Compton Continues To Crush It In Wahoos Win Over Smokies
August 1, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos took Friday’s contest 5-4 over the Knoxville Smokies.
The game started like any other game for the Blue Wahoos: with a home run from Brandon Compton. After both teams went scoreless in the first inning, the red hot Compton sent the first pitch he saw well over the wall in right field. The solo bomb was his 13th blast of the year with Pensacola and his 12th blast of the month. Those 12 big flies tied him for second all-time for Southern League homers in a month. The man he tied? An old Tennessee Smokie that goes by the name of Kris Bryant.
The lead didn’t last, as the Smokies got to Christian MacLeod, who made his first start for the Wahoos on Friday night, in the third inning. Carter Trice knocked an RBI single into center field to tie things up at 1-1. A couple innings later, Jay Beshears hit a two-run bomb out to left to give Pensacola a 3-1 lead, but the Smokies answered with two of their own in the bottom half when Alex Ramirez took Livan Reinoso (W, 1-0) deep for a two-run shot.
Knoxville starter, Luis Martinez-Gomez, ended up pitching 6.0 innings of three-run ball and was relieved by Kenyi Perez (L, 1-1) in the seventh. With one out recorded, Jay Beshears took a hit-by-pitch and Emaarion Boyd dropped down a beautiful bunt for a single. A double steal followed and allowed Brendan Jones to bring Beshears home on a sacrifice fly to center. One batter later, Cristian Hernández singled into left, scoring Boyd and giving the Wahoos a 5-3 lead.
The bottom of the seventh saw the Smokies steal a run back thanks to an Ariel Armas RBI double. But, with men on second and third, Jack Sellinger would get Jefferson Rojas to strikeout swinging, stranding the tying and go-ahead runs and keeping Pensacola in front 5-4.
Sellinger would go on to pitch the 8th and retire the first batter in the 9th before giving up a single and being pulled for Holt Jones (S, 3). Jones allowed a couple of 2-out walks, but still managed to lock down his 3rd save of the season and a 5-4 Wahoos win. The save tied him for the team lead with Colby Martin. Pensacola improved their record to 54-45 (a season high 9 games over .500) overall, and 18-12 in the second half while the Smokies fell to 53-47 overall and 15-16 in the second half.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Saturday.
written by Charlie Hobert
Future Aggies Hit the Field for Tate High Youth Football Camp
July 31, 2026
The Tate High School Aggies held their two-day annual youth football camp this week.
Youth participated in drills on the field with Tate coaches and players.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Wahoos Rock Knoxville Behind Dishmey, Compton
July 31, 2026
Eliazar Dishmey turned in another dominant start, Brandon Compton made franchise history with yet another home run, and the Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Knoxville Smokies on Thursday night by a score of 5-1.
Dishmey (W, 2-1) wrapped up a superlative month with 5.0 scoreless, one-hit frames. Across five July starts, the 21-year-old righty allowed just one run on 10 hits in 21.1 innings.
He got early run support from Compton, who went deep with a solo homer in the fourth inning off Smokies starter Brody McCullough (L, 0-2). It was the 12th Double-A homer for Compton, and his 11th of July to set a new Blue Wahoos franchise record for home runs in a single month.
The Blue Wahoos added two more runs in the sixth inning on doubles from Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus, plus a fielding error from Smokies third baseman Jefferson Rojas. They took a 4-0 lead in the seventh as Colby Shade doubled, stole third, and scored on a Payton Green groundout.
The Smokies threatened in the eighth with four two-out baserunners against reliever Jaydenn Estanista in his Blue Wahoos debut. Colby Martin (S, 7) entered with a 4-1 lead and the bases loaded, and struck out Edgar Alvarez to escape the jam.
Connor Caskenette hit a solo homer in the top of the ninth to give the Blue Wahoos a four-run cushion again, and Martin came back out to finish the four-out save with a hitless ninth.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Friday.
written by Erik Bremer
Blue Wahoos Comes Up Short In 4-3 Loss To Smokies
July 30, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost game two of their six-game series on Wednesday night, falling to the Knoxville Smokies by a final score of 4-3 in Knoxville.
Knoxville got off to a hot start, scoring four runs in the first inning off of Wahoos starter Luis Moreno (L, 5-5). After inducing a flyout to start the night, the Smokies strung together four consecutive hits: Jefferson Rojas doubled, Andy Garriola singled, Miguel Useche singled, and Carter Trice doubled. This series of knocks gave the Smokies a 3-0 lead before Alex Madera singled home Trice to give the home team a four-run lead.
Moreno settled down after that first inning, pitching the next four scoreless. This performance kept Pensacola in it, and in the top of the fourth, they started to chip away. Without the aid of a hit, the Wahoos managed to load the bases on a pair of walks and a hit by pitch. Jay Beshears then drew a walk with the bags packed, getting the Wahoos on the board. Before the next pitch could be thrown, a balk was issued to Smokies starter Dawson Netz, plating the second run and cutting into the lead.
Netz would be pulled after the fourth and be replaced by Frankie Scalzo Jr. (W, 2-1), who proceeded to pitch the next two innings scoreless. But, in the top of the seventh, Pensacola would add one more off of Tyler Schlaffer.
Following a leadoff single from Jay Beshears, Emaarion Boyd laid down a sac bunt to get him into scoring position. Brendan Jones rewarded the bunt by knocking a single into centerfield and bringing the score to 4-3.
Holt Jones put up a flawless three innings, striking out 4 in the process, but the offense stayed quiet as Marino Santy (S, 6) closed up shop in the 9th. The ‘Hoos threatened, getting a runner to second base with only one down, but came up just short when Juan Matheus struck out with men on the corners to end the game.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Thursday.
written by Charlie Hobert
Pensacola Sports Names Jason Libbert New President, CEO
July 29, 2026
Jason Libbert has been named the new president and CEO of Pensacola Sports.
Libbert returns to Pensacola Sports after serving for 12 years as director of events, where he helped recruit, create and manage many of the organization’s signature events while working to strengthen Pensacola’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. He brings more than two decades of experience in sports management, event operations, marketing and sponsorship development.
Since leaving Pensacola Sports in 2022, Libbert has remained active in the Pensacola community while continuing to build relationships throughout the region. His return marks both a homecoming and the beginning of a new chapter for the organization as it continues its mission of using sports to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Northwest Florida.
“I’m incredibly honored to return to Pensacola Sports and lead an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Libbert. “Pensacola Sports has built an outstanding reputation for bringing premier sporting events to our community while creating lasting economic impact and unforgettable experiences. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors and community partners as we continue to grow our mission, strengthen our partnerships and build on an incredible legacy.”
Libbert succeeds Ray Palmer, who is retiring after nearly 25 years of leadership at Pensacola Sports.
“Serving Pensacola Sports has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” said Palmer. “Jason understands our mission, our partners and the important role Pensacola Sports plays in our community and throughout the sports tourism industry. His passion, experience and leadership make him the right person to guide the organization into its next chapter. I couldn’t be more excited for Jason and for the future of Pensacola Sports.”
Wahoos Slip By Smokies In Nail-Biting Win
July 29, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos continued their winning ways on Tuesday night, taking their road trip opener in heart-stopping fashion 3-2 over the Knoxville Smokies.
After three early runs, the Blue Wahoos withstood a late comeback effort from the Smokies to improve to a season-best eight games above the .500 mark.
A Colby Shade sacrifice fly and a Dylan Jasso RBI single gave the Blue Wahoos a 2-0 lead in the second inning against Smokies starter Connor Schultz (L, 3-4). Cristian Hernández added another run in the third on a solo homer for a 3-0 lead.
Blue Wahoos starter Luis Palacios faced the minimum through 4.1 innings, but departed after issuing three consecutive walks in the fifth inning. Reliever Gabe Bierman (W, 3-1) allowed an inherited run to score on a Karson Simas RBI single before retiring the next two batters and leaving the bases loaded with the lead intact.
Bierman allowed an unearned run in the seventh when Ariel Armas walked, took second on a passed ball, advanced to third on a balk, and scored on a Miguel Useche sacrifice fly.
Called upon to protect a 3-2 lead, Jack Sellinger (S, 6) breezed through a quick eighth inning before running into trouble in the ninth. Andy Garriola led off with a double and advanced to third on a flyout, but Sellinger struck out Armas and made an impressive defensive play to field an Edgar Alvarez grounder and throw to first for the final out.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Smokies on Wednesday.
written by Erik Bremer
Ice Flyers Re-Sign Forward Andrew Poulias For Upcoming Season
July 28, 2026
The Pensacola Ice Flyers have s re-signed forward Andrew Poulias for the 2026-27 season.
Poulias returns to Pensacola after recording 27 points on 10 goals and 17 assists in 57 regular-season games during his first season with the Ice Flyers. The Whitby, Ontario, native added an assist in three postseason appearances.
“Andrew is a proven offensive player who has been consistent and plays with great hockey IQ,” Head Coach Jeremy Gates said. “He brings leadership, skill and creativity to our lineup. What really stands out to us is his competitiveness and desire to win. We’re excited to have Andrew back, and we know our fans enjoy watching him play.”
A right-shot center, Poulias joined the Ice Flyers ahead of the 2025-26 season following the conclusion of his collegiate career and an 11-game stint with the Peoria Rivermen. He produced 90 points (44g, 46a) across 117 games at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Known for his speed, intelligence and competitive edge, Poulias established himself as a versatile presence in the Pensacola lineup last season. He returns focused on contributing in every situation and helping the Ice Flyers compete for a championship.
“I want to be a difference-maker night in and night out,” Poulias said. “Whether it’s through physicality, production or leadership, I want to help bring a championship back to Pensacola.”
Poulias grew up playing for the Whitby Wildcats and was introduced to hockey by his father and older brother at an early age. His older brother played goaltender, giving the two plenty of opportunities to compete against one another while growing up.
The 2026-27 campaign will mark Poulias’ second season with the Ice Flyers.
Compton Strikes Again In 4-2 Wahoos Win
July 27, 2026
Another big game from Brandon Compton powered the Pensacola Blue Wahoos to a 4-2 win over the Columbus Clingstones on Sunday evening.
The Blue Wahoos (51-44, 15-11) finished the series with a 5-1 mark over the visiting Clingstones (43-48, 14-13) and closed out the regular season against Columbus with a dominant 13-5 record.
Compton continues to make a splash in Pensacola. He was responsible for driving in all four runs of the evening and managed his second home run in as many days.
Compton has hit 11 home runs since joining the Blue Wahoos on June 30, the third-most on the team behind Fenwick Trimble (13) and Dillon Lewis (17).
Both sides traded blows to open the series finale. Columbus put a run up first with a Jordan Groshans sacrifice fly in the first inning, yet Pensacola responded in the bottom of the frame with a Compton RBI double. The line drive was buried into the corner of right field at an eye-popping rate of 116.6 miles per hour to knot the game at 1-1.
The Clingstones wrestled a one-run edge back in the fifth. A high-flying hit by the Clingstones’ Colby Jones disappeared in the sun, allowing him to reach third and score on a subsequent groundout.
The lead would be short-lived as the Pensacola offense surged in the sixth. Brendan Jones and Cristian Hernández got on base with back-to-back singles into right field, and Compton handled clean-up duty with a scorcher over left field off of Columbus’ Owen Hackman (L, 2-3). The three-run homer put the Blue Wahoos ahead 4-2, which they would not relent through the remainder of the game.
The Pensacola pitching staff put together a great performance from the mound. Newly-acquired Joey Volini made his second start of his Double-A career and pitched 5.2 innings that saw two runs on six hits, earning four strikeouts. Nigel Belgrave (W, 4-5) delivered 3.1 innings of strong relief to take the win, allowing no hits and picking up five K’s.
The Blue Wahoos scored their four runs on seven hits, drawing one walk. The team was led at the plate by Compton and Hernandez, who each went 2-for-4. Jones, Juan Matheus, and Emaarion Boyd collected a hit each.
The Blue Wahoos will take Monday off before hitting the road for a series with the Knoxville Smokies, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, beginning on Tuesday.
written by Maddy Branning
Wahoos Secure Shutout in Series Win Over Clingstones
July 26, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos earned their second shutout victory of the series over the Columbus Clingstones by a final score of 4-0.
Saturday’s game started out as almost a carbon copy of game 2 of Thursday’s doubleheader. Alex Williams pitched a flawless first two frames before Colby Shade launched his second home run in three days out to left field, giving the ‘Hoos a 1-0 lead.
The game took an unexpected turn in the top of the third, however. After Williams faced the first two batters, Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. hit a 106 mph grounder that nailed Williams in the shin. After a visit from Adam Sparks, the athletic trainer, and a couple of test pitches, Williams didn’t feel he could continue the game. So, with a man on second and two down in the third, Holt Jones (W, 2-0) entered from the pen and pitched the best game of his season thus far.
Jones proceeded to pitch the next 4.2 innings allowing just one hit, no runs, no walks, and striking out five. He faced 15 batters and got 14 outs. Before Jones was pulled in the top of the 7th, Brandon Compton continued his absurd power surge with his 10th home run in 19 games for the Wahoos. The bomb gave Pensacola a 2-0 lead and that lead would stick.
Colby Martin (S, 6) got the final 5 outs of the game, striking out three and allowing just one to reach. It was Martin’s second save of the series and the Wahoos 6th shutout win of the season. Despite a hard fought 7.0 inning effort from Clingstones starter Brett Sears (L, 3-4), he took the loss. The Wahoos improved to 50-44 overall and 14-11 in the second half. The Clingstones fell to 43-49 and 14-12.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Columbus Clingstones on Sunday.
written by Charlie Hobert
Blue Wahoos Offense Goes Quiet In 4-0 Loss
July 25, 2026
A lackluster night at the plate saw the Pensacola Blue Wahoos fall to the Columbus Clingstones by a final score of 4-0 on Friday night.
It is the first game the Blue Wahoos (49-44, 13-11) have dropped in the series, and it is the first time Columbus has shut out Pensacola this season. Pensacola leads the series 3-1 and holds an 11-5 mark against the Clingstones (43-46, 13-12) this season.
Free bases and a defensive miscue allowed the Clingstones to get aboard in the first inning. An initial walk and subsequent hit-by-pitch issued by Pensacola starter Jacob Miller (L, 1-5) put two on base, and a line drive into left by Jordan Groshans that escaped the glove of Ethan O’Donnell allowed both runners to come home.
Miller exited after the first inning, replaced by Christian MacLeod. MacLeod served as the Blue Wahoos’ most effective reliever of the night through 3.2 innings, allowing no hits or runs while striking out three Clingstones.
A solo home run from Adam Zebrowski extended the Columbus lead to 3-0 in the top of the sixth. A Colby Jones RBI double in the eighth pushed the edge to 4-0.
Pensacola managed five hits, each credited to different bats, while Columbus scored their four runs on six hits. Jay Beshears earned the lone extra base hit – a double – for the home side. The Blue Wahoos drew three walks to the Clingstones’ six.
Columbus starter Braden Scott (W, 1-0), who was signed by the Atlanta Braves earlier this season after spending two years in the Atlantic League, made an impressive first start in affiliated ball for Columbus on Friday night. Scott offered 5.0 shutout innings of two-hit baseball and earned seven strikeouts, allowing only three walks.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Columbus Clingstones on Saturday.
written by Maddy Branning