Rain Reschedules Softball Playoff Games
April 30, 2014
Severe weather forced the postponement of three area softball playoff games.
The Region 1-7A game between the Tate Aggies and Navarre Raiders has been moved to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The West Florida versus Tallahassee’s Florida High Regiona 1-4A game has been postponed until 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The Jay Lady Royals regional semifinal playoff game against South Walton has been moved to Thursday, 2 p.m. at Jay.
Braves Take Series Over Wahoos
April 29, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (10-15) lost the rubber match, 9-6, to the Mississippi Braves (10-15) at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium on Monday night. Mississippi rallied for six runs in the eighth inning to overcome a 4-2 Wahoos lead. The Wahoos dropped three of five in the series to the Braves.
RHP Michael Lorenzen made his fifth start of the season for the Wahoos. Lorenzen gave up two runs in five innings of work and scattered seven hits from the Braves. Drew Hayes relieved Lorenzen and pitched a scoreless sixth and seventh inning. Hayes struck out two and worked out of a jam in the seventh to hold the Wahoos lead. Fabian Williamson (0-2) couldn’t record an out in the 8th inning and was tagged for four runs and the loss.
Juan Silverio continued his early season hot streak, going 1-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Recently added Beau Amaral had his first RBI with Pensacola on a single in the third inning that scored Ray Chang. Travis Mattair ripped the go-ahead RBI single in the fifth inning and went 1-for-4 with two RBI. Mattair had six RBI in the series against the Braves. The Wahoos scored at least five runs so use the promo code WAHOOS and receive 50% off your entire order Tuesday at PapaJohns.com.
Mississippi’s RHP J.R. Graham pitched well in 4.0 innings of work. Graham gave up four hits and two runs but struck out six Wahoo batters. James Hoyt (1-2) earned his first win of the season with three strikeouts in 1.1 innings pitched.
Left fielder Gustavo Nunez’s three-run triple in the top of the eighth proved to be the difference. First baseman Seth Loman hit his fourth home run of the season. Elmer Reyes went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI.
The Wahoos travel to Jackson to take on the Generals for a five-game set starting on Wednesday. The Wahoos will start RHP Daniel Corcino (2-2, 3.62), Jackson will counter with LHP James Gillheeney (0-0, 3.60).
by Tommy Thrall
Pictured: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lose to the Mississippi Braves 9-6 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium Monday. Photos by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Former NBA Coach Addresses Bratt Youth Group
April 28, 2014
Former NBA, college and high school basketball coach Roger Dutremble of Global Sports Outreach brought his message to the DNow youth group Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Bratt. The special DNow session was led by church’s College and Career class.
Dutremble is a a retired coach and member of the International Basketball Hall of Fame. He career includes coaching at every level from high school to the NBA, and into international arenas, with a lifetime coaching record of 687-117 and seven national championships. He was selected “Coach of the Year” six times, and served as national team head coach to Belgium, Scotland, and Jordan. He was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, serving under Paul Westhead and Pat Riley, from 1979-83 and helping the team to three NBA championships with players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Dutremble hosts a free basketball camp for children and youth each summer at the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Photos by Marcella Wilson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Beat Braves 2-0
April 28, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos evened the series at two games and defeated the Mississippi Braves 2-0 in front of a lively sellout crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The game featured impressive starting pitching from Jon Moscot of the Wahoos (10-14) and Williams Perez of the Braves (9-15).
RHP Jon Moscot had the longest outing of the season for a Wahoo pitcher; Moscot pitched 8.0 innings of three-hit ball. Moscot lowered his ERA to 2.08 thanks to his great day on the mound. RHP James Walczak came on in relief of Moscot and earned his first save of the season with a perfect one-two-three ninth inning.
Both pitchers were on their game and hits were hard to come by on Sunday afternoon. Juan Silverio led off the fifth inning with an infield single and later came home to score. With two outs, Moscot grounded to third baseman Kyle Kubitza who had trouble getting the ball out of his glove allowing the Wahoos pitcher to reach. Moscot’s hustle down the line beat out the throw at first that allowed Silverio to score.
Steve Selsky added an insurance run for the Wahoos when he singled in recently added Beau Amaral from second with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Mississippi’s RHP Williams Perez was tough on Wahoo hitters and allowed just three hits through 7.0 innings of work. Perez continued his early season dominance and he still hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in a start this season.
The series finale is Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 1.52) will make the start for the Wahoos while Mississippi will send J.R. Graham (0-1, 1.17 ERA) to the mound. Graham is the third best prospect in the Braves organization and Lorenzen is rated as the sixth best prospect in the Reds’ system.
by Tommy Thrall
Pictured: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Mississippi Braves 2-0 Sunday. Photos by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NOrthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Braves Beat Wahoos 6-3
April 27, 2014
The Mississippi Braves won their second game of the series, 6-3, over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in front of a sold out crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (9-14) came back from an early 3-0 deficit, but the Braves (9-14) scored three runs in the late innings to pull away.
RHP Robert Stephenson struck out eight batters in his longest outing of the season for the Wahoos. Stephenson gave up six hits including three solo home runs in 6.0 innings of work. Recently added RHP Brooks Pinckard (0-1) came on in relief of Stephenson. Pinckard pitched just 0.1 innings and gave up 2 R/1 ER. RHP Tim Adleman worked out of a jam and gave the Wahoos 2.0 innings of scoreless relief while striking out two.
Juan Silverio led the way for the Wahoos with his second home run in as many nights. Silverio went 1-for-3 with a solo shot. Travis Mattair extended his hit streak to seven games and added an RBI to his ledger. Bryan Anderson had an RBI for the third straight night.
Mississippi’s RHP Jason Hursh made the start and pitched 5.0 innings. Hursh gave up 3 R/ER and allowed four hits while striking out five. RHP Aaron Northcraft (1-1) came on in relief of Hursh and pitched 4.0 innings of perfect ball. Hursh and Northcraft combined to retire the final 19 Wahoo batters to secure the victory.
Mycal Jones, Braeden Schlehuber and Kyle Kubitza provided the solo home runs for the Braves. Kubitza had two solo home runs and went 2-for-4 in the contest. Seth Loman went 1-for-3 with an RBI sacrifice fly in the seventh. Gustavo Nunez had a three-hit night; the shortstop went 3-for-4 with a double.
The series will continue Sunday at 4 p.m. The Wahoos will send RHP Jon Moscot (0-1, 2.82) to the bump for the fourth game of the series. RHP Williams Perez (2-1, 1.77) will oppose Moscot on Sunday afternoon.
by Tommy Thrall
Tate Lady Aggies Beat Chiles In Regional Play
April 25, 2014
The Tate Lady Aggies beat Tallahassee Chiles 7-3 Thursday night in regional softball playoff action. With the win, the Lady Aggies advanced to the Region 1-7A semifinals on Tuesday as they host Navarre.
NorthEscambia.com file photo by Timothy Dunsford.
West Florida Jaguars Claim District 1-4A Title Over Catholic
April 25, 2014
The West Florida Jaguars defeated the Catholic Crusaders Thursday night to claim the District 1-4A championship.
West Florida (14-12) earned home field advantage, hosting Taylor County at 6 p.m. next Thursday, while Catholic will hit the road to play Tallahassee Godby at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Region 1-4A quarterfinals.
Ashton Linton pitched the win for the Jaguars, allowing two runs, seven hits and striking out one in seven innings at the plate.
For West Florida: Joey Baker 2-3, RBI; Dakota Milstead 1-4, RBI; R.J. Lewis 2-2, double, run; Chad Simmons 1-4; Kyle Harrison 1-4; James Antoine 1-4; Branson McCombs 1-3; Nick Henderson 1-3, 2 runs.
Reader submitted photo, click to enlarge.
Chipley Downs Northview For District 3-1A Title
April 25, 2014
Chipley took the District 3-1A baseball title Thursday night with a 6-2 win over the Northview Chiefs.
The Chiefs are still alive headed into the regionals, but the loss will cost them the home field advantage as they hit the road next Thursday against a to be announced team.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Wahoos Drop Third Straight
April 25, 2014
A sellout crowd turned out at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium Thursday night as the Blue Wahoos honored two-time Master’s champ Bubba Watson. Once the celebration was short lived as the Blue Wahoos dropped the first game of the series 11-9 to the visiting Mississippi Braves. The Wahoos (8-13) had a season-high five errors, which led to six unearned runs for the Braves (8-13).
RHP Carlos Contreras started for the Wahoos but had to leave the game due to an injury after just 1.2 innings of work. RHP Mikey O’Brien (0-2) came on in relief of Contreras and pitched 2.0 innings while allowing 5 R/3ER. RHP Brooks Pinckard made his first appearance with the Blue Wahoos this season and pitched 1.1 innings in relief.
Left fielder Donald Lutz led the way for the Wahoos. Lutz went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run and two doubles. Lutz’s fifth home run of the season tied teammate Rey Navarro for the league lead. Brian Anderson hit his third home run of the season just two batters after Lutz in the bottom of the sixth. Travis Mattair continued his hot streak with a 2-for-5 night with two RBI and a double. Yorman Rodriguez extended his hit-streak to nine games, which is a team best this season. The Wahoos scored at least five runs so use the promo code WAHOOS and receive 50% off your entire order Friday at PapaJohns.com.
Braves’ RHP Ryan Weber got the surprise start Thursday evening and went just 2.0 innings while giving up eight hits and 5 R/ER. John Cornely (2-0) pitched well and earned the win in relief for the Braves; he went 3.2 innings and gave up 2 R/ER with four strikeouts. RHP Shae Simmons earned his fifth save of the season and struck out five batters through 2.0 innings.
Emerson Landoni and Elmer Reyes had two RBI each for the Braves. Seth Loman had a 4-for-6 night with a couple of doubles. Former Wahoo Matt Kennelly went 0-for-1 but had four walks and scored two runs.
The Wahoos will send RHP Daniel Corcino (1-2, 4.35) to the mound on Friday. The Braves will send Major League rehabber Mike Minor (0-1, 13.50) to the bump to oppose Corcino.
by Tommy Thrall
Pictured top and bottom: The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost to the Mississippi Braves Thursday. Pictured inset: The first pitch was tossed by two-time Master’s champ Bubba Watson. Photos by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida Downs Godby To Advance To 1-4A Semifinals
April 24, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars beat Tallahassee Godby Wednesday in Region 1-4A regional quarterfinal playoff action.
Korina Rosario pitched the win in five innings for the Lady Jags allowing just two hits while striking out nine. At the plate, Rosario went 3-4 with a double, triple, three runs and three RBIs. Kristin Gunter was 3-4 for West Florida with three RBIs and a run. Emily Loring was 2-3 with two runs, and Nachelle Watson was 1-3 with a double and three runs.
West Florida (24-1) will host Tallahassee’s Florida High School next Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the regional semifinals.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
