Barons Top Wahoos By One
May 26, 2014
When starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen left the game after seven innings, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos trailed the Birmingham Barons by only one run, 2-1.
By the end of Sunday’s game, Birmingham left the field with a 5-1 victory in the finale of a five-game series at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
It was a familiar story to Lorenzen—a stingy offense. In his 10 starts this season, only three have come with more than three runs. Plus, both runs the Barons scored came on misplayed fly balls by centerfielder Yorman Rodriguez, normally known for his excellent defense and arm that’s rated the best in the Cincinnati Reds organization.
“Those things are out of my control,” Lorenzen said. “I could get mad and negative about it but that does not help me be successful. Plays just happen. The bug hit him twice, and I was like, ‘Man.’”
On a positive note, Lorenzon threw 5 innings without allowing a hit in his last start, and then another 3.1 innings Sunday for 8.1 straight no-hit innings over his last two starts. He finally gave up a double to the Barons Trayce Thompson which scored Dan Wagner, who had reached third on the first Rodriguez error.
“I try to throw a no-hitter every game out there,” Lorenzen said. “We were talking about it. It was a little frustrating” not to go nine innings without allowing a hit.
Wahoos manager Delino DeShields singled Lorenzen out after the game. “That kid is going to be a big league pitcher one day. Every time he throws I see something a little different.”
After Pensacola third baseman Juan Silverio hit his third solo homerun to left field in five at bats over the past two games to tie the game at 1 in the fifth inning, the Barons added another run in their very next at bat. Wagner led off with a double and scored to make the score, 2-1, on a deep fly ball by Thompson to centerfield that Rodriguez ran back on but dropped. The Barons added three more in the eighth inning for the 5-1 win.
by Tommy Thrall
Pictured: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lose to the Birmingham Barons 5-1 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium on Sunday. Photo by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat Barons
May 25, 2014
Red’s minor league hitting coordinator Ryan Jackson came to work with the Pensacola Wahoos during the series with the Birmingham Barons.
Pensacola leads the Southern League with .257 batting average but Jackson thought its lineup could use a little tune up.
One person who benefited was third baseman Juan Silverio who smacked two home runs, including a game-winning one in the eighth inning, that helped the Blue Wahoos rally from a five-run deficit to win, 7-6, over Birmingham in front of a third straight sellout crowd Saturday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
The Wahoos seven runs on seven hits Saturday followed a 10-run, 10-hit victory the night before.
“I feel like they’re headed in the right direction,” Jackson said after throwing some batting practice before the game. “They just have to make sure they get quality at bats. That’s what I look for.”
Silverio said through a translator, Wahoos reliever Fabian Williamson, that Jackson had him doing some extra hitting off a tee.
“Things have been feeling better the past few days and batting practice today was pretty good,” said Silverio, who knocked a few over the left field wall just like he did in the game. “I went out there with a good approach.”
Trailing 6-1, Silverio, who was hitless in his previous eight at bats, started the rally with a solo shot in the fifth inning. The blast came after Wahoos manager Delino DeShields got thrown out of the game for arguing an out call at first base on Juan Duran’s grounder to third.
Two batters later, Rey Navarro added a nearly identical two-run homer over the left field wall to cut the Barons’ lead to, 6-4. Navarro came into the game hitting .342 in his last 10 games and has two doubles, a triple and homer against the Barons this series.
In the sixth inning, Pensacola then sent eight hitters to the plate and added two more runs to tie the game at 6.
The raucous Blue Wahoos fans then received some extra excitement after the inning when team owner Quint Studer danced with the grounds crew in the infield to “Sweet Home Chicago” by the Blues Brothers. Studer’s big move was a jumping 360-degree spin in the air that delighted the packed stadium.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Silverio clubbed another home run to left field to put Pensacola ahead for the first time, 7-6, which ended up the winning margin.
“Juan has a lot of talent and he works hard,” DeShields said of Silverio, who before coming to the Reds organization was the ninth best prospect in the White Sox organization in 2012. “I don’t think he realizes how much talent he has some times. He can be special.”
Northview Chiefs Top The Jay Royals In Spring Preview
May 24, 2014
The Northview Chiefs outscored the Jay Royals a total of 50-21 during a Spring Jamboree Friday night at Merle North Stadium in Jay.
In the first quarter of play between the junior varsity and reserve teams, the Chiefs beat the Royals 22-0. And in the final three quarters with varsity on varsity, Northview downed Jay 28-21.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Northview Head Coach Sid Wheatley said he was pleased with good blocking from his offensive linemen Friday night.
I thought we were able to control the ball well on offense; our backs had a good night,” he said. “Defensively we were a little bit undisciplined in the way were keying what they were doing in the backfield. But those are little things we can fix.
Wheatley said the team will head into tough, focused four-day a week summer workouts with a focus on strength, conditioning and speed. “We are really going to try to grow together as a football team,” with eyes on another trip to state in Orlando.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Birmingham Rallies For Seventh Inning Win Over The Wahoos
May 23, 2014
Pensacola Blue Wahoos righty Robert Stephenson is tabbed as the Cincinnati Reds organization’s top prospect this season.
However, he has no wins and two losses, so far, in the month of May. Thursday night, he earned a no decision as the Blue Wahoos blew a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning and lost to the Birmingham Barons, 4-3, in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,038 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium.
In his last four starts, Stephenson has allowed four earned runs for an ERA of 1.50, struck out 28 batters in 24 innings and only walked eight. Opposing hitters are batting .167 against him during that span. He leads the Southern League with 61 strike outs total.
Now those are the numbers of a top pitching prospect, who has taken the mound since he was 9-years-old and now at age 21 throws fastballs clocked Thursday night at 99 mph. About a half dozen Major League scouts looked on as the No. 19 prospect in the nation (among thousands of minor league prospects) gave up one run on two hits, struck out six and walked four in six innings of work.
“He’s like a wild stallion,” Pensacola manager Delino DeShields said about Stephenson. “We just have to corral some of that energy and fire he has out there. He dominated tonight.”
Stephenson outpitched the Chicago White Sox No. 9 prospect, Chris Beck, who gave up two earned runs on four hits in five innings and struck out four batters.
Stephenson said he’s not worried about his stats. He wants to throw inside fastballs for first pitch strikes to hitters and not fall behind in the count.
“I’m not concerned about my wins and losses,” he said. “I just want to give my team a chance to win.” And “absolutely” strike hitters out he said grinning.
Wahoos pitching coach Jeff Fassero said the main things for Stephenson to work on in Pensacola are more consistency and mastering his change-up. Against the Barons, Stephenson’s second inning was inconsistent. That’s when he gave up three walks, one of which led to a run when the Barrons’ Rangel Ravelo scored on a double to the gap by Kevan Smith. However, Stephenson slipped out of a bases-loaded jam.
“He’s been looking better,” Fassero said about the Reds’ minor league player of the year last season. “He just needs more consistency of all his stuff.”
by Tommy Thrall
Pictured: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lose to the Birmingham Barons 4-3 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium Thursday. Photos by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos) for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat Barons
May 22, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Birmingham Barons 7-2 in the first game of a five-game series Wednesday night.
Pensacola got on the scoreboard first in the fifth inning when left fielder Brodie Greene hit a deep sacrifice fly ball to right field that scored Juan Duran, who led off the inning with a double over the centerfielder’s head. Two more runs scored on a walk to Devin Lohman, a double down the right field line by Rey Navarro and another double to right by Travis Mattair, who has a six-game hitting streak.
In the next inning with the bases loaded, Greene cleared the bases, hitting a sizzling groundball into the left field corner for a triple that gave Pensacola a, 7-1, lead. He also scored a run.
“Each at bat I’m feeling better and better,” Greene said. “I’m trying to take advantage of my opportunities.”
Birmingham scored in the sixth inning on a home run by Trace Thompson. It was the only run given up by Pensacola’s starting pitcher, Daniel Corcino, who struck out the first Barons’ batter in four of the first five innings and had six strikeouts total.
Pensacola manager Delaino DeShields liked Corcino’s performance Wednesday, after giving up six runs in 1 2/3 innings in his last outing.
“It was a solid game for Corcino,” he said. “He had a rough outing the last time but was back tonight.”
by Tommy Thrall
Wahoos Snap Skid And Beat Suns
May 20, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (19-26) avoided the sweep and defeated the Jacksonville Suns (21-23), 11-8, in the series finale at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos offense propelled them to victory, scoring five runs in the sixth and four runs in the eighth.
RHP Mikey O’Brien made his fourth start of the season for the Wahoos. O’Brien had his highest strikeout total of the season with nine. The right-hander threw a solid game but ran into trouble in the sixth inning; he was pulled from the game with the bases loaded and no outs. RHP Drew Hayes couldn’t close the door and allowed all three of O’Brien’s runs to score. Hayes lasted just 0.1 innings and gave up one run on one hit. RHP Brooks Pinckard finished off the sixth inning and ended up earning the win for the Wahoos.
The Wahoos bats exploded after a quiet series against the Suns. Brodie Greene gave the Wahoos the lead in the fifth with a solo home run to left field. Ross Perez came up with the bases loaded in the sixth and cleared them with a double into the right field corner. The Wahoos went ahead thanks to back-to-back triples from Yorman Rodriguez and Juan Duran. Duran added a solo home run in the eighth inning. Greene finished the day 1-for-2 with a couple of runs batted in. Travis Mattair got a hit for the fifth straight game and went 2-for-5. Rey Navarro continued to hit the ball well against the Suns; he finished the game 3-for-4 with two RBI. Devin Lohman added some more insurance for the Wahoos in the eighth with an RBI double. The Wahoos scored at least five runs, so use promo code WAHOOS on all online orders at PapaJohns.com on Tuesday to get 50% off your order.
LHP Justin Nicolino made the start for the Suns. Nicolino gave up eight hits and five runs while striking out three. RHP Collin Cargill came on in relief of Nicolino in the sixth. Cargill took the loss, surrendering four hits and one run in 0.2 innings of work.
The Suns tied the game in the third on a solo shot from Austin Nola; he finished the game 2-for-5 and added a double to his ledger. Brady Shoemaker scored a run and went 2-for-3 with an RBI double. J.T. Realmuto added a double and a run scored. Alex Burg’s two-run home run in the ninth cut the Wahoos lead to three, but the Suns couldn’t complete the comeback.
The Wahoos are off Tuesday, but stay in Pensacola for a five-game set with the Birmingham Barons starting Wednesday. RHP Daniel Corcino (3-4, 4.21) will start for the Wahoos. RHP Nick McCully (2-3, 6.55) will go for the Suns.
by Tommy Thrall
Are You Ready For Some HS Football? Spring Games This Week
May 19, 2014
Are you ready for some high school football? Spring jamborees for most area teams are this week.
Spring drills are underway on the practice fields, with teams limited a total of 20 practice sessions for spring. Those spring drill culminate in the spring jamborees.
Here’s the local schedule:
Thursday, May 22
- Milton at Pensacola
- Tate Aggie Crimson/Gray game
Friday, May 23
- Northview at Jay
- West Florida at Washington
- Pine Forest at Pace
- Lincoln at Escambia
Friday, May 30
- Niceville at Tate
Pictured: The defending state champion Northview Chiefs shut out the Jay Royals 26-0 during the 2013 regular season. The Royals will host the Chiefs during a spring game Friday night. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Fall To Suns
May 19, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (18-26) lost their fourth straight, 3-0, at the hands of the Jacksonville Suns (21-22). Both teams pitched well in another low-scoring contest. The Wahoos took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, but the Suns bullpen threw eight scoreless innings on the way to the win.
RHP Michael Lorenzen didn’t allow a hit through 5.0 innings pitched. The right-hander was pulled in favor of a pinch hitter, but Steve Selsky struck out looking with Devin Lohman standing on second. Lorenzen struck out six and walked a season-high four batters. Elvin Ramirez threw two scoreless innings behind Lorenzen and allowed just two hits. Shane Dyer took the loss for the Wahoos, he gave up three runs over 2.0 innings pitched.
The Wahoos couldn’t get much going with the bat and managed five hits. Lohman continued to his hot streak with a double; he went 1-for-3.
Suns starter Angel Sanchez left the game in the second inning after being struck by a hard liner by Travis Mattair. Sanchez pitched just 1.0 inning and allowed one hit. RHP Tyler Higgins did a fantastic job in relief. Higgins gave up three hits over 5.0 innings out of the bullpen, his longest appearance of the season. The right-hander struck out a season-high four batters. LHP Greg Nappo pitched two scoreless innings for the Suns and earned the win. Nick Wittgren earned his sixth save of the season.
Austin Nola and Wilfredo Gimenez put together a couple of singles in the sixth, but Ramirez coaxed a fly ball from Ryan Fisher to get out of the inning. Nola finished the day 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Brady Shoemaker broke the scoreless tie with a base hit in the eighth inning. Gimenez provided an insurance run with a double, scoring Shoemaker from first. The Suns tacked on one more in the eighth thanks to a solo home run from right fielder Alex Burg. Nick Wittgren earned his sixth save of the season for the Suns.
RHP Mikey O’Brien (2-2, 3.33) will receive the start for the Wahoos in the series finale. O’Brien has a 1.80 ERA as a starter this season and the Wahoos are 3-0 during his starts this season. LHP Justin Nicolino (2-2, 3.32) will make the start for the Suns.
by Tommy Thrall
Wahoos Lose Third Straight
May 18, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (18-25) fell for the third game in a row to the Jacksonville Suns (20-22), 4-2, in front of a sellout crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos have now dropped seven of their first eight games against the Suns this season.
RHP Jon Moscot made his ninth start for the Wahoos and took the loss for the third time this season. Moscot gave up 2 R/ER on four hits and struck out five batters through 5.0 innings. Brooks Pinckard came on in relief of Moscot and pitched two scoreless innings.
Devin Lohman hit his third home run of the year in the bottom of the sixth to cut the Suns lead to one. The shortstop had a big night for the Wahoos; he went 3-for-4 adding two singles to his ledger. Travis Mattair had a hit for the third straight game, this one a double down the third baseline. Chris Berset got his first base knock with the Wahoos this season, an RBI single in the eighth inning. Juan Duran had a big night at the plate; he went 2-for-3 with a single and a double.
Marlins top prospect Andrew Heaney started for the Suns and twirled a gem before running into a bit of trouble in the eighth inning. Heaney gave up 2 R/ER on seven hits and his 7.2 innings were a season-high. Heaney struck out eight and walked just one batter. James Nygren gave up a hit, but earned the save for the Suns.
The Suns took the lead in the fifth thanks to an RBI single from Danny Black, which scored leadoff hitter Brent Keys. J.T. Realmuto’s RBI gave the Suns a two-run lead. Third baseman Alfredo Lopez went 3-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored. Austin Nola’s two-run triple in the eighth inning sealed the win for the Suns.
The Wahoos will give the ball to RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 2.51) in the fourth game of the series on Sunday afternoon. RHP Angel Sanchez (0-6, 5.80) will start for the Suns.
by Tommy Thrall
Escambia Special Olympics Held At Tate (With Gallery)
May 17, 2014
The track and field portion of the Escambia County Specials Olympics was held Friday at Tate High School.
Hundreds of athletes from over a dozen schools took part in Friday’s event. Hundreds of Tate High students also took part, running events and serving as volunteer “buddies” for the athletes.
The day included track and field events, softball and tennis ball tosses, and other competitive events — plus fun events like fishing games, a petting zoo, face painting and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Friday’s event had been rained out three previous times this year.
Pictured: Friday’s track and field events Special Olympics held Friday at Tate High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
