Wild Pitching Costs Wahoos In 9-0 Loss
May 15, 2025
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos struggled to find the strike zone in their Education Day game on Wednesday afternoon, falling 9-0 to the Rocket City Trash Pandas.
Pensacola pitching walked six batters and hit five more, giving the Trash Pandas free baserunners throughout the game. Robby Snelling (L, 2-3) took the loss, allowing five runs in 4.0+ innings as Rocket City evened up the series at one game apiece.
Snelling, who struggled in the first inning in a disappointing start last week in Biloxi, had trouble out of the gate again against the Trash Pandas. Three walks, including two with the bases loaded to Christian Moore and Jaxx Groshans, gave Rocket City a quick 2-0 lead.
That would turn out to be more than enough for Joel Hurtado (W, 3-2), who worked 7.0 scoreless innings on only 83 pitches. The Pensacola offense managed just three singles against the hard-throwing righthander.
The Trash Pandas added another run in the third inning on a Myles Emmerson double, and chased Snelling from the game in the fifth with three singles to load the bases with nobody out. Ricky DeVito entered and hit two batters on consecutive pitches, forcing in two more runs. DeVito would hit two more batters in the sixth inning, tying a Southern League record with four hit batsmen over 2.1 innings. Three Pensacola errors allowed both free baserunners to score in the sixth, extending the Rocket City lead to 7-0.
Two more Rocket City runs scored in the seventh on a Sam Brown RBI groundout and a wild pitch. José Quijada and Camden Minacci worked the final two innings for the Trash Pandas to complete a four-hit shutout.
Pensacola reliever Nigel Belgrave was a bright spot, striking out seven batters over 2.2 scoreless innings.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Trash Pandas on Thursday night. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Olmstead Delivers Walk-off Win As Wahoos End Losing Streak
May 14, 2025
by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos didn’t have much to celebrate on the end of their road trip.
They got some relief Tuesday night back home.
With their offense still in a slumber, the Blue Wahoos got clutch pitching, then a game-winning, two-out single from Johnny Olmstead in the 11th inning for a 3-2 walk-off win against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to end a five-game losing streak.
Moments earlier, reliever Jesse Bergin became the biggest star for Pensacola, after loading the bases with a pair of hit batters, then striking out the next three batters with well-placed fastballs to end the threat and keep the score tied.
A crowd of 3,112 on a Doggone Tuesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium watched a game where the Blue Wahoos had chances to take a lead, but again could not produce a big hit. This was the issue in Biloxi last week when the team dropped the final five games of the series and scored just eight runs combined in those games.
But Tuesday was different from a pitching perspective.
The Blue Wahoos got an outstanding start from Jacob Miller, who worked five innings, allowed four hits, no runs, one walk and five strikeouts.
The four relievers behind him were also plus points.
Zach McCambley worked two scoreless innings, striking out four of the seven batters he faced. Jacob White had a tough break in the ninth when a wild pitch led to a tying run. Josh Eckness worked two innings, gave up a run but retired the final two batters.
The Blue Wahoos missed a chance in the 10th to win the game, but caught a break when Bergin pitched out of a jam, then Olmstead jumped on a first pitch fastball to win the game, scoring Jared Serna.
The teams will have a quick turnaround, playing at 11 a.m. Wednesday in an Education Day game with school children from the region attending.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHEN: Wednesday through Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: Wednesday’s game is a special 11 a.m. start for Education Day with area schools, but is also open to all fans who want to attend the only mid-day game of the season; Thursday Thru Saturday games start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game starts at 1:05 p.m.– the final 1:05 start until mid-September.
Wahoos Drop Finale in Biloxi To End Road Trip
May 12, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (19-14) were defeated in Sunday’s series finale at Keesler Federal Park against the Biloxi Shuckers (20-13) by a final score of 5-1. The loss marks Pensacola’s fifth consecutive setback and ends a two-week road trip.
Neither team scored in Sunday’s contest until the bottom of the third inning when the Shuckers struck first. Biloxi’s league-leading scoring offense tagged Pensacola starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr (L, 2-2) for two runs – one via wild pitch, the other via an RBI single from third baseman Brock Wilken.
Pensacola answered back in the top of the fourth inning. After back-to-back one-out singles against Biloxi lefthander Tate Kuehner (W, 2-4), right fielder Kemp Alderman hit a ground ball to Shuckers shortstop Cooper Pratt. After recording one out at second base, second baseman Zavier Warren’s throw to first glanced off first baseman Luke Adams’ glove and rolled into foul territory, allowing Wahoo second baseman Jared Serna to score from third base on an E3.
The unearned run was all the offense the Wahoos would manufacture on the day against Kuehner and quartet of Biloxi relievers. The Shuckers added insurance in the bottom of the seventh against Pensacola lefthander Luis Palacios, who allowed an RBI double to Cooper Pratt and a two-run home run to Brock Wilken that extended the Biloxi lead to 5-1. The Wahoos put baserunners aboard in both the eighth and ninth innings, but could not mount a rally en route to a 5-1 defeat.
With the loss, the Wahoos drop to second place in the Southern League South Division, marking the first time all season Pensacola has not had at least a share of first place.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday, May 13 when they begin a six-game series with the Rocket City Trash Pandas. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
File photo.
Wahoos Swept In Second Straight Doubleheader
May 11, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (19-13) fell in both games of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Biloxi Shuckers (19-13) at Keesler Federal Park. The sweep marked the second time this week that Biloxi had won both games of a doubleheader (5/8).
In game one, Pensacola jumped ahead in the top of the first inning when first baseman Nathan Martorella hit into a bases-loaded, no-out double play that scored shortstop Jared Serna from third base. The Shuckers struck back quickly in the bottom of the second against Wahoos starter Dax Fulton (L, 1-2). After center fielder Luis Lara doubled with one out, left fielder Zavier Warren hit a two-run home run to give the Shuckers a 2-1 lead.
Biloxi would never relinquish its advantage and tacked on runs in the third and fourth innings in support of righthander Brett Wichrowski (ND) and lefthander Josh Maciejewski (W, 2-0). Righthander Justin Yeager (S, 5) closed out the top of the seventh to clinch a 4-1 Biloxi win.
In game two, the Wahoos again started the first inning with a run. Shortstop Jared Serna drew a leadoff walk before right fielder Jake Thompson doubled down the left field line to score Serna from first against Biloxi righthander Alexander Cornielle (W, 2-0). The Shuckers answered in the bottom of the second yet again, plating three runs against lefthander Adam Laskey (L, 2-1) on three hits. The Shuckers scored runs in the fourth and fifth to lead 5-1 heading into the top of the sixth inning.
In the sixth, the Blue Wahoo bats came to life against Cornielle. With two outs and designated hitter Kemp Alderman at first base, first baseman Nathan Martorella hit a two-run home run to cut the Biloxi lead to 5-3. After Cornielle was removed for righthander Kaleb Bowman (S, 1), third baseman Josh Zamora came to the plate and hit a solo home run to right-center field. The back-to-back homers marked the second time this season the Wahoos had hit two or more home runs in succession (back-to-back-to-back, Thompson/Alderman/Martorella, 4/26 versus Knoxville). Unfortunately, the three-run rally was not enough as the Shuckers scored two further runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull away 7-4. Bowman’s scoreless seventh inning clinched the fourth consecutive loss for Pensacola on the week.
With the defeat, the Wahoos are now tied for first place in the Southern League’s South Division with Biloxi.
Rained Out Tate Aggies Crimson And Gray Game Postponed Until Monday
May 10, 2025
Tate High School’s Crimson and Gray Game was rained out Friday night and has been postponed until Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Don’t have a ticket? They are available on GoFan.
The Tate Quarterback Club will be selling pizza, chips and drinks. All proceeds from concessions and the Aggie Shack will go directly back to the program.
Wahoos, Biloxi Set For Saturday Twin Bill After Friday Rain Postponement
May 10, 2025
Friday’s scheduled game at Keesler Federal Park between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Biloxi Shuckers has been postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, May 10, with two seven-inning games beginning at 5:05 p.m.Game two will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
Tate Lady Aggies Slip To Horizon In Regional Quarterfinals
May 9, 2025
In the 6A FHSAA Softball Regional Quarterfinals, the Tate Lady Aggies slipped 8-6 to the Horizon Hawks Thursday night in Winter Garden.
In three and one-third innings, Jordan Smith surrendered eight runs (half earned) on six hits, walking one and striking out four. Peyton Womack went two and two-thirds innings, surrendering one hit and no runs while striking out four and walking one.
Mykamia Padgett had three RBIs for the Lady Aggie as she went 1-3 for the night. Kara Wine, Kaylie Mitchell, Kinzlee Biggs, and Amburleigh Laird each added one hit.
The Aggies ended their season at 8-15. Horizon will advance to the semifinals to take on Navarre next week.
In other local area action, Pace shut out Fletcher 11-0 and will host Oakleaf on May 13 in the semis.
Pictured: The Tate Lady Aggies Thursday night in Winter Park, Florida. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Swept By Biloxi Shuckers In Twin Bill
May 9, 2025
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost back-to-back games for the first time in the 2025 season, falling 10-0 and 5-2 in a doubleheader at the hands of the Biloxi Shuckers on Thursday night.
In game one, Pensacola starter Robby Snelling (L, 2-2) had an uncharacteristically shaky outing. The Blue Wahoos had allowed only two first-inning runs through their first 28 games of the season, but the Shuckers ambushed Snelling with a five-run frame thanks to a two-run double from Luis Lara and three-run homer from Zavier Warren.
The Shuckers added two more unearned runs in the second inning, leaving Snelling with seven runs allowed in two frames. A Brock Wilken solo homer in the fourth and two more Biloxi runs in the sixth would provide more than enough offense for Biloxi starter Coleman Crow, who pitched 4.2 scoreless innings in his longest start since returning from Tommy John surgery. Relievers Brian Fitzpatrick (W, 4-0) and Tyler Bryant finished off the combined three-hit shutout.
In game two, the Blue Wahoos took a quick 1-0 lead on a Jared Serna leadoff single and bloop RBI double from Nathan Martorella. But Evan Fitterer (L, 2-2) struggled in the home half of the first inning, allowing three runs on three hits and a pair of walks before departing with only two outs recorded and 41 pitches thrown.
Shuckers starter Abdiel Mendoza (W, 1-2) settled into a groove after his rocky first inning, completing 5.0 innings of one-run ball to earn his first win. Biloxi added on with a pair of solo homers off reliever Nigel Belgrave, as Garrett Spain went deep in the fourth and Ethan Murray went deep in the fifth, extending the lead to 5-1. Will Childers allowed two walks and a run in 2.0 innings of relief, but finished off the nightcap to send the Blue Wahoos to their first consecutive losses of the year with a 5-2 final.
Nelson Prada was ejected for the first time as Pensacola’s manager after arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Jamal Allen in the fifth inning of game two.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series Friday against the Shuckers. First pitch from Keesler Federal Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Blue Wahoos, Shuckers Postponed By Rain
May 8, 2025
Wednesday’s scheduled game at Keesler Federal Park between the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Biloxi Shuckers was postponed due to rain.
The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday, with two seven-inning games beginning at 5:35 p.m. Game two of the twin bill will begin approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
Regional Semifinals: Northview Walks-Off Over Holmes; Jay Beats Chipley
May 7, 2025
Northview 1, Holmes County 0
The Northview Lady Chiefs earned a dramatic 1-0 walk-off win over Holmes County on Tuesday night.
The Rural Division semifinal game in Bratt was tied at zero in the bottom of the seventh inning when sophomore Mikayla McAnally laid down a sacrifice bunt, scoring Daviona Randolph.
Earlier, Randolph had reached on a wild pitch, a dropped third strike before stealing second and advancing to third on an error by the Holmes County catcher.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Randolph said she anticipated a rise ball on the third strike.
“I knew my bat couldn’t reach it, but I swung so maybe block the catcher’s view a little bit with my bat,” Randolph said. “And if it was close I was diving into the bag regardless. And I saw (head coach) Amy (Holland) was like you’re good, you’re good, I knew.”
John McAnally, who is the Northview hitting coach and Mikayla McAnally’s father, knew that Mikayla’s bunt was the right decision.
“They got to go for us at home, or they got to make a throw,” he said. “They read it perfect…She (MiKayla) read where the ball was and bunted. She had the confidence, and we worked on that every day. These girls work every day.
“That was a great fight out game for us tonight,” Holland said. “I’ll tell you that these two guys right here (pitching coach Shaun Tindall and McAnally) are the backbone of our team. John joined us last year, and Shaun joined us this year. My title is head coach, but these two guys right here are the backbone of our team. They are the backbone of our girls; they love them.”
““I just call the pitches,” Tindall said. “That’s just 20%t of the game, and she (McAnally) does the work. Let me just tell you she was on fire.”
McAnally had a stellar night in the circle with a one-hitter while striking out 13 and walking only one.
“I’m proud of my team,” the pitcher said. “I couldn’t have done it without them — if they didn’t get one base and score that run, I was going to have to keep pitching.”
McAnally and Avery Stuckey had the only hits — one each — for Northview as they faced the Blue Devils’ Bri Adams, who struck out then and walked one.
Northview will travel to Jay for a regional final game against the Royals next Tuesday, May 13, at 7 p.m.
Last week, Northview claimed the district title 9-1 over Jay as McAnally pitched a complete game, striking out 17 while allowing one earned run on three hits.
“I’m ready,” pitcher McAnally said, “to back at Jay.”
For a photo gallery, click here.
Jay 9 Chipley 1
The Jay Lady Royals beat Chipley 9-1 in a Rural Division semifinal in Jay.
Layna Lowry earned the win for Jay, giving up eight hits and one run in seven innings, striking out six and walking one.
Carleigh Baker led Jay with three RBIs as she went 1-3 for the night. Miley Mcgee went 2-2.
Jay will host Northview next Tuesday, May 13, at 6 p.m. in the regional finals.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
