Barons Beat Blue Wahoos 8-4 To Even Series
May 15, 2012
Birmingham plated five runs in the top of the second inning, including a grand slam from third baseman Corey Smith, to lead the Barons to an 8-4 win over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos on Monday night at Pensacola’s multi-use stadium.
After Pensacola took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first thanks to part to DH Cody Puckett’s seventh home run of the season, Birmingham grabbed a lead they would not relinquish with a big second frame. CF Jared Mitchell led off the inning with a solo shot to left before the Barons loaded the bases with two walks and a single from 2B Jose Castro, which set the scene for Smith. The third baseman slugged the first pitch he saw down the left field line to clear the bases and give the Barons a 6-2 advantage.
The Blue Wahoos brought home single tallies in the fourth and fifth frames with 1B Joel Guzman leaving the yard for his fifth longball of the year in the fourth, while CF Ryan LaMarre singled and then was driven in on SS Didi Gregorius’ run scoring triple in the following frame. Birmingham would then plate additional insurance runs in both the sixth and seventh frames to increase the margin to 8-4.
LaMarre (2-3, 2 R, 1BB) and Guzman (2-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI) accumulated two hits on the night for the Blue Wahoos, while no Barons hitters recorded a multi-hit effort.
Barons starting pitcher Pedro Hernandez (5.0 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 9 SO) earned his fifth win in as many starts after allowing four earned runs on six hits in five frames, while relievers Brandon Kloess (3.0 IP, 5 SO) and Leroy Hunt (1.0 IP, 1 SO) combined for the four perfect innings in support of Hernandez. Pensacola starter Daniel Corcino (5.0 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO) suffered the loss after yielding six earned runs on five hits in his five innings pitched.
With the series now tied at 2-2, the Blue Wahoos and Barons will meet Monday evening for the rubber match with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 pm at Pensacola’s bayfront stadium. RHP Tim Crabbe is scheduled to take the hill for Pensacola, while Birmingham is expected to send LHP Jose Quintana.
By Andrew Green
One Killed In Multiple Vehicle Crash With A Horse
May 14, 2012
A Pensacola man was killed in a multiple vehicle accident involving a horse Sunday night in Molino.
James Cobb, 63, was pronounced deceased on the scene of the 8:27 p.m. crash near Victory Assembly of God, just south of Barrineau Park Road. His passenger, 56-year old Debra Cobb, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola with minor injuries.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Cobb was southbound on Highway 29 in the left lane as a horse was running northbound in the left southbound lane. Cobb was unable to avoid the horse; the front of his 2007 Kia Sorrento hit the horse. Cobb’s vehicle continued across the median and across both northbound lanes, coming to rest on the shoulder of the road.
The horse came to rest in the southbound lane of Highway 29. At least two other vehicles struck the animal following the initial collision, and at least one other person was transported to a Pensacola hospital with non life-threatening injuries. As of early Monday morning, details on the additional vehicles and drivers had not been released.
None of the vehicles collided with any another vehicle; all collided with only the horse. The horse did not survive the accident.
The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Molino, McDavid and Cantonment stations of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, LifeFlight and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the crash.
Pictured top: The driver of this vehicle died after hitting a horse on Highway 29 in Molino Sunday night. Pictured inset: One person from this vehicle was transported by ambulance to a Pensacola hospital after running over the horse. Pictured bottom inset: The driver of this vehicle was not injured after colliding with the horse.Pictured below: Traffic was backed up by the accident. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Serious Injuries In Car Versus Tree Wreck
May 14, 2012
There were no serious injuries in a Monday morning wreck when a woman struck a tree.
The accident happened about on Bratt Road just west of Camp Road about 10:15 a.m. An 84-year old woman was transported by ambulance to Jay Hospital with injuries that were not considered severe.
The accident is under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. The McDavid Station of Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS also responded to the wreck.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Names Inspirational Hero, Student Of Year
May 14, 2012
Byrneville Elementary School has named their 2012 Cox Inspirational Hero and their Student of the Year.
Cox Inspirational Hero — Patton Goetter
Byrneville’s Cox Inspirational Hero is Patton Goetter, a fifth grader with cystic fibrosis that “let’s nothing get in the way of his dreams”, according to the school. “His warm smile, dedication, and hard work makes him a ‘her0′ to us,” his teacher, Jacke Johnston, said.
Student of the Year — Tanner Levins
Byrneville Elementary School’s Student of the Year is fifth grader Tanner Levins.
“Tanner is a dream student. He always gives 100% and is eager to learn new things. He is always wearing a smile and is always there to help another student out. He takes up for the kids who can’t take up for themselves. Tanner definitely is a role model in and out of school,” said Johnson, also Levins’ teacher.
Pictured top: Byrneville Elementary School’s Cox Inspirational Hero Patton Goetter and Student of the Year Tanner Levins. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Man Facing Felony Charge For Selling Stolen Puppy For $50
May 14, 2012
A Cantonment man is facing a second degree felony charge for allegedly selling a stolen pit bull puppy for $50.
Michael Bryant, age 54 of Lake Drive, was charged with dealing in stolen property. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on $2,500 bond.
He was arrested last week for an incident that occurred January 12. A resident of Robinson Street reported that her pit bull puppy — black in color with a white patch under his chin — had been stolen. The victim later located her puppy at a home on Washington Street. The person with the puppy claimed they had purchased it for $50 from Bryant, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office report. The purchaser of the puppy told deputies that he wanted his $50 back.
Both parties agreed they wanted to press charged against Bryant, according to the report.
Eight Businesses Sell Alcohol To Minors
May 14, 2012
Employees at eight Pensacola businesses were charged with misdemeanors after they illegally sold alcohol to an underage buyer, according to the Pensacola Police Department.
Pensacola Police Vice and Narcotics officers supervised an undercover female police agent under the age of 21 who went into 20 stores during the 6-hour sweep and tried to purchase
alcohol. Employees who were charged with selling alcohol to a minor either didn’t check identification or checked it improperly, police said.
Employees at the following businesses were cited for improper sales:
- The Ticket Sports Bar, 820 E. Gregory St.
- BP gas station, One W. Cervantes St.
- Fleet Express gas station, 400 E. Gregory St.
- Circle K, 3013 E. Cervantes St.
- Circle K, 1201 E. Cervantes St.
- BP gas station, 2111 W. Garden St.
- Chicago Store, 2200 N. Davis Highway
- Short Stop Pantry, 707 N. Pace Blvd.
Pensacola Police said they are done with the underage alcohol sweeps; they plan more unannounced undercover operations to check compliance with alcohol laws.
LifeFlight Turns 35 (Photo Gallery From LifeFlight Over Flomaton, Century)
May 14, 2012
May 14 was the 35th anniversary of the first patient flight on LifeFlight.
In 1977, Baptist Hospital became the third hospital in the country to operate medical helicopter ambulance service. LifeFlight 2 was added in Mobile in 2004 and LifeFlight 3 was added in Evergreen in 2006.
For a photo gallery from LifeFlight over Century and Flomaton, click here.
Operating 24 hours a day, Baptist LifeFlight can be airborne within minutes of a call, traveling at speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour. This significantly reduces the transport time of critically ill patients, either from a transferring hospital or from the scene of an emergency.
The Baptist LifeFlight crew is highly trained and experienced in critical care. Registered nurses must have a paramedic certification, a minimum of three years in nursing with one year each of critical care and emergency department experience, and be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Paramedics are required to have a minimum of three years experience in a busy EMS service and must also have ACLS and PALS certifications. New crew members also receive extensive additional training from LifeFlight’s medical directors.
The helicopter operates on two Pratt & Whitney turbine engines. It has an empty weight of 3,208 pounds, and a maximum flight weight of 6,415 pounds. It has a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet, a cruise speed of 158 mph and climbs 25 feet per second.
For a photo gallery from LifeFlight over Century and Flomaton, click here.
Pictured top: LifeFlight at a wreck on Highway 29 near McDavid. Pictured inset: Looking down from LifeFlight at the Panhandle Restaurant in Century. Pictured below: The view from LifeFlight over Century looking north toward Flomaton. Northescambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Bank Robbery Suspect From Century Extradited Back To Alabama
May 14, 2012
A Century woman has been extradited back to Alabama to face charges for her alleged role in the February 17 robbery of the Bank of Brewton.
Robin Ann Godwin, 42, was arrested April 12 by FBI agents at a travel trailer on Bluff Springs Road just south of Century. She was booked into Escambia County as a fugitive from justice. In Escambia County Circuit Court, Godwin waived extradition back to Escambia County, Ala., to face a first degree robbery charge.
As FBI agents arrested Godwin in Florida, additional agents converged on a home on Pine Road in Escambia County, Ala. and arrested her father, 75-year old Norman Alvin Godwin, on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and first degree robbery. He was booked into the Escambia County (Ala.) Detention Center in Brewton.
As they executed search warrants, FBI agents recovered evidence at a both locations, including cash allegedly taken during the Brewton robbery.
On February 17, a single suspect (pictured left) walked into the bank through a public boardwalk entrance at the rear of the building and demanded cash and fled out the same door. Authorities said at the time that they were not sure exactly how the bandit left the area following the robbery, but a few days later they said the bandit may have headed to Florida.
Pictured top and bottom: FBI agents executed a search warrant related to a Brewton bank robbery at this travel trailer on Bluff Springs Road south of Century. FBI agents, who were just off camera, would not allow their photographs to be taken. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing
May 14, 2012
There were no injuries when a military helicopter made a precautionary emergency landing in a field near Barrineau Park Sunday afternoon.
The helicopter from Training Air Wing Five (TAW-5) at NAS Whiting Field made the landing in the field on Highway 196 just north of Barrineau Park School Road after indications of a possible mechanical problem. The downtime gave the residents around the landing site the opportunity to visit with the crew and even pose for pictures with the aircraft.
Pictured above: An exciting Sunday afternoon for Judson Conatser, Taylor Conatser and Julie Ann Keith as they had a chance to visit with the helicopter crew (pictured below). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Sweep Barons In Double Header
May 14, 2012
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were victorious over the Birmingham Barons in both games of their double header on Sunday afternoon at Pensacola’s multi-use stadium, winning the first game 8-0 before taking the subsequent contest 4-2 in front of another sellout crowd of 5,038.
Five Pensacola pitchers combined to shut out the Barons offense in the twin bill’s opener, which was the conclusion of Saturday night’s suspended game. RHP Kyle Lotzkar (6.1 IP, 2 H, 5 BB, 6 SO) earning the win after tossing 6.1 innings of two-hit ball, while also failing to yield a base knock in his first 5.2 frames. Birmingham LHP Nestor Molina (6.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO) suffered the loss in the first game after allowing six earned runs on ten hits in 6.2 innings pitched.
The sixth through eight hitters in the Blue Wahoos lineup led the charge, hitting 8-for-10 in the contest with five runs, three doubles, a homer and three RBI. C Koyie Hill (3-3, 3 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB) provided the longball with a solo shot to left field in the fourth inning and also collected three hits, while OF P.J. Phillips (3-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI) also recorded a three-hit effort. In addition, 2B Brodie Greene (2-5, 2 RBI) and RF Josh Fellhauer (2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB) each tallied a pair of base knocks in the first contest.
Pensacola provided more power in the second game, with Fellhauer leaving the yard for his first roundtripper of the season in the opening frame to give the Blue Wahoos the early 2-0 advantage. The Barons however answered back with single tallies in the second and third frames thanks to 1B Seth Loman, who homered in the second before bringing home a score with an RBI single.
Both offenses would be silent until the sixth frame, when the Blue Wahoos made history with their first back-to-back home runs in the franchise’s history. After 3B Cody Puckett launched his team-leading sixth longball of the year, 1B Yordanys Perez followed with his first career roundtripper to put Pensacola ahead 4-2.
Blue Wahoos starter Mark Serrano (5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 SO) did not receive a decision despite allowing just two earned runs on four hits in five frames, while relievers Curtis Partch and Donnie Joseph were perfect in the final two innings in support of Serrano. Partch (1.0 IP) earned the win to improve to 1-2 with Pensacola and Joseph (1.0 IP, 2 SO) notched his sixth save of the year, fanning two in the last frame. Birmingham reliever Santos Rodriguez (3.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 SO) suffered the loss to fall to 0-2 after yielding two earned runs in the final three innings.
The Blue Wahoos and Barons are slated to meet again Monday night, as Pensacola looks to clinch the series with a victory. RHP Daniel Corcino is expected to take the mound for the Blue Wahoos, while Birmingham is expected to send LHP Pedro Hernandez to toe the rubber. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the bayfront stadium.
By Andrew Green
Pictured: C Koyie Hill went 3-3 with a HR in the first game of Pensacola’s twin bill sweep. Photo by Chris Nelson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.