFA. To be eligible for this award, a chapter must be proficient in several areas, which include alumni and community partnerships, financial planning, and public relations, along with recruitment and other FFA activities.
Pictured top: On behalf of the Northview FFA, Courtney Solari (left) and Bethany Reynolds (middle) receive the 2013 Three Star Chapter award on live national television during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY, last October. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Voter Registration Up In Escambia County For August Primary
August 15, 2014
The final registration date has passed for voters to register for the August 26 primary election. In Escambia County, the final books closed with 198,775 voters registered; that’s up about six percent from the 2012 primary election.
The Escambia County Elections Office says over 200,000 voters should be registered in time for the November 6 general election. The deadline to register to voter in the November 6 general election is October 6.
Second Case Of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed In Area
August 15, 2014
A positive case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in Escambia County, Ala., — the first in Alabama and the second in the North Escambia area.
That announcement comes just after the Escambia County (Fla.) Department of Health confirmed that an unimmunized horse in Escambia County, Fla., was recently euthanized because it contracted the mosquito-borne EEE.
According to the Escambia County (Fla.) Department of Health, unimmunized horses are at risk for this disease. Horse owners are encouraged to keep current all equine immunizations for mosquito-borne diseases.
To protect horses from the effects of this disease, vaccinations should be current and delivered on a frequency of two times each year, every six months in consultation with a local veterinary professional.
EEE is a mosquito-transmitted disease that is much more severe than West Nile Virus (WNV). The mortality rate in horses from WNV is reported at around 30%, while the rate for EEE is almost 90%. Infected mosquitoes are the primary source for EEE. The virus causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord. General symptoms include central nervous system signs such as: head pressing, convulsions, lack of response to facial stimulation, fever above 103 degrees, ataxia, paralysis, anorexia, depression and stupor. Other symptoms may include irregular gait, teeth grinding, in-coordination, circling, and staggering. All symptoms may not be exhibited by an infected horse.
“This is the time of year that we are extremely vulnerable to the spread of mosquito-borne viruses and we need to protect our livestock and ourselves” stated Alabama Agriculture & Industries Commissioner John McMillan. “I want to encourage horse owners to vaccinate their horses for both EEE and West Nile Virus as soon as possible.”
While EEE rarely infects humans, transmission of the virus to humans is possible from the bite of an infected mosquito. Human signs and symptoms of EEE infection can include sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, and coma. Severe cases of EEE infection in humans can lead to brain damage or death. Persons experiencing symptoms of a mosquito-borne disease should seek immediate medical care.
Century Continues Budget Setting Process
August 15, 2014
The Town of Century continued their fiscal year 2014-2015 budget setting process with a special town council workshop Thursday afternoon. Additional budget workshops are planned for 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 21; and (if needed) Thursday August 28.
The Town of Century’s budget for the current fiscal year is $4.38 million.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview, EWMS Showcase Cross Country Programs With ‘Glow Run’
August 15, 2014
Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle schools’ cross country programs hosted a community “glow run” Thursday in Bratt. The event ended just after dark, with runners wearing glow sticks, glow bracelets and other glow in the dark items.
The run gave students and their parents a chance to learn about and sign up for the cross country programs at both schools. For more information about the Northview Cross Country team contact Coach Natalie Nall at nnelson@escambia.k12.fl.us, or for more information about the Ernest Ward Cross Country team, contact Coach Betty Coon at bcoon@escambia.k12.fl.us.
The first scheduled meet for Northview is September 16 at Brewton Middle School. The first home meet will be September 23 at Northview.
Pictured: A community “glow run” Thursday evening at Travis Nelson Park in Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Showband Offers Preview Show
August 15, 2014
After a summer of hard work, the Tate High School Showband of the South held a Preview Night Thursday at Pete Gindl Stadium for parents and friends. This will be a big year for the band; in addition to Friday night performances, the Showband is headed to the 2014 Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. Photo by Paula Cawby for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win 2-1 Over Rival Mobile BayBears
August 15, 2014
Hometown prospect Ben Lively remains winless in front of his friends and family at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
But that doesn’t matter as long as the Pensacola Blue Wahoos starter keeps pitching like he did Thursday night. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound righty shut out the Mobile BayBears over six innings, allowed just three hits and struck out seven.
What matters to Lively is his team pulled out a win in the 11th inning, 2-1, against Southern League rival Mobile, which is 26 games over .500 with the best record in the South Division at 73-47.
Travis Mattair lead off the bottom of the 11th inning with a triple off the centerfield wall and the very next batter Devin Lohman drove him home with the winning run on a deep fly ball to right field.
A Gulf Breeze High School baseball standout Lively entered the game with a 0-4 record and 4.73 ERA. Afterwards his comment: “It’s a team sport. As long as we win, I don’t care.”
Pensacola Manager Delino DeShields said Thursday was one of Lively’s best performances in front of the home crowd.
“He was really good tonight,” DeShields said. “I wish we would have held the lead for him and gotten him the W.”
Lively’s had a bit of hard luck that his overall 1-6 record doesn’t explain. Consider this: When allowing two runs or less, which Lively has done in six of his 10 starts with Pensacola, Lively has 1 win, 2 losses and 3 no decisions. Plus, in half of his 10 starts, he’s allowed just three hits or less, with opposing hitters batting .196 against him.
Lively bounced back from his last home start against the Jackson Generals, he allowed five runs – the most all season – in six innings and struck out three batters – his fewest all season.
Mattair, who nearly won a bet that he would blast a homer, said playing at first base behind Lively on the mound is always exciting.
“He has just been lights out,” said Mattair, who has a home run, triple, three doubles and two singles in his last seven hits. “He has that mentality that he’s going to beat you.”
Lohman, wearing a collar of shaving cream, said he was just looking for a pitch to drive out of the infield, which was playing in. He let a first pitch fastball go by and was angry at himself before hitting the walk-off sacrifice fly. Like Lively, he just wanted to get a victory and end their two-game losing streak to Mobile.
“Lively is very intense and the kind of person who fires the team up,” Lohman said. “He plays to win. We’ve had a lot of close games against Mobile this year. It was good to get the win. ”
BLACKED OUT GAME RESUMES The first ever Pensacola Blue Wahoos game suspended because the ballpark lights went out Wednesday resumed Thursday. The BayBears were in the middle of a ninth-inning rally when the blackout happened and the game restarted with the bases loaded with one out and Mobile ahead, 4-3.
Mobile picked up where it left off, adding four more runs on two more hits to win the game, 8-3. In all over two nights, Mobile sent nine batters to the plate and scored six runs on six hits off Pensacola closer Shane Dyer, who had saved 12 games in a row. Dyer, who earned the loss to fall to 0-3, has only blown two saves in 18 tries.
It was the first time in 26 home games this season that the Wahoos lost after leading the game after eight innings.
During the day, Pensacola hired an electrical contractor who repaired a breaker in the malfunctioning lights on the first base side of the field.
GAME NOTES
The fourth game of the five-game series with Arizona Diamondbacks Double-A affiliate the Mobile BayBears (73-47) gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Friday. RHP Robert Stephenson (5-8, 4.59) takes the mound for the Wahoos (52-71) and is scheduled to be opposed by the BayBears LHP Clayton Richard (0-0, 18.00).
by Tommy Thrall