Blue Angels Thrill, Rocket City Blasts Past Wahoos In Series Finale
April 22, 2024
by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos will have Monday to rest and reset following their first home series loss against the Rocket City Trash Pandas in the matchup’s four-season history.
They seek a change in batting fortune.
A pair of Trash Pandas pitchers, led by top pitching prospect Caden Dana, checked the Blue Wahoos on just three hits in a 3-0 loss Sunday at Blue Wahoos Stadium to close out the first half of an extended homestand. The win enabled Rocket City (9-6) to win the series 4-2, after entering the week with a 2-16 record in Pensacola.
A crowd of 3,851 had its biggest excitement when the famed Blue Angels buzzed over the stadium under a clear-blue sky during the seventh inning while returning from a weekend air show. That was the loudest roar of the day.
In the ninth inning, however, there was some suspense on the field.
The first two Blue Wahoos batters, newcomer Joe Mack and catcher Paul McIntosh, drew walks to put multiple runners on base for the only time in the game.
Jacob Berry then missed on a game-tying home run when lining a shot foul down the right field line. He then fouled off a couple pitches before reliever Hayden Seig struck him out with a changeup. Shane Sasaki then hit a slow grounder that became a force out. Cody Morissette, who had laced two hard lineouts earlier in the game, grounded out to end the game.
After Javier Sanoja led off the Blue Wahoos first inning with a single, Rocket City’s Dana retired the next 15 batters in order. Dana, a 20-year-old righthander from Warwick, New York, entered this season ranked No. 2 overall among the Los Angeles Angels top 30 prospects.
The Trash Pandas team has all four of the Angels’ top quartet of prospects on the team to start the season.
Rocket City got two first inning runs off Blue Wahoos starter Paul Campbell, but then Campbell settled into a groove, retiring 12 of the next 16 batters he faced in a what became a rapidly played game that was complete in two hours, 22 minutes.
Campbell was solid again in his second start this week, working into the seventh with just three hits allowed and seven strikeouts and just one walk. It continued his comeback attempt after making his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2021.
The Blue Wahoos (6-9) will now turn attention to the series against the Shuckers (10-4), who entered Sunday’s game with eight consecutive wins and the best start in the Southern League.
Lefthander Jonathan Bermúdez (1-1, 1.64 ERA) will start for the Blue Wahoos. He held Rocket City hitless into the sixth inning of the series-opening 1-0 win Tuesday.
GAME NOTABLES
—- Joe Mack walked into the Blue Wahoos front office at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, after flying into Pensacola from Beloit, Wisconsin, where he was the top hitter (.343, 12 RBI) and biggest force behind the Beloit Sky Carp’s fast start in the Midwest League as the Marlins High-affiliate. He’s the Marlins’ top catcher prospect and will likely see plenty of opportunity in that role in Pensacola.
The Blue Anchor Belles, a trio of military wives, whose husbands are stationed at NAS-Pensacola, performed the National Anthem.
—- It was West Florida High’s baseball team group outing Sunday. The 6-year-old son of Jaguars’ coach Joe Rieland threw out ta ceremonial first pitch and got a roar when he threw a pitch from the mound to home plate.
—- There were two outs in the top of the seventh at 5:43 p.m. when the unmistakable roar of the Blue Angels jets were heard a split- before the jets buzzed over the stadium.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Tuesday through Sunday (April 23-28). Gametimes are 6:05 p.m. for all games except Wednesday at 11:05 and Sunday at 4:05.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Escambia Considers Widening 2.16 Miles Of Dangerously Narrow Highway 164; Barry Promises More
April 21, 2024
Escambia County is set to consider a $1.25 million project to widen about 2.16 total miles of dangerously narrow Highway 164 in two locations in what one county commissioner promises is part of the first phase of work.
Highway 164 has been the scene of several near head-on crashes and sideswipes attributed to the narrow roadway. Some of the roadway has approximately 8-foot travel lanes — not wide enough for large vehicles like a fire engine from the nearby McDavid Fire Station (pictured below).
The project would widen Highway 164 to 11-foot wide travel lanes two-thirds of a mile east from Highway 97 and a 1.5 mile stretch that is three-quarters of a mile either side of the Pine Barren Road intersection. (See maps below.) Highway 164 is about 11.5 miles long from Highway 97 to Highway 29.
“I’m excited about the first phase of widening improvements for the most narrow part of Hwy 164,” Barry said. “I promise it’s not the completion of the project, only the first phase including the worst area, and I will keep working diligently to secure the funds needed for additional widening of Highway 164 and for other roads which need these type improvements as well.
On Monday, the Escambia County Commission will vote on awarding a $1,254,955.88 bid to Panhandle Grading and Paving, the lowest lowest, most responsive, and responsible bidder for this project.
According to Escambia County Engineering, the two areas had seven sideswipes and other accidents between May 2018 and May 2023– the highest concentration areas on Highway 164. NorthEscambia.com has covered several other crashes on Highway 164 outside the proposed widening zone — including a fiery two pickup crash last April, and a pickup truck and school bus last year (detailed in photo descriptions below).
If approved, the project will be funded by Local Option Sales Tax funs and is expected to be complete in 150 days.
Pictured above and first below: A near head-on crash in April 2023 on Highway 164 about a mile west of Pine Barren Road — outside the area currently proposed for widening. Pictured second and third photos below: A pickup truck overturned in February 2022 after sideswiping a school bus on Highway 164 1.3 miles east of Pine Barren Road — outside the area currently proposed for widening. Pictured bottom two photos: A school bus and ECUA sanitation truck sideswiped in June 2022 just east of Pine Barren Road — our records do not indicate the exact distance from Pine Barren Road, but it was very near the three-quarter mile mark. NorthEscambia.com photos and graphics, click to enlarge.
Charges Dropped Against Atmore Journalists Accused Of Revealing Grand Jury Secrets
April 21, 2024
ll criminal charges against two Atmore journalists and school board members have been dropped.
The move came at the request of Alabama Assistant Attorney General Thomas Govan Jr., who had taken over the Escambia County, Alabama, bases after the local district attorney recused himself. The dismissals were granted Friday by Judge Ben Fuller.
All charges related to criminally revealing of grand jury secrets were dismissed against Escambia County (AL) School Board member and Atmore News Publisher Sherry Digmon, Atmore News reporter Don Fletcher Escambia County (AL) School Board vice-president Cindy Jackson and Veronica Fore, the school district’s bookkeeper. An additional charge against Digmon for using her position for personal gain was also dropped.
The cases garnered national attention and calls of violations of the First Amendment principles of freedom the press. The charges were filed after an October 2023 article in the Atmore News written by Fletcher allegedly revealed details about grand jury proceedings that should have remained secret under Alabama law.
The cases came about after a school board voted not to renew the contract former former School Superintendent Michele McClung.
Tate High School FBLA Members Participate In Spring Cleanup At Veterans Memorial Park
April 21, 2024
Students from the Tate High School FBLA worked Saturday morning in the annual spring cleanup at the Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola.
Under the leadership of Tate faculty members Janice Courson and Tommy Maher, the students worked to spruce up the park, including using brushes to meticulously clean monuments.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
EREC’s 85th Annual Meeting Will Be Saturday, April 27
April 21, 2024
Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting will be held Saturday, April 27.
The meeting for EREC members will be held at Ernest Ward Middle School in Walnut Hill. Activities will be from 8 to 10 am., and the business meeting will begin at 10 a.m.
There will be lots of door prizes, vendor information tables and activities for kids. An electric vehicle will be on display, scholarship winners will be announced, and voting will take place for open trustee seats. Guest speaker will be Matt Diamond from PowerSouth.
Absentee voting is going on now at EREC offices in Walnut Hill and Jay through April 26.
Breakfast will be available with cash only with proceeds going to the EWMS culinary arts program.
Pictured: The 2023 EREC Annual Meeting at Jay High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High 2024 Prom King And Queen Named
April 21, 2024
Ava Gurganus was named prom queen, and Joe Wright was named prom king at the Northview High School 2024 prom Saturday night.
The prom, “A Night at Gatsby’s” was held at the Sanders Beach Resource Center in Pensacola.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Have Comeback Thwarted By Trash Pandas
April 21, 2024
by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos twice had late-inning rallies thwarted.
But it still became a grand night.
An overflow, sellout crowd of 5,000-plus, probably the largest so far this season, was treated to a three-element night of pregame festivities, a spoof with marinara sauce, and post game fireworks, after the Rocket City Trash Pandas held on for a 3-2 victory Saturday.
The Blue Wahoos twice scorched ground balls in the eighth and ninth inning with runners on base that were deftly fielded and turned into double plays – the latter to end the game.
After his eighth-inning shot down the first base line was snared and robbed, Jacob Berry gazed skyward and clapped his hands together in dismay after reaching the base.
Both kept Rocket City’s lead intact.
The massive crowd included more than a dozen groups, led by more than a dozen groups, including 200-plus from Navy Federal, plus large number of standing-room spectators. The outfield berm in right field was filled to its capacity along every available patch of grass.
Pregame tributes and gifts began for Saturday’s guest of honor on Jim Reeves Bobblehead Night. The former attorney and long-time Pensacola political leader, an influential voice in the push to build the stadium, was joined by his son, Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves, along with many of his close friends in the community on the field before the game.
It was part of a scene that included several youth baseball teams running out with players during introductions.
When the game began, Rocket City again jumped to a lead. The Trash Pandas took a 3-0 lead after three innings against Blue Wahoos starter M.D. Johnson, who otherwise had a quality outing. He struck out six batters, walked only one and gave his team six solid innings.
Just like Friday, the Blue Wahoos used a home run to get their first run. Third baseman Harrison Spohn blasted his first of the year over the left field wall in the fifth inning.
In the sixth, Berry scored on a wild pitch, after reaching on a single and advancing on Jake Thompson’s single.
Blue Wahoos releivers Josan Méndez and Matt Pushard combined for three innings of stellar relief, allowing just one hit, and Pushard pitched out of a two-walk jam in the ninth by recoding three strikeouts.
In the ninth, Zach Zubia hit a one-out single. Bennett Hostetler connected on a 2-2 pitch from reliever Mason Erla, and sent it over the second base bag where the Trash Pandas infield shift paid off with a step-and-throw double play.
The Blue Wahoos (6-8) will try to gain a split of the six-game series on Sunday against the Trash Pandas (8-6), who have now won more games this week in this ballpark than in their previous three years combined.
The first pitch is set for 4:05 p.m.
GAME NOTABLES
There were 10 ceremonial first pitches before the game. Pensacola mayor D.C. Reeves preceded his father with a strike toss, prior to Jim Reeves closing out the sequence. The elder Reeves, a 1956 Pensacola High graduate, who rose to be a leader in the Florida House of Representatives, the later served on Pensacola City Council and the Community Maritime Park board.
The National Anthem was performed for a second time this week by Jessica Voigt, the Blue Wahoos group sales and community relations trainee, and UWF student, who elicited a loud applause after her rendition.
SUNDAY FINALE
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Sunday, 4;05 p.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Photo: Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Woman Found Asleep In Vehicle Facing Cocaine And Fentanyl Charges
April 20, 2024
A Cantonment woman found asleep in her vehicle by deputies is facing fentanyl and cocaine related charges.
Cherrelle Jeanninne Clay, 39, was charged with possession of controlled substances, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license third or subsequent conviction.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office reported finding Clay asleep and hunched over the center console of her parked and running Nissan Pathfinder at a car wash on Mobile Highway. Deputies noted in their report that after Clay awoke, she was trying to reach for a box on the passenger seat and had visible drug paraphernalia.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and deputies found powdered fentanyl and oxycodone pills, according to an arrest report.
Clay was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $10,500 bond.
Family Identifies 16-Year Old Cottage Hill Shooting Victim
April 20, 2024
Family members have identified the 16-year shot and killed April 12 in Cottage Hill, and they are working to raise funds for his funeral expenses.
Bryson Allen was a “loving child that loves basketball, fishing, hanging with friends and family,” Travis Packard wrote on a GoFundMe fundraiser page.
“He would help with anything. He was also eager to work for what he wanted; we loved him dearly.”
The shooting happened during a teen party at a home on Wishbone Road.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office siad 19-year-old Ethan Alexander O’Brien was showing off a gun when it fired an struck Allen in the chest. O’Brien was charged with felony negligent manslaughter.
Tate Gets Senior Night DoubleHeader Sweep Of Escambia (With Galleries)
April 20, 2024
The Tate Lady Aggies celebrated a blowout senior night doubleheader sweep over the Escambia Gators Friday.
The Aggies outscored EHS 22-3 with wins off 11-0 and 11-3.
For game action photos, click here.
For Tate Senior Night photos and candids, click here.
The Lady Aggies also honored their seniors — Kate Balagbagan, Olivea “Liv” Latner, Lizzy McVay and Kylea Gibbs — between games.
Tate 11, Escambia 0
Kara Wine slammed two home runs as she drove in six during Tate’s 11-0 shutout of Escambia.
Wine homered in the first and fourth innings.
Peyton Womack earned the wine for Tate. She pitched a complete five innings, surrendering one hit and no runs, striking out three and walking one.
Wine, Amburleigh Laird, Lacy Wilson, and Elizabeth McVay each had two hits for the Lady Aggies.
Tate 11, Escambia 3
In the second game of the Friday double header, Tate beat Escambia 11-3.
Balagbagan earned the win for Tate, allowing six hits and three runs in seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.
Tristen Showalter was 4-4 for Tate, and Balagbagan went 2-4 Tate. Elizabeth McVay, Womack, Wilson, and Jordan Smith, each contributed a run.
Pictured: Tate Lady Aggies softball seniors (L-R) #7 Kate Balagbagan, #21 Kylea Gibbs, #6 Lizzy McVay and #10 Liv Latner. Also pictured: Game action Friday afternoon as Tate hosted Escambia at Tate. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
