Blue Wahoos Foiled By Strong Pitching In Series Opener Against Barons
May 8, 2024
written by Bill Vilona
No team so far has been able to fully crack Birmingham Barons pitcher Drew Thorpe.
The Blue Wahoos were unable to do so, either.
Thorpe, rated the No. 3 prospect in the Chicago White Sox minor league system and ranked among the game’s top overall prospects, showed his command and calm Tuesday in his sixth start as the visiting Barons produced a 2-0 victory against the Blue Wahoos in a series-opening clash of the league’s two division leaders.
Thorpe (5-1) lowered his earned run average to 1.01 after allowing just two hits, two walks and striking out five in 5.2 innings. He was the New York Yankees’ second-round pick in 2022 after an All-American season at Cal-Poly where he set a school record with 149 strikeouts in a season.
He’s played a big role in the Barons’ (20-7) dominating first month of the schedule, which is by far the best record in the Southern League. The Blue Wahoos (15-13) entered with four wins in six road games last week against the Mississippi Braves.
A crowd of 3,682 at Blue Wahoos Stadium – the largest Tuesday crowd so far this season – again included a wide array of various dog breeds on Doggone Tuesday where people are allowed to bring their pups to the park.
The fans saw strong pitching and defense on both sides.
Neither team had a hit or a baserunner through three innings. Blue Wahoos starter Jonathan Bermúdez again excelled in his fifth start.
The only two pitches he didn’t locate exactly as desired left the ballpark.
After retiring the first two batters in the fourth inning, Barons catcher Edgar Quero blasted a fastball from Bermúdez over the left-center wall for the game’s first run.
In the fifth, the Barons’ Tim Elko led off with a moon shot over the left field wall on a well-timed connection on a changeup pitch.
That was the offense in the game. The Blue Wahoos bullpen had three relievers combine to pitch four scoreless innings the rest of the way.
Blue Wahoos newcomer Nathan Martorella, who joined the team Tuesday, had Pensacola’s first hit in the fourth inning with a two out double down the right field line. Martorella was part of a four-player trade of San Diego Padres prospects for Miami Marlins star Luis Arráez, a former Blue Wahoos player in 2019, who has won batting titles in the American and National League the past two seasons.
Martorella also had a hard out in the ninth inning, leading off with a ball driven deep to center that was caught.
The Blue Wahoos had their best scoring chance thwarted when Jacob Berry was thrown on in the sixth inning trying to score after tagging up from third on Cody Morissette’s fly ball to centerfielder Jacob Burke. But Burke’s one-bounce strike to the plate was a perfect throw to get Berry.
The Blue Wahoos had two baserunners for the only time in the sixth inning after singles by Jakob Marsee, who also was part of the Arráez trade, and Paul McIntosh. Martorella struck out on a high fastball from reliever Eric Adler to end the inning.
The second game of the series on Wednesday will feature an 11:05 a.m. start for the second Education Day of the season. The gates will open at 10 a.m. The broadcast will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Blue Wahoos.com/radio or the MILB app.
GAME NOTABLE
— This series-opening game Tuesday is one of 18 meetings – the most since the Blue Wahoos joined the Southern League – with the Barons. The Blue Wahoos will twice play in Birmingham this season.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Wednesday, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium
PROMOTION: Education Day. The second of this season’s mid-day, matinee games will feature more than 2,000 area school children from schools in four different counties. Tickets are available for the general public as well.
Blue Wahoos Manager Kevin Randel Reaches Milestone In Series-Clinching Victory
May 6, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos clinched a series victory with a 9-1 win over the Mississippi Braves on Sunday. With the victory, fourth-year Pensacola manager Kevin Randel made history by moving into first place on the franchise’s all-time wins list. The victory was Randel’s 219th in a Blue Wahoos uniform, passing former manager Pat Kelly (2015-17).
After a rain delay pushed back the game’s start by an hour, both offenses struggled for early production. Neither Pensacola nor Mississippi scored through six innings. Blue Wahoos starter Paul Campbell (W, 3-1) and Braves starter Luis De Avila (L, 0-4) both turned in quality starts, but De Avila was the first to blink in the pitchers’ duel.
With one out in the seventh inning, Pensacola snapped out of a 23.1-inning long scoreless streak with a five-run barrage. Second baseman Cody Morissette’s single drove in catcher Paul McIntosh to break the scoreless deadlock. RBI singles from center fielder Dalvy Rosario, left fielder Tanner Allen, and designated hitter Joe Mack padded the lead.
The Braves’ only offense of the game came in the bottom of the seventh off a pair of Pensacola relievers. A bases-loaded walk to right fielder Justin Dean plated what would ultimately be the lone Mississippi run of the game. However, Pensacola lefthander Chandler Jozwiak forced a groundout to end the threat. The Wahoos piled on four combined runs in the eighth and ninth innings to put the game out of reach.
With the victory, the Wahoos clinched their second consecutive series win and the second series win in two meetings with Mississippi so far this year.
The Blue Wahoos return home on Tuesday for their first series of the year versus the Birmingham Barons. First pitch from Blue Wahoos Stadium is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Baseball, Softball Regionals: Here’s Which North Escambia Teams Are In, and Which Are Out
May 5, 2024
Here’s which North Escambia team are in, and which ones are out as regional baseball and softball tournaments begin this week.
Region 1-1A Softball
No 1. seed Northview (21-4) will host the No. 4 Freeport Bulldogs (16-8) at 6 p.m. Thursday in Bratt. District champions and No. 2 seed Jay (14-9) will host the Holmes County Blue Devils (14-13), at 7 p.m. Thursday. The winners will advance to the regional finals on May 14 at the higher seed.
Region 1-6A Softball
The Tate Lady Aggies received an at-large bid to the regional quarterfinals. As the No. 7 seed, the Aggies (15-11) will travel to Oviedo, Florida, just northeast of Orlando, to face the Hagerty Huskies (21-5) at 7 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday. Meanwhile, back in the Panhandle, the No. 1 seed and district champion Pace Patriots (23-2) will host the No. 8 Oviedo Lions (12-12) from Oviedo, Florida.
Region 1-1A Baseball
Thursday, No. 1 Central (21-3) will host No. 4 Paxton (11-9) and No. 3 Jay (15-10) travel to No. 2 Holmes County (16-9) in the regional semifinals. Both games are at 7 p.m. The Northview Chiefs (21-4), which beat Central 11-1 ina run-ruled semi-final game, did not make the playoffs.
Region 1-6A Baseball
In our area, the No 4. Pace Patriots (19-6) will host No. 5 Fleming Island (18-10) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Tate Aggies (11-14) are out.
Pictured: Northview and Jay district championship action May 2 at Central High in Allentown. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mejia Silences Blue Wahoos In 2-0 Loss To Braves
May 5, 2024
written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were shut out 2-0 by Ian Mejia and the Mississippi Braves on Saturday night, managing only three hits in a quiet defeat.
Mejia (W, 2-0), who was roughed up by the Blue Wahoos in Pensacola on Opening Night a month ago, looked much sharper in his second turn against a similar lineup. The righty allowed two hits over 7.0 scoreless innings, striking out seven and walking only one.
M.D. Johnson (L, 0-3) took the tough-luck loss, turning in his best start of the season only to be failed by defensive miscues behind him. The righty went a season-high 6.1 innings, allowing only two unearned runs on five hits while striking out six.
The only runs of the game were scored by Mississippi in the second, capitalizing on an earlier fielding error by second baseman Cody Morissette to take a 2-0 lead on a Javier Valdes two-run single.
The Blue Wahoos had opportunities late, but went 0-for-8 with men in scoring position. Domingo Gonzalez (S, 2), who took the loss for the Braves in Wednesday’s extra-inning Pensacola win, bounced back by escaping a jam in the eighth and earning a four-out save.
With the loss, Pensacola manager Kevin Randel remains at 218 managerial wins at the helm of the Blue Wahoos. His next victory will make him the winningest manager in franchise history.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series and road trip against the Braves on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Trustmark Park is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.
Fitterer Fantastic In 3-1 Wahoos Win
May 4, 2024
Written by Erik Bremer
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Mississippi Braves 3-1 on Friday night on the strength of a dominant pitching performance from Evan Fitterer.
Fitterer (W, 2-1) completed 7.0 innings for the first time in his Double-A career and allowed only three hits, scattering two singles and a double in a scoreless start. The righty took a no-hitter into the fifth inning for the second start in a row, and got 13 of his 21 outs on the ground.
The Blue Wahoos jumped on Mississippi starter JJ Niekro (L, 1-3) right away in the first inning, scoring all three of their runs with a trio of two-out hits. After Tanner Allen’s leadoff double, Joe Mack brought him home with a double of his own for a 1-0 lead. Bennett Hostetler and Sean Roby followed with RBI singles to give Pensacola a 3-0 edge.
The Braves pitching staff allowed only one hit after the first inning, but Fitterer was razor-sharp. Faced with a jam with runners at the corners and two outs in the seventh, the righty struck out Geraldo Quintero to end his night on a high note.
Austin Roberts (S, 5) allowed an unearned run in the ninth, but locked down his fifth save in as many tries with a hitless frame.
The game was played in a brisk 2 hours and 7 minutes, and marked the 218th managerial win of Kevin Randel’s career to tie Pat Kelly for the most in Blue Wahoos history.
Randel will go for the record as the Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Saturday evening. First pitch from Trustmark Park is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
Jay Edges Northview 7-6 For District Softball Title (With Photo Gallery)
May 3, 2024
The Jay Lady Royals won the District 1-1A championship 7-6 over Northview in a close matchup at Central in Allentown.
The cross-River rivals played to a 6-6 tie in the top of the seventh when Brooklyn Sorrell scored the game-winning run on a single.
For a photo gallery, click to enlarge.
The Royals were first on the scoreboard with a three-run homer from Morgan Barrow.
The Chiefs’ Chloe Ragsdale had a home run to right field to score two runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Ragsdale was 2-4 on the night with two runs and two RBIs; and Mary Clayton Dawson was 2-3 3 with two RBIs to lead Northview at the plate. Jamison Gilman was 2-4 with two runs.
Avery Stuckey, Makayla Golson, Kylee Langham, and Mikayla McAnnally each added one hit for Northview.
Brooklyn Sorrells, Brett Watson, Kaylee Gilbreath, Kylei Martinez, Barrow, and Ella Nelson each added a hit for the Royals.
Jamison Gilman went three and a third innings for Northview, surrendering three hits and two runs as she walked one and had three strikeouts. Mikayla McAnally opened for three and two-thirds innings, allowing three hits and give runs while striking out three and walking two.
Layna Lowery earned the win for Jay in four innings, allowing 10 hits and six runs while striking out two and walking four. Caden Carroll was in the circle for three innings with no hits, no hits, no walks and one strikeout.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Jay Downs Northview 5-0 For District Baseball Championship
May 3, 2024
After four-and-a-half scoreless innings, the Jay Royals had five runs in the bottom of the fifth for a 5-0 District 1-1A championship win over the Northview Chiefs.
Jackson Bridges went six innings for the Chiefs, giving up five runs and six hits while striking out two and walking two.
Landon Golden earned the win for the Royals, surrendering three hits and no runs in seven innings, recording six strikeouts, and walking none.
Robbie Bodiford, Brady Smith, and Jase Portwood each had a hit for Northview.
Ethan McDonald went 2- with two RBIs and a run to lead the Royals at the Plate.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Pace Takes District Softball Crown With Win Over Tate (With Gallery)
May 3, 2024
The Pace Patriots won the District 1-6A championship with a 16-0 shutout of the Tate Lady Aggies Thursday in Pace.
The Aggies just could not recover after the Patriots had 13 runs on nine hits in the second inning.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Kata Balagbagan took the loss for Tate. She went one inning, surrendering two hits and three runs while striking out one and walking none. Jordan Smith pitched two thirds of an inning, giving up eight hits and 11 runs while walking two and striking out zero. Peyton Womack went for one-third of an inning in the circle, giving up two hits and three runs while walking three.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Kept Quiet In 6-1 Loss to Braves
May 3, 2024
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos saw their three-game winning streak come to an end on Thursday night, falling 6-1 to the Mississippi Braves.
Hurston Waldrep (W, 1-3) earned his first professional win, scattering four hits over 5.2 innings and allowing only an unearned run. Atlanta’s top pitching prospect, who allowed seven runs on 11 hits to the Blue Wahoos in his season debut last month, fanned five and walked only one.
After three scoreless innings, Pensacola starter Valente Bellozo (L, 1-2) allowed a pair of runs in the fourth on RBI singles to Bryson Horne and Cal Conley. A fielding error and Dalvy Rosario RBI single in the top of the fifth helped the Blue Wahoos draw to within a run, but the Braves answered back with two of their own in the bottom of the inning on a Drake Baldwin RBI single and Bellozo wild pitch to take a 4-1 lead.
Jonathan Hughes entered in the sixth and helped the Braves escape a jam, ultimately pitching 2.1 scoreless innings of relief. Brandon Parker added an RBI double and Cade Bunnell hit an RBI single in the eighth off Lincoln Henzman to stretch the Mississippi lead to 6-1 before Parker Dunshee finished the game with three strikeouts in a 1-2-3 ninth.
Jacob Berry was a bright spot for the Blue Wahoos, going 2-for-4 with a single, double and a deep flyout.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Braves on Friday evening. First pitch from Trustmark Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Wine Homers As Tate Beats Milton 6-3 In District Semi-Finals
May 2, 2024
The No. 3 seed Tate Lady Aggies beat the No. 2 Milton Panthers 6-3 in the District 1-6A semi-finals Wednesday night.
The Aggies were first on the board in the top of the first inning after Kara Win tripled and Amburleigh Laird had a sacrifice bunt, both scoring one run.
In the bottom of the third, a homer from Milton’s Kayal Willis tied the game at two.
Tate regained the lead at 3-2 in the top of the fifth when Wine smacked a solo home run to centerfield.
Jordan Smith earned the win for the Tate Lady Aggies, giving up five hits and three run in seven innings while striking out three and walking one.
Wine and Laird had two hits each to lead Tate at bat. Peyton Womack, Lacy Wilson, Blakely Campbell and Tristen Showalter each recorded on hit.
Tate (15-10 will take on No. 1 seed Pace (22-2) for the district championship at 6 p.m. Thursday in Pace.
Pictured: Kara Wine had a home run for the Tate Lady Aggies Wednesday night. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.