Palacios Twirls Gem In 4-2 Wahoos Win
July 20, 2023
Luis Palacios made his 10th start this season with the Blue Wahoos a near-perfect one.
He was then backed by Zach McCambley’s first save of his pro career.
The dynamic delivery on Wednesday equated into Pensacola’s 4-2 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas, pushing the Blue Wahoos to their 50th win in 85 games.
After the Blue Wahoos knocked out Trash Pandas starting pitcher John Swanda with a four-run first inning, Palacios painted the strike zone throughout his best performance. It made for a crisp, 2-hour, 15-minute game on “Winning Wednesday’ that included baseball bingo and was capped by a mid-week fireworks show provided by game sponsor Covenant Care.
Palacios, a 23-year-old lefty from Venezuela, allowed just four hits, matching the fewest he allowed this year. He struck out five without walking a batter, and improved to 6-3 in a smooth, seven-inning outing that matched his longest of the season.
It was the first time he threw up seven zeroes on the scoreboard. He continually stayed ahead of hitters and consistently threw strikes – 64 strikes in 85 pitches. It was the first time in his Double-A career he did not allow a walk.
McCambley, 24, a righthander, who has shifted to a reliever role that will further enhance his own future, worked a clean ninth inning. He ended the game on a called strikeout with a fastball on the outside part of the plate.
As things turned out, the game was decided in the first inning. Nasim Nuñez and Miami Marlins outfielder Avisail Garcia, continuing his injury rehab assignment, started the rally with walks. Nunez advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a wild pitch.
With two outs, Will Banfield laced an RBI single to left, José Devers singled and Cody Morissette followed with a two-run double to complete the rally. Banfield and Norel González both went 2-for-3 as the Blue Wahoos pounded out eight total hits.
Rocket City, the Los Angeles Angels affiliate, got its runs on a pair of solo homers off Pensacola reliever Eli Villalobos in the eighth inning. After the second blast, pitching coach Dave Eiland met on the mound and Villalobos retired the next two batters to end the frame.
Following the game, specialty jerseys worn by the Blue Wahoos in pregame Wednesday and decorated in sponsor Covenant Care design, were delivered to auction-bidding fans by Blue Wahoos players in front of the home team dugout. The auction began in the sixth inning.
The series continues Thursday on Mullet Thursday as the Blue Wahoos become the Pensacola Mullets.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Tate Aggies Baseball Head Coach Karl Jernigan Has Resigned
July 19, 2023
Tate High School head baseball coach Karl Jernigan has resigned.
“Coach Jernigan resigned to spend more time with and focus on his family,” Principal Laura Touchstone told NorthEscambia.com Tuesday night. “Coach Jernigan has been very transparent with me through this process, and I support his decision. Most importantly I support the Tate baseball program and will continue to do so. We are actively searching for a coach to fulfill the position and uphold the legacy of Tate baseball.”
Jernigan was hired as Tate’s head coach during the summer of 2017.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Johnston’s Historic Night Lifts Blue Wahoos To 8-3 Win
July 19, 2023
The Blue Wahoos followed their most lopsided loss with one of the season’s more complete wins.
Only natural that Troy Johnston helped trigger it.
Johnston continued his run-producing prowess, driving in five runs on a trio of line-drive hits, then was backed up by some highlight-worthy defense from teammates in an 8-3 victory Tuesday against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to open the homestand at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Already a leader in six different Southern League categories, Johnston is now the Blue Wahoos’ all-time single-season RBI leader with 77. Tuesday night he passed Griffin Conine, who had 74 last year to set the franchise record.
The first baseman also has 11 RBI in the past four games. He leads the league in home runs (18), RBI (78), hits (84), extra base hits (40), total bases (164) and runs (64). His batting average has soared to .287.
This game started and finished far differently than the Blue Wahoos’ 15-2 loss Sunday at Birmingham, which ended a post-break, short series with the Barons on a sour note.
That quickly was flushed and replaced Tuesday by Johnston’s first-inning run-scoring single off Trash Pandas lefty starter Ky Bush, rated the No. 3 prospect in the Los Angeles Angels system. José Devers followed with an RBI double for a 2-0 lead.
It stayed that way until Rocket City got back within a run in the sixth inning.
Blue Wahoos starter Evan Fitterer worked into the sixth, giving up three runs. Two of those came before he was lifted in the sixth after leaving a changeup over the plate that Rocket City catcher Edgar Quero blasted for a no-doubt, two-run homer over the right field berm.
But the Blue Wahoos offense answered by batting around in the seventh inning. Johnston had a two-run double and Will Banfield drove in a run on a single as part of the big inning.
From that point, the bullpen took over. Cristian Charle, Matt Pushard and closer Jefry Yan delivered scoreless innings to complete the win on “Doggone Tuesday” where fans were allowed to bring their dogs to the ballpark.
Though Griffin Conine did not get a hit in the game, he made a sensational diving catch in right field in the fifth inning, then got up and threw out the Trash Pandas’ Tucker Flint, who tried to tag up from second, to complete an amazing double play.
Blue Wahoos catcher Will Banfield threw out Rocket City’s Kyren Paris trying to steal and left fielder Dalvy Rosario saved a run with a diving stop on a ball near the foul line. It was all part of textbook defensive plays made in this game.
The series continues Wednesday. The Blue Wahoos will have Luis Palocios (5-3, 6.40 ERA) going against Rocket City’s Fernando Romero in the first series meeting this year between these teams.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos
Barons Beat Blue Wahoos In Lopsided 15-2 Finale
July 17, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped their road trip finale to the Birmingham Barons on Sunday afternoon, falling 15-2 in their most lopsided loss of the season.
The Barons put up 15 runs on 18 hits, and benefitted from nine walks and three Pensacola errors, to take the rubber match of the three-game series.
Ben Norman delivered most of the early offense, hitting a three-run homer in the second, a two-run double in the third and a two-run single in the fourth. The Barons outfielder finished 3-for-4 with 7 RBI on the afternoon.
Pensacola starter M.D. Johnson (L, 1-3) allowed 10 runs, 9 earned, over 3.0 innings. The righty began the fourth inning, but departed without recording an out as the Barons stacked up seven runs in the frame to put the game out of reach.
Birmingham starter Matt Thompson (W, 4-9) allowed two runs on three hits over 5.0 innings. A Nasim Nuñez RBI double in the third inning and Cody Morissette RBI groundout in the sixth accounted for the only Blue Wahoos runs of the game.
After an off day Monday, the Blue Wahoos begin a six-game home series against the Rocket City Trash Pandas on Tuesday.
Wahoos Come Up Short In Wild 11-Inning Saturday Night Loss
July 16, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos put together a furious rally with two outs in the ninth inning to force extra innings on Saturday night, but their effort wasn’t enough in a 10-9, 11-inning loss to the Birmingham Barons.
After leading 6-1 early, the Blue Wahoos surrendered the next eight runs of the ballgame before putting together a three-run rally of their own with their backs to the wall in the ninth. After forcing extras, the Blue Wahoos couldn’t push across another run before Luis Mieses ended the game with a walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th.
The Blue Wahoos provided Jake Eder with early run support, thanks to a Troy Johnston two-run double in the third and Cody Morissette two-run homer in the fifth. The Pensacola starter departed with two outs in the fifth and a 6-2 lead, but left the bases full before the Barons unloaded them against reliever Josan Méndez with a two-run single from Alsander Womack and a single from Mieses.
Birmingham catcher Xavier Fermandez tied the game 6-6 in the sixth with a solo homer, and the game remained tied until the bottom of the eighth when the Barons got a two-run double from Rodriguez to claim their first lead of the night.
Trailing 9-6 with two outs in the ninth, the Blue Wahoos kept hope alive as José Devers hit an RBI double before Morissette added an RBI infield single. Griffin Conine hit a tapper to second base that would have ended the game if not for a hurried and errant throw from Womack, scoring Devers for the tying run.
Brady Puckett (L, 1-2) pitched scoreless relief in the ninth and 10th, but the Blue Wahoos couldn’t scratch across any more runs in extra innings. Their best chance was foiled in the 11th, when Morissette lifted a fly ball to right field against Nick Gallagher (W, 1-2) with Johnston at third as the potential go-ahead run. Yoelqui Cespedes dealt a perfect throw to the plate, cutting down Johnston trying to score and ending Pensacola’s last threat.
Puckett returned for the 11th, but allowed a single and a walk before Mieses ended the game with a walk-off single down the left field line.
At 3 hours and 36 minutes, the game was Pensacola’s longest of the season. It was also their first time playing 11 innings all year.
The Blue Wahoos wrap up their series against the Barons on Sunday.
written by Erik Bremer
Well-Rested Wahoos Beat Barons 8-3
July 15, 2023
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos didn’t miss a beat after their four-day All-Star Break, returning to action as sharp as ever in an 8-3 win over the Birmingham Barons on Friday night.
Patrick Monteverde turned in another great start with only one earned run in 5.1 innings, Victor Mesa Jr. drove in three with a homer and an RBI double, and Troy Johnston added to his league-leading RBI total with a pair of clutch hits in the final two innings.
The Blue Wahoos took a 1-0 lead in the third when Victor Mesa Jr. lined an RBI double over the head of Barons left fielder Luis Mieses, scoring Norel González from first base. The Barons tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth when a dropped pop-up was followed by an RBI single from Bryan Ramos.
In the sixth, Mesa put the Blue Wahoos in front again with a solo homer to right field. Monteverde departed after 5.1 innings with a man on third base, and Cristian Charle (W, 5-2) let in the inherited runner with a sacrifice fly from Yoelqui Cespedes to tie the game 2-2.
In the eighth, Dalvy Rosario led off with a double against Andrew Perez (L, 1-3). With two outs, Johnston hit a grounder deep in the hole at second base that Jose Rodriguez threw away for an RBI single to put Pensacola ahead 3-2. Will Banfield followed with a deep fly to center that Terrell Tatum lost in the night sky, allowing the Blue Wahoos catcher to reach third on an RBI triple.
Penascola added four insurance runs in the ninth on a Mesa RBI groundout and a Johnston three-run double to stretch their lead to 8-3. Johnston now has a league-leading 70 RBI on the season.
Zack McCambley recorded the final three outs in the ninth to lock down the series-opening win.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Barons on Saturday.
written by Bll Vilona
Northview Chiefs Hosting Youth Football Camp Next Week
July 14, 2023
The Northview Chiefs will hold a Youth Football camp July 20-21 at Tommy Weaver Memorial Stadium in Bratt.
Attendees will learn proper techniques, formations and plays, blocking and safe tackling techniques and more from Northview players and coaching staff. The camp is for children ages 6-14 and will take place from 5-7 p.m.
Pre-registration is $50 using the NHS Quarterback Club Venmo (put “youth camp” as the reason when paying). Day of registration is $60 day with cash or check payable to Northview High School. Registration includes a t-shirt.
For more information, email head coach Wes Summerford at wsummerford@ecsdfl.us.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Tate Aggies Holding Youth Football Camp July 26-27
July 13, 2023
The Tate Aggies Youth Football Camp will be held July 26-27.
The camp is for incoming first through eighth grades and will be held from 5-7 p.m. The cost is $50 per player, including a t-shirt.
To register, complete this form and bring payment on the first day of camp.
Tate High Graduate Landen George Signs Golf Scholarship With Coastal Alabama
July 12, 2023
Tuesday, Tate High School 2023 graduate Landen George signed a full ride scholarship with Coastal Alabama Community College to further his golf and academic career. He was joined by his family, friends, staff members and future coaches. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Johnston, Conine Lead Slugging Wahoos To 10-8 Win
July 10, 2023
Troy Johnston had just hit two home runs, helped tie the franchise team record with five in a game and provided the deciding runs Sunday in the Blue Wahoos 10-8 win against the Biloxi Shuckers.
So Troy, what are you going to do next?
“I’ve been always wanting to say this in an interview… I’m going to Disney World!”
Yes, he is.
Moments after the Blue Wahoos’ slugfest victory at Blue Wahoos Stadium, which sent the team into a four-day break with good vibes, Johnston, his wife, Haleigh, and his parents had their car packed for the all-night trip to Orlando and the Magic Kingdom.
“Me and wife had said we’re going to go…it didn’t matter what,” said Johnston, explaining the advance plans once they saw the season schedule. “My parents said they wanted to come visit us this week, then wanted to tag along. So we are all going and we’re going to have a great time.”
The good times rolled at the plate Sunday for Johnston and teammates. He went 2-for-3, drove in three runs, scored three runs, walked once and raised his batting average to .277. He also made several big defensive plays on throws and scorched grounders on another day when hitters ruled at the ballpark.
After Saturday’s 10-9 loss to the Shuckers, the Blue Wahoos fell behind 5-0 in the third inning, then 6-2 in the fifth inning. It had the crowd of 4,111 wondering when Pensacola’s fortunes would turn at home.
“I honestly believe, whether we are down 5-0 or 10-0, I feel like we always have a chance to win,” said Johnston, 26, a Tacoma, Washington native and the No. 27 rated prospect in the Miami Marlins minor league system. “That’s what makes this team special. We don’t give up. We have confidence we can do it at the plate and we’re capable of coming back.”
Sure enough, it happened in the bottom of the fifth when the Blue Wahoos batted around. After Dalvy Rosario led off by getting hit by a pitch, then stole second, Victor Mesa Jr. drove him home with a single. Johnston then walked. Will Banfield reached on an infield single to load the bases.
Up stepped Griffin Conine. He had singled earlier and had some other good at-bats Friday. But he had not homered all week.
Until now. Conine blasted a pitch that just had enough umph to carry over the leaping attempt by Shuckers centerfielder Lamar Sparks for a go-ahead grand slam and 7-6 lead.
It was the first grand slam for Conine in his three seasons with the Blue Wahoos – the fourth hit by a Pensacola player this season.
With the stadium still abuzz, Cody Morissette followed with a solo homer and 8-6 lead.
The Shuckers got a run back in the sixth. Johnston came up in the bottom half of the sixth inning with two outs and Cobie Fletcher-Vance on first base. He blasted a no-doubter over the right center berm for his second homer, which tied the franchise record for most in a single game.
As he rounded the bases he pointed in direction of his wife, then his parents visiting from the Pacific Coast, for another special moment in the game.
“My mom and my dad, you can actually hear them sometimes from the stands,” Johnston said, smiling. “They are the only people I can hear and I try to give them (acknowledgment). They have given me everything. And the only I can do to give back is give them a little support.”
The Shuckers got a run back in the seventh, but the Blue Wahoos bullpen held on, albeit with some drama. After a smooth eighth inning, closer Matt Pushard, who recently joined the team from the Beloit Sky Carp, the Marlins’ High-A affiliate, got the first two batters in the ninth to ground out.
But then he gave up a single, then hit the next batter and had a 3-0 count on Sparks. The next pitch Sparks jumped on, but hit a fly ball that Mesa Jr. caught for the final out.
The Shuckers had built the big, early lead against starter Evan Fitterer, who struggled again in his second start this week. He made it through five innings, allowing seven hits and six runs, including a three-run homer by catcher Nick Kahle, who helped power the Shuckers to Saturday’s win.
The teams combined for 22 hits – 11 apiece – and 16 of the 18 starters in the teams’ lineups reached base.
The Blue Wahoos’ other homer Sunday was the team’s first run, a solo shot by Fletcher-Vance.
With the win, the Blue Wahoos split the six-game series against Biloxi and evened their second-half record to 6-6, 47-33 overall.
It was a much-welcomed way to head into the Major League Baseball All-Star Game break, which now includes the minor leagues.
The Blue Wahoos will resume their schedule on July 14 on the road against the Birmingham Barons for a three-game series.
by Bill Vilona, photo Nino Mendez / Pensacola Blue Wahoos