Homers Not Enough As Wahoos Fall To Lookouts
August 29, 2025
witten by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos have thrived at home this season with a low-scoring attack and late-inning battle of bullpens.
But not right now.
The Chattanooga Lookouts expanded a one-run lead off an eighth-inning miscue, then again turned to their stellar closer Trevor Kuncl to seal a 5-3 win Thursday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
It was the Lookouts’ (65-54, 27-26 in second half) third win in four games this week – two of these finished by Kuncl, who recorded his 20th save Thursday as one of the top relievers in Minor League Baseball.
Taking on their customary alternate identity on Thursdays as the Pensacola Mullets, the loss dropped the Blue Wahoos into a second-place tie with the Columbus Clingstones and three games back of the Montgomery Biscuits in the Southern League South Division race. The Biscuits had a 3-1 win against Biloxi to expand their lead.
For Pensacola, this was a game lost despite 10 hits, plus a sizeable number of hard-contact outs that could have changed the outcome.
One of those was the final out in the game.
The Blue Wahoos’ most dangerous hitter, Kemp Alderman, faced Kuncl representing the tying run at the plate with Jared Serna on base. Alderman squared up a fastball from Kuncl with two outs and sent it to the base of the right field wall, where Chattanooga’s Austin Hendrick snared it to end the game.
Alderman had blasted a solo homer over the left field wall in the first inning.
The Lookouts took a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning on Ethan O’Donnell’s solo homer off Blue Wahoos starter Will Schomberg, who made his Double-A debut after joining the team Aug. 19 from High-A level Beloit Sky Carp.
In the game-defining eighth inning, Blue Wahoos first baseman Tony Bullard made an errant throw on a grounder with reliever Josh Ekness running to cover first base. The ball rolled toward the dugout, allowing a run to score and runners going to second and third.
The Lookouts’ top prospect, third baseman Cam Collier, then followed with his third hit, a two-run single to open a 5-1 lead.
Bullard got two of those runs back with his opposite-field homer into the right field berm in the bottom of the eighth. The next two batters, Payton Green and Colby Shade, both singled. But Lookouts reliever Simon Miller struck out Emaarion Boyd to end the inning.
Serna, Bullard and Shade all had multiple hits for the Blue Wahoos. Collier was one of five multi-hit nights for the Lookouts, who collected 12 hits in the game.
The seven-game series, which included a makeup game doubleheader Wednesday, will continue on Friday night with the Blue Wahoos’ Orlando Ortiz-Mayr on the mound.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
WHEN: Friday Thru Sunday.
GAMETIMES: Friday and Saturday games at 6:05 p.m., Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
Tate Aggies Sweep PHS Tigers In Decisive Victories (With Photo Gallery)
August 28, 2025
The Tate High Aggies varsity and junior varsity shut out the Pensacola High Tigers in Wednesday matchups.
Tate 3, Pensacola High 0
The Tate Aggies delivered a dominant performance at home, sweeping the Pensacola High Tigers in a decisive 3-0 victory Wednesday night. This win not only continued the Aggies’ success against the Tigers but also marked their strongest victory of the young season as they took every set by at least ten points.
From the first serve, the Aggies controlled the tempo, overwhelming the PHS defense with powerful hitting and an impenetrable block.
They won the first set 25-4, setting a dominant tone. While the Tigers mounted a stronger effort in the second set, the Aggies maintained their composure and pulled away, securing a 25-15 win. The final set was just as decisive, with Tate’s teamwork leading to a convincing 25-8 victory to complete the shutout.
With the victory, Tate’s record now stands at an impressive 3-1. For PHS, their loss was their first of the season, dropping their record to 2-1. The Aggies will have to hit the road for their next match, heading to Pine Forest to face the Eagles on Thursday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Tate 2, Pensacola High 0
The Tate Aggies JV also shut out the Pensacola High Tigers on Wednesday, 25-18, 25-17+
NorthEscambaic.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Split Twin Bill With Chattanooga
August 28, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
A unique doubleheader on Wednesday, which included the Blue Wahoos as visiting team in their own ballpark, provided a tale of two different halves at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
The Blue Wahoos clubbed 15 hits and scored 15 runs in a 15-3 rout against the Chattanooga Lookouts in the first game as home team. But they managed just three hits during a 5-2 loss in a second game that was carried over from a June postponement in Chattanooga.
The late-afternoon start had an explosive beginning for the Blue Wahoos in Game 1 of the two 7-inning games.
Tony Bullard blasted a grand slam in the first inning after the first three batters reached on a pair of walks and a single. It was only the second grand slam the Blue Wahoos hit this season. The other was produced by Kemp Alderman in the season-opening weekend in April.
In the fourth inning, the Blue Wahoos fully ignited. They scored 11 runs, matching the franchise record for most runs in one inning – set on May 11, 2023 against the Birmingham Barons.
Outfielder Emaarion Boyd, who entered the day 0-for-15 since joining the Blue Wahoos on August 19 from the Beloit (Wisc.) Sky Carp, started things with his second consecutive single in the game. Catcher Spencer Bramwell singled. Fenwick Trimble was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
Jared Serna singled to drive in the first run. Alderman then cleared the bases with a 3-run triple. Still with no outs, Tony Bullard doubled home Alderman, Gage Miller walked and Payton Green hit a three run homer. When this inning finished, the Blue Wahoos used 13 batters and led 15-1.
Blue Wahoos starter Jake Brooks, making his fifth start, earned his second win since joining the team by working six innings, allowing five hits and one run with four strikeouts.
At the plate, Boyd finished 3-for-4. Serna went 3-for-5. Alderman and Bullard both had five RBI.
But if only the Blue Wahoos could have banked some of those hits and runs.
The second game started with the Blue Wahoos batting first. The only time this happened before at Blue Wahoos Stadium was in 2017 during the Southern League divisional playoffs against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The Blue Wahoos were the visiting team during the series-clinching third game that provided their first trophy as co-champions when a hurricane threat cancelled the final round.
In Wednesday’s case, Trimble led off the game with a single. Serna followed by homering just inside the left field foul pole for a quick 2-0 lead.
But from that point, the Blue Wahoos had just two base runners and one hit the rest of the game, which was completed in 1 hour, 38 minutes.
Chattanooga starter Kevin Abel dominated. He worked the entire seven innings, striking out eight, allowing just one walk in a 3-hit quality performance.
The Lookouts used a 4-run rally in the fourth inning against Blue Wahoos reliever Evan Fitterer, then tacked another run against new reliever Jack Sellinger, who made his Blue Wahoos debut after joining the team Tuesday from the Beloit Sky Carp.
The Lookouts now have a 2-1 edge in the seven-game series which continues Thursday with Blue Wahoos using a new starter in this spot. On Wednesday, Dax Fulton, the normal Thursday starter, was elevated to Triple-A Jacksonville.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
WHEN: Thursday Thru Sunday.
Blue Wahoos Lose Heartbreaker On Late Lookouts Homer
August 27, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
The Blue Wahoos were an out away from extending their most impressive element this season.
One swing put a blemish on perfection.
Chattanooga’s Ruben Ibarra launched a one-strike pitch from reliever Jesse Bergin over the left field wall, lifting the Lookouts to a 4-3 comeback win Tuesday night against the Blue Wahoos to begin their six-game series.
It was the first time in 46 games the Blue Wahoos lost a lead in the ninth inning. They were 45-0 when leading after eight innings this season, 46-1 when up after seven innings.
But this was a game that began in bizarre fashion and ended with the Blue Wahoos sustaining their fifth consecutive defeat, falling to 1.5 games behind the Montgomery Biscuits in the Southern League South Division second half race.
Four of the Blue Wahoos first 11 batters were hit by pitches from Chattanooga starter Hunter Parks, who struggled from the outset to gain command of his fastball. He was removed with two outs in the second inning, along with manager Jose Moreno, who was tossed out the game by the home plate umpire.
The Blue Wahoos had eight baserunners before getting their first hit in the fourth inning. They led 1-0 at the time. Those missed opportunities, however, eventually proved costly.
In the second inning, Mark Coley II was plunked by a Parks pitch and scored on a bases-loaded ground out.
The Lookouts took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning with Cam Collier’s two-run homer off Blue Wahoos starter Alex Williams. It spoiled a solid night for Williams, who went 4.2 innings, struck out seven, gave up six hits and those two runs on one swing.
The Blue Wahoos tied the game in the bottom of the fifth when Coley II beat out a potential double-play and allowed Kemp Alderman to score.
Alderman then came up big in the seventh when he blasted a low pitch like a golf swing out of the ballpark to provide a 3-2 lead. It stayed that way with Blue Wahoos new reliever Colby Martin displaying a 100-mph fastball in the eighth inning to get out of 3-0 counts.
In the eventful ninth, Bergin walked leadoff batter Leo Balcazar. But after striking out Jay Allen II for the second out, after Allen had three hits in the game, he seemed in good shape facing Ibarra.
It didn’t turn out that way.
The Lookouts then turned to their closer Trevor Kuncl, one of the best closers in all levels of Minor League Baseball, who recorded his 19th save following Gage Miller’s two out single.
These teams will now play a doubleheader, beginning at 4:05 p.m. Wednesday with the Blue Wahoos as the home team in one game, the visiting team in the other. It’s a makeup from a postponed game in Chattanooga when these teams last met.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Blue Wahoos.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
WHEN: Wednesday Thru Sunday.
Northview Chiefs JV Downs Flomaton, Varsity Falls In Four Set Match (With Gallery)
August 26, 2025
The Northview Chiefs and Flomaton Hurricanes had a split night on Monday in Bratt. The Hurricanes took the varsity win, while the Lady Chiefs took the JV match win.
Flomaton 3, Northview 1
The Northview Chiefs varsity volleyball team was defeated by the Flomaton Hurricanes in a four-set match on Monday evening in Bratt. Despite a strong effort and a victory in the second set, the Chiefs were unable to overcome the Hurricanes’ consistent play.
Flomaton started strong in the first set, taking an early lead and winning 25-14.
The Chiefs responded with determination in the second set, quickly finding their rhythm. Northview’s strong performance evened the match, as they took the set with a score of 25-21.
However, the Hurricanes came back to win the next two sets, 25-20 and 25-19, to claim the overall victory.
For more photos from the varsity match, click here.
Northview will look for redemption on in a district game at Baker on Thursday.
Northview 2, Flomaton 1 (JV)
The Northview Chiefs junior varsity volleyball team secured a victory against the Flomaton Hurricanes Tuesday in Bratt, winning the match in a three-set battle by the score of 2-1.
Northview started the match strong, taking control in the first set. Their consistent serves and effective offense allowed them to build a commanding lead, and they closed out the set with a solid 25-17 win.
Northview started strong in the first set, winning 25-17 with consistent serves and effective offense.
However, the Flomaton Hurricanes responded with determination in the second set. They quickly found their rhythm and put the Chiefs on the defensive. Flomaton’s strong performance evened the match, as they took the set with a score of 25-18.
The Chiefs maintained their focus and managed to edge out the Hurricanes in the final moments, winning the decisive set 15-12 to claim the overall victo
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Freshmen Win, Catholic Edges Out The JV And Varsity Aggies
August 26, 2025
The Tate Aggies freshmen defeated the Catholic as the Crusaders edged out the Aggies JV and varsity during Tate’s first home games of the season on Monday.
Catholic 3, Tate 1
The Tate Aggies lost their first home volleyball match against the Pensacola Catholic Crusaders, with a final score of 3-1.
Tate struggled in the first set, losing 25-12. However, they fought back in the second set, winning 25-22 to tie the match. Pensacola Catholic then won the next two sets, 25-21 and 25-16, to secure the victory.
Up next, Aggies will host Pensacola High on Wednesday and will be at Pine Forest on Thursday
Tate 2, Catholic 1 (Freshmen)
The Tate High School Aggies freshmen volleyball team defeated the Catholic High School Crusaders 2-1 in a three-set match in their first home game of the season.
The Aggies lost the first set 22-25, but they rallied in the second set to win 25-22.
The decisive third set went down to the wire, but the Aggies secured the win with a 15-12 victory.
Catholic 2, Tate 1 (JV)
The Tate Aggies junior varsity volleyball team lost to the Catholic Crusaders 2-1 Monday night.
The Aggies struggled in the first set, losing 25-8 to Catholic.
The Aggies won the second set 25-22, but in the decisive third se Catholic won 15-13 .
Bonus Photos: Tate Aggies Fans, Band, Cheerleaders
August 25, 2025
The Tate Aggies opened their season at home Friday night with a big 21-7 win over Fort Walton Beach.
For a bonus photo gallery with the band, fans, student section and cheerleaders, click here.
For a game action story and photos, click here.
The Tate Aggies will continue a three-game opening at home against Gulf Breeze on Friday, August 29 and against Pensacola High on Thursday, September 4.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia School Board Honors Northview Lady Chiefs Softball
August 25, 2025
The Escambia County School Board recently honored the Northview Lady Chiefs state runner-up softball team.
The Chiefs reached the FHSAA Rural Softball State Championship game for the first time in school history, bringing home the state runner-up trophy. The young team with just one senior also won the first regional title ever for the school as they went 22-7 under the leadership of head coach Amy Holland.
Many members of the team are multi-sport athletes and were unable to attend the school board meeting due to a volleyball game.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Quieted By Columbus Pitching In Finale Defeat
August 25, 2025
written by Carter Bainbridge
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (60-59) ended their week and road series with a 8-1 defeat to the Columbus Clingstones (52-65).
Pensacola struck first in the top of the second inning. Facing Columbus righthander Brett Sears (W, 6-4), Blue Wahoos second baseman Gage Miller hit a leadoff solo home run to left field. The long ball was Miller’s first career Double-A homer.
Despite the early offense, Pensacola mustered nothing more against Sears, who worked 5.2 effective innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts. The Clingstones responded offensively in the bottom of the second inning, tying the game on an RBI groundout from second baseman Cal Conley.
Columbus broke the 1-1 tie in the bottom of the third inning against Pensacola starter Jacob Miller (L, 3-6). With a runner in scoring position and one out, an error in center field by Emaarion Boyd allowed Columbus shortstop Jim Jarvis to score from second base. Two batters later, first baseman E.J. Exposito singled home right fielder Ethan Workinger to give the Clingstones a 3-1 lead.
Columbus added two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning when designated hitter Geraldo Quintero and E.J. Exposito hit back-to-back RBI doubles. At the end of five innings, Columbus led 5-1.
The Clingstones tacked on additional scoring in the seventh and eighth innings. Columbus’ late offense and strong bullpen performance were more than enough to close out an 8-1 win and a 4-2 series victory over Pensacola.
With the defeat, Pensacola returns home 0.5 games ahead of the Clingstones and will be no more than 0.5 games ahead of Montgomery in the Southern League’s South Division after the conclusion of Sunday’s games. There are 19 games remaining in the regular season.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday, August 26 when they begin a seven-game series versus the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Tate Aggies Hold Annual Lil Aggies Fall Cheer Clinic (With Gallery)
August 24, 2025
Tate High School Cheerleading held their annual Lil Aggies Fall Cheer Clinic on Saturday at the school.
Dozens of Lil Aggies took part in the clinic and a parent showcase.
The clinic taught athletes proper stretch techniques, Tate sideline cheers, proper jump techniques and motion placement, as well as stunting and tumbling skill building.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
The Lil Aggies will participate in a pre-game runout, and cheer during the first quarter of the football game on Friday night, August 29.
