Pensacola Pelicans Need Two Wins To Clinch Playoff Spot; Magnificent Mattison
August 26, 2009
Kieran Mattison was magnificent in his Pelicans debut on Tuesday night, helping the Pelicans to a 3-1 win over the Fort Worth Cats. Mattison allowed just one run on three hits over his six innings of work, yielding but one walk, and striking out three. With the win, the Pelicans need to capture just two more games to clinch a playoff spot.
The Pelicans scratched the board first in the incipient inning. Kevin Reynolds singled with one out, and proceeded to steal second and third. Antoin Gray grounded out to third base, but Reynolds scored on the play to give the Pelicans an early lead.
The Cats would come back to tie the game in the second inning on the first of their three hits of the night. With two out, Ryan Patterson went deep over the left field fence to drive himself in and tie the game at one apiece.
The run would be the Cats’ first and only. Pensacola took the lead in the top of the sixth when Dallas Christison reached on an error by the shortstop, and scored when the next batter, Lou Palmisano, reached on an error by the third baseman. The fielder tossed the ball over the first baseman’s head, allowing Christison to score from first.
The Pelicans would add another run in the top of the eighth inning. With two out Jason Diaz hit a double, and Francisco Leandro drove him in with a base hit. In the meantime, the Pelicans’ pitching staff was outstanding.
Kieran Mattison earned the win in his first appearance for the Pelicans. After Ron Hill retired all six batters in innings seven and eight (while striking out half of them), Hunter Davis knocked down the Cats one-two-three in the ninth to pick up save 22 on the year.
With the Pelicans’ 3-1 victory, Pensacola needs to win two more games to clinch a playoff spot. If the Pelicans were to clinch, they would do so at home in Pensacola. Tickets for the Thursday through Sunday games are available now at Pensacola-area Circle K locations, or online at www.pensacolapelicans.com.
The Pelicans look for one of the necessary wins on Wednesday, as they close a three-game series in Fort Worth. The Pelicans are scheduled to throw Kevin Cooper against the Cats’ Joel Kirsten. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with all the action available on NewsRadio 1620 or online via SportsJuice.com.
Pels Win 13-0 Over Cats
August 25, 2009
Francisco Leandro started the game off with a single and Kevin Reynolds tried to sacrifice him to second, but ended up with a bunt single. Marshall McDougall singled to score Leandro, and Antoin Gray hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield that scored Reynolds. Chase Burch walked, and Dallas Christison scored both McDougall and Burch with a two-out double to give the Pelicans a 4-0 lead.
The Pelicans added five more runs in the second when Jason Diaz started it off with a single. Leandro followed with a walk, and Kevin Reynolds had another bunt single: a beauty that hugged the third base line until it hit the base at the end of the stripe. With the bases loaded Antoin Gray hit a double and all three men scored. Rodriguez singled to bring Gray in, and then moved to second when Christison reached on an error by the shortstop. Lou Palmisano singled and Rodriguez scored to extend the Pelicans’ lead to nine.
Leandro led off the top of the third inning with his second single of the night, moving to third when Reynolds followed with a double. After McDougall walked to load the bases, Chase Burch hit a double, scoring Leandro and Reynolds, and pushing McDougall to third. McDougall came home when Rodriguez grounded out to second base, and Dallas Christison drove in Burch to score the Pelicans’ thirteenth and final run of the ballgame.
Aaron Jackson held the Cats scoreless in the interim, topping his eight inning performance on his last start with a complete game. Jackson struck out a season-high five batters and had his best outing since a complete game two-hit shutout last year with Winnipeg. Only five Cats would reach base during the game, as the Pelicans defense was perfect, and Jackson walked only one batter.
The Pelicans’ lead atop the South Division of the American Association remains at three games as the Captains won their game Monday night as well. The Pelicans will play the second game in this three-game series Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. The Pelicans will throw RHP Kieran Mattison against Fort Worth’s LHP Nat Harris. Fans can catch all the action on NewsRadio 1620 and online via SportsJuice.com.
Sports For Squirts
August 25, 2009
The Escambia County Neighborhoods & Community Services Bureau offers a new six-week Sports for Squirts Athletic Development Program beginning August 26 at 6 p.m. at Ashton Brosnaham Sportsplex, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Road.
This program is designed to teach children ages three to five years old the basics of sports such as throwing, catching, kicking, and batting. It allows children to learn basic motor skills in a fun, non-competitive environment, to help them prepare for organized youth sports. Special soft equipment is used to prevent injuries and encourage participation.
The $35 per person price for the six classes includes all materials. Call to reserve your spot as the class has a maximum of 10 participants.
For registration and payment information, please contact the Escambia County Recreation Division at 850-475-5220, or recreation@co.escambia.fl.us, or visit www.myescambia.com.
Northview Mini-Cheerleading Clinic Scheduled
August 25, 2009
The annual Northview Mini-Cheerleading Clinic will be held this Friday, giving girls three-years old through the eighth grade the chance to cheer at halftime of a Northview Chiefs game.
The clinic will be from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Friday in the school gym. Registration is at 5:00. The clinic is open to children three-years old through the eighth grade. Cost is $15 per person or $20 for siblings. The girls will perform during halftime of the first home football game on September 4. They will receive free admission to the game. For questions, call Anna at Northview at (850) 327-6681.
Pensacola Pelicans Preserve Division Lead With 6-3 Win Over El Paso
August 24, 2009
The Pelicans picked up a much needed win on Sunday night, defeating the Diablos 6-3. On a night that saw the Captains and Air Hogs earn victories as well, the Pelicans earned the win they needed to remain three games ahead of Shreveport-Bossier, and three and a half games up on Grand Prairie. The Pelicans’ magic number is now four as seven games remain in the regular season. Avoiding a sweep in the final game of the series, Pensacola had to fend off multiple El Paso attacks.
The Pelicans took an early two-run lead in the first inning. Francisco Leandro doubled and Kevin Reynolds hit him in and then stole second, scoring himself on a Chase Burch single. Yet the Diablos answered right back in the top of the second with two runs of their own.
Jeff Vincent continued to foil Pelicans’ starter Randy Beam: after recording the lone knock in Beam’s one-hitter during July, Vincent started off the second inning in this game with a solo home run. After Jerry Verastegui grounded out, Eddy Rodriguez went yard as well, and the game was tied.
Pensacola scored a run in the bottom of the fifth in their gritty style: Jason Diaz singled, stole second, and Kevin Reynolds drove him in. Diaz would end the evening with a single in each of his three plate appearances.
El Paso rallied to tie it in the very next frame, leading off the top of the sixth with an Hector Bernal double. Randy Beam would leave the game in the inning, finishing with five and a third innings pitched, allowing three runs on nine hits, walking two and striking out six. The third run scored when Juan Camacho singled off new pitcher Francisco Butto, advancing Bernal to the dish.
Butto would keep the Diablos shut down for the next few innings, leaving after recording the final out of the eighth. His only blemishes were three hits, which he overshadowed with four strikeouts.
The Pelicans provided Butto with run support in the bottom of the sixth. Antoin Gray singled, moved to second on a groundout, third on a wild pitch, and scored on a Marcos Rodriguez base hit.
An inning later Pensacola added insurance when Jason Diaz recorded his final hit to lead off the bottom of the seventh. Francisco Leandro put down his second sacrifice bunt to advance Diaz to second base, and Marshall McDougall provided a timely to hit to bring him home. After McDougall recorded his first steal in a Pelicans uniform, Antoin Gray doubled to drive McDougall in, and the Pelicans had the 6-3 lead that would go final.
Hunter Davis pitched the ninth inning, giving up a leadoff single, but after inducing a popup to third base and a 6-4-3 double play, the ballgame was over and Davis earned his twenty-first save.
Diaz went 3-3, scoring twice, and Reynolds ended the evening 2-4 driving in two. Gray and Rodriguez each went 2-4, driving in one; Gray hit a double.
The Pelicans travel overnight to Fort Worth where they start a three game series on Monday. The Pelicans will throw Aaron Jackson against Fort Worth’s Ryan Riddle. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and all the action can be heard on NewsRadio 1620 and online via SportsJuice.com.
NWE Midgets Beat Ensley, Gulf Breeze
August 23, 2009
The 2009 season for Northwest Escambia Football got underway Saturday at the Gulf Breeze Jamboree.
The NWE Midgets beat Ensley Gold 6-0 and dominated Gulf Breeze Blue 13-0. NWE rushed for 200 yards combined in two 25 minute quarters.
The NWE Mini-Mites beat Gulf Breeze White 6-0.
Northwest Escambia’s regular season gets underway next Saturday at the Ernest Ward football field against Pace Blue. The Mini-Mites take the field at 9:00; the Mites play at 10:30 and the Midgets are in action at noon.
NWE is off on September 5 and travels to Myrtle Grove on September 12.
Everyone is invited to support Northwest Escambia Football — the future Ernest Ward Eagles and Northview Chiefs.
Pcola Pelicans Still In First After Saturday Loss
August 23, 2009
The Pelicans dropped the second game in a row to the El Paso Diablos Saturday night, 10-4. The Diablos jumped out to an 8-0 lead after four innings, but the Pelicans did close the gap to four with their first grand slam of the year in the bottom of the sixth. However, that’s all the offense Pensacola could generate, and the Diablos would go on to score two more runs and take the game. The loss is dampened by a Captains’ loss this evening as well, keeping the Pels in first place three games ahead of Shreveport-Bossier.
On his birthday Dane DeValk started the game for Pensacola, ultimately lasting four innings, allowing eight runs (five earned) on 11 hits, no walks, and three strikeouts. El Paso’s Arnoldo Ponce hit two solo homers, and Jeff Vincent added a two run homer in the top of the fourth as part of the Diablo’s eight runs. An error by the shortstop in the top of the third allowed Reynoso to reach. The error would be costly, as three runs scored unearned as a result.
Tyler Wilson pitched innings five, six, and seven, allowing one earned run on four hits and a walk, striking out four. Ulysses Roque pitched a shutout, one-hit eighth and ninth, but the Pelicans would not score enough to win, plating just four runs in the bottom of the fifth.
With one out in the bottom of the fifth inning, Francisco Leandro singled, Kevin Reynolds singled as well, and the bases were loaded after Marshall McDougall recorded his first hit of the night. After a strikeout, Antoin Gray connected for his fourteenth home run of the season, and the Pelicans’ first grand slam of the year.
Only Leandro and Reynolds had two hits for the Pelicans, and Antoin Gray’s four RBI were all that would score.
The Pelicans look to salvage a win from this series tomorrow, as the Diablos’ will throw Clegg Snipes on the hill, who started the season with the Pelicans. Pensacola will counter with Randy Beam, who threw a one-hit complete game shutout against El Paso in July of this year. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Tomorrow’s game is Kids Day, and all Kids Club members will gain free admission when wearing their club t shirt. For more ticket information, visit www.pensacolapelicans.com.
Free NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Program
August 21, 2009
The Escambia County Recreation Division will host the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick program on Sunday, August 23 at 2 p.m. at the Ensley football fields at John R. Jones Athletic Park, 555 East Nine Mile Road. Boys and girls, ages eight through 15 are eligible to participate and admission is free.
Established in 1961, the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick program is the oldest NFL youth football program. Girls and boys in four separate age divisions (8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15) compete against each other in punting, passing and place-kicking in a fun and engaging forum.
With more than four million boys and girls from around the country participating in the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition each year, it is one of the world’s largest youth sports participation programs.
Local children have an opportunity to move on to the sectional competition and possibly visit New Orleans for the Team Championships.
No football shoes, turf shoes, cleats or bare feet are allowed. Please come dressed in appropriate gym attire.
For more information or to register, please contact the Escambia County Recreation Division by phone at 850-475-5220, by email at recreation@myescambia.com or visit us on the web at www.myescambia.com.
Pelicans Lose To Captains Tuesday Night, 3-2
August 19, 2009
The Captains defeated the Pelicans 3-2 on Tuesday in a game that saw Pensacola score first. Jimmy Heard earned the win for Shreveport-Bossier while Randy Beam was tagged for the loss.
The Pelicans earned the game’s first run in the top of the third. Lou Palmisano led off the inning with a walk and moved up to second on Dallas Christison’s sacrifice bunt. Kevin Reynolds drove Palmisano in with a double and the Pelicans were on top 1-0.
The Captains rallied back for three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Angelo Fermin walked to start, stole second and third, and scored on Bryan Sabatella’s double. After Chris Garcia walked, Andres Rodriguez scored both runners with a double of his own and the Captains had a two-run advantage.
The Pelicans rallied for a run in the seventh, but left a man at third base. Marcos Rodriguez started the inning with a base hit. After Rodriguez advanced to second on a wild pitch, Chase Burch flied out to centerfield, allowing Rodriguez to tag and move to third. Rodriguez scored on a wild pitch to pull the Pelicans within one. With two out, Lou Palmisano doubled and moved to third on a passed ball. Dallas Christison succeeded him and lined a ball up the middle, but second baseman Luis Guance stabbed the ball in a diving catch to the end the inning and the threat.
Starter Randy Beam pitched six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks, striking out eight. The Pelicans brought in Francisco Butto to pitch the seventh. With one out, White singled, Garcia walked, and Rodriguez singled. The bases were loaded, but Butto induced Alavarez to ground into a 4-6-3 double play to escape the jam.
The Pelicans threatened again in the top of the ninth, when Chase Burch hit a double with one out. Adam Darby singled, but Burch held at third. A strikeout and fly out later the ballgame was over and the Captains won. With the win, Shreveport-Bossier pulls into a tie for second place with the Grand Prairie Air Hogs, three games behind the first place Pelicans.
The Captains will look for the sweep tomorrow, as Drew Coffey pitches for Shreveport-Bossier against the Pelicans’ Aaron Jackson. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 with all the action live on NewsRadio 1620 and online via SportsJuice.com.
Teams Are Still Needed For Coed Softball Tournament This Weekend
August 18, 2009
Teams are still needed for a coed softball tournament this weekend in Century sponsored by the Northview High School Quarterback Club.
The tournament will take place Saturday at Showalter Park beginning at 8 a.m.
The entry fee for the double elimination tournament is $200 per team. The proceeds will benefit the football program at Northview High School.
Organizers are encouraging all businesses, churches and local organizations to support the football program at Northview High School by organizing a team and joining in a great day of fun.
For complete details and contact information, click here (pdf).