Barons Come Through in Clutch As Blue Wahoos Drop Fourth Straight
May 24, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
With a 1-2-3 inning in the first from left-hander Adam Laskey, and the offense forcing runners to second and third with one out in the bottom of the frame against Birmingham’s Dalton Roach, it felt like the Blue Wahoos had found momentum for the first time this week.
In short, they did not. With a 6-3 loss, Pensacola has now lost four straight for the second time this season.
After a one-out walk from Jared Serna and a double from Jake Thompson, both runners were stranded on base to end the inning.
After squandering the opportunity with runners in scoring position, the Barons’ offense began to click. Catcher Adam Hackenberg drove in a run with an opposite-field single to take advantage of a two-out error by Johnny Olmstead at second base in the second, while Caden Connor picked up an RBI to score Rikuu Nishida in the third.
Birmingham’s offensive production exploded in the fourth, as they drove in four runs with two outs against the Blue Wahoos’ southpaw. D.J. Gladney, Mario Camiletti, Nishida and Connor all came around to touch home to put Birmingham up 6-1, totaling four hits and two walks in the frame.
Laskey totaled 5.0 innings while absorbing the loss, allowing six runs (five earned), walking three and giving up eight hits.
While the Barons’ offense was opportunistic against the lefty, the Wahoos found their most success in the batter’s box so far this series. Catcher Sam Praytor had two RBI singles in the second and sixth, while centerfielder Shane Sasaki drove in a run in the fourth.
The Wahoos’ bullpen was excellent Friday night. Right-handers Josh White and Nigel Belgrave combined to provide four innings of no-hit relief, allowing only two baserunners via walks.
With a 6:05 first pitch for Star Wars Night tomorrow, both clubs will send out big left-handers to make the start. Dax Fulton is slated to take the mound for Pensacola, while Noah Schultz will take the ball for Birmingham.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: Saturday night will start at 6:05 p.m., while Sunday’s game will be a 4:05 p.m. start – the first late afternoon start time of the season.
Offensive Woes Continue As Wahoos Drop Third Straight To Barons
May 23, 2025
The Blue Wahoos got one opportunity Thursday to change the game.
It almost happened.
But instead, the wrong side of an existing pattern continued in a 4-2 loss against the Birmingham Barons, the third setback in as many games this week against the Southern League’s North Division leaders at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Taking on their alternate identity as the Pensacola Mullets on Mullet Thursday didn’t flip the lack of run production, which has ailed the team for most of the past couple weeks.
Trailing 4-1 in the eighth inning, the table was set for a comeback. Pensacola loaded the bases with one out. The Blue Wahoos had the right hitter, Jake Thompson at the plate. He put a charge into a pitch, sending the ball high into the left center gap that was tracked by left fielder Caden Connor, turning a potential tying double into a run-scoring sacrifice fly.
The next batter, Kemp Alderman struck out swinging to end the threat. It’s been this kind of stretch for the team. It was the only time in the game that the Blue Wahoos had multiple runners on base.
Pensacola starter Evan Fitterer grinded through five innings. He allowed all four Barons runs, but only two were earned as another costly error led to a pair of runs in the second.
Birmingham’s leadoff hitter, second baseman Rikuu Nishida, a Osaka, Japan native who played for the Oregon Ducks, was the Blue Wahoos’ biggest thorn. He factored into three of the Barons’ runs.
In the first inning, he slapped a single, stole second, went to third on a slow roller and scored on a sacrifice fly. In the second inning, after Caden Connor reached on a two-out, infield error, No. 9 hitter Mario Camilletti smashed an RBI triple. He then scored on a perfect bunt single from Nishida.
In the fourth inning, Nishida’s two-out single made it 4-0.
The Blue Wahoos got a solo homer blast from third baseman Josh Zamora, his third of the season, to lead off the fifth inning. But with exception of the eighth inning, there was not a rally opportunity against three relievers the Barons used.
Alex Williams gave the Blue Wahoos three solid innings of relief to follow Fitterer, allowing just two hits, and Josh Ekness pitched a clean ninth.
But this became the 13th time in the last 18 games where the Blue Wahoos scored three or fewer runs.
The Blue Wahoos will need to win the final three games of this homestand, beginning Friday, to avoid their first home series loss this season.
GAME NOTABLES
— The National Anthem was performed by the Spanish Fort (Alabama) High School Choir.
— The Gulf Breeze Wave youth baseball team with a contingent of 250 was among 14 groups attending the game. Some others included Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi with 150, Upper Room Church in Gulf Breeze with 100 and Training Air Wing 5 in Milton with 82.
— The loss dropped the Blue Wahoos to 7-12 in May after starting the season in April with the best record (16-7) in Double-A.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Friday through Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
Family, Faith, and Firsts: Northview Lady Chiefs Had A Remarkable And Historic Journey
May 22, 2025
Everybody just knew this seasons was going to be something special for the Northview Lady Chiefs, full of family, faith and firsts.
That’s despite the Chiefs falling short of the state championship in a really tough 11-1 loss to Trenton on Wednesday afternoon near Orlando.
The Chiefs ended their season at 22-7, but what it season it was.
The Lady Chiefs had plenty of reasons to celebrate, including wins over Jay, their biggest rival. The Chiefs beat Jay 9-5 on April 3 in Bratt. And on a field in Jay that has seen more than its share of tears as seasons ended for the Lady Chiefs over the years. Northview claimed the district championship 9-1 over the Royals.
Then, for the first time ever, Northview earned a regional title with a 4-1 win over Jay.
“This has been a long time coming,” Northview Amy Holland said after the regional win. “We’ve been here so many times, so many times. It feels great.”
Holland said she knew, even back during summer ball, that this year’s team would do great things.
On Monday, Northview beat Branford 14-6 in their first ever trip to the Final Four, leading to the school’s first ever appearance in a state championship softball game.
The team, the coach said, has been more like a family with players from the local area and a major community support. All season, she talked about her “young team”, and that’s expected to be a key factor in the future for the Lady Chiefs.
This year, Northview had only one senior — pitcher Jamison Gilman — on the team. Most of the players were freshmen or sophomores, including sophomore MiKayla McAnally, which will mean most, if not all, will return next season.
After the Chief’s regional win over Jay, McAnally was quick to give credit to God for the team’s historic season.
“On the bus, we all pray together, and one of teammates goes around to every single person, and we pray in groups. Then we pray individually,” McAnally said. “We just know we have to give all the glory to God…and we’ve just to know that we do it all for Him.”
RELATED: After Historic Season, Northview Takes State Runner-Up Spot
NorthEscambia.com and courtesy photos, click to enlarge.
Stellar Outing From Snelling Not Enough In 7-2 Wahoos Loss
May 22, 2025
written by Willie Phaler
Through six innings, it seemed like Wednesday night’s game between the Blue Wahoos and Barons was shaping up to be a classic pitcher’s duel in front of a crowd of 3,223.
The Blue Wahoos led 1-0, and starters Robby Snelling (L, 2-3) and Jake Palisch (W, 3-0) had finished six innings of shutout and one-run ball. As soon as the Pensacola bullpen got involved in the game, it was flipped on its head, leading to a 7-2 loss.
After Snelling’s six shutout innings, which included eight strikeouts and no walks for the 21-year-old southpaw, the Barons’ offense came alive as the Pensacola defense faltered in historic fashion.
The Barons plated five runs in the frame, as the Blue Wahoos made five miscues, totaling seven in the game to set a franchise record. This also set the record for most errors in one inning in Southern League history.
Left-handers Justin King and Dale Stanavich surrendered the five runs in the seventh, with all five being charged to King’s line, all five of which were unearned. The two relievers didn’t allow a hit in the inning, but King allowed two walks while Stanavich hit a batter to allow a run.
The Barons’ offense continued to pile on in the seventh, as Gonzalez drove in two with a home run to deep right off Stanavich.
Tony Bullard picked up the Blue Wahoos’ first run of the night in the third, with a solo home run to center for his first at the Double-A level.
Bullard’s home run broke a 20-inning scoreless streak for Palisch, which spanned across three starts.
Sam Praytor picked up an RBI in the eighth on a double off the wall in right-center, narrowly missing his third home run of the year.
The Blue Wahoos will turn their attention to Mullet Thursday for tomorrow’s game, as right-hander Evan Fitterer (2-2) is slated to take the mound. Fitterer was the Southern League Pitcher of the Month for April, throwing four innings of three-run ball in his last outing against Rocket City.
GAME NOTABLES
— The National Anthem was performed on Wednesday by Joshua Tenniswood from the Trinitas Christian School in Pensacola, which had a group outing of 75 people. Jonathan Rook sang God Bless America in the 7th inning. And several Trinitas students threw out ceremonial first pitches.
— The West Florida High softball team had its end-of-season outing with a combined 98 guests that included players, coaches, parents and friends.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Thursday through Sunday.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: The games on Thursday through Saturday night will all start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game will be a 4:05 p.m. start – the first late afternoon start time of season.
After Historic Season, Northview Takes State Runner-Up Spot
May 21, 2025
The Northview Chiefs are state runner-ups after falling 11-1 to Trenton in the FHSAA Rural Class softball state championship game this afternoon near Orlando.
Northview finished their historic season at 22-7, claiming both the district and regional championships with wins over the Jay Royals. This was the first time in the history of the school that Northview made the state final four.
Trenton started the game with a 3-0 lead in the first inning before scoring four in the third and four in the fifth.
Sophomore Mikayla McAnally opened in the circle, allowing eight hits and seven runs (three earned) in four innings, striking out two and walking one.
Jamison Gilman led the team with a sacrifice bunt in the third inning to score Riley Brooks, and Avery Stuckey went 1-2.
Gilman was the only senior on this year’s roster, with the opportunity for almost the entire team to return next year looking for another trip to state.
This was the fourth state softball championship for Trenton since 2019.
Rough Sixth Inning Leads To Wahoos Series-Opening Loss To Birmingham
May 21, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Through five innings and two turns complete into Birmingham’s lineup, the Blue Wahoos’ Jacob Miller was spinning superlatives.
The third trip became rocky and led to the Barons’ eventual 6-2 victory Tuesday night that began a six-game series against two co-division leaders at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
After allowing just two hits and facing only two batters above the minimum, Miller yielded three consecutive hits to start the sixth inning, then had an errant throw and bad hop change the game.
The Barons produced three runs for a 4-2 lead, then tacked on solo runs in the seventh and eighth to pull away. Birmingham used five pitchers to combine for nine strikeouts and just one earned run.
In six prior starts, Miller had not yielded more than three runs until Tuesday.
He was provided a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Kemp Alderman lined a single with runners on second and third, and a bobbled fielding play by the Barons’ right fielder Wilfred Veras allowed a second run to score.
The Barons got a run back when third baseman Jason Matthews, who was recently moved down from the Chicago White Sox Triple-A affiliate, had a run-scoring double in the third inning. It was part of his big night going 3-for-3, reaching base all four times, and scoring two runs.
In the eventful sixth inning, he led off with a double. That was followed by a pair of singles to tie the game. Veras then hit a grounder that could have been a double play, but an errant throw to first from Johnny Olmstead allowed a run to score. Jacob Gonzalez later produced a sacrifice fly to score the fourth run.
Alderman went 2-for-4 as the Blue Wahoos’ lone multiple-hit batter Tuesday. The Blue Wahoos had two runners on in the ninth inning from a pair of walks with one out, but their opportunity ended there.
These two teams split a series a couple weeks ago in Birmingham.
GAME NOTABLES
— Guitar/vocalist Al Cunningham made his first appearance this season performing the National Anthem.
— Some roster moves occurred before Tuesday’s game. Left-handed pitcher Justin King was activated from the injured list. He went on the IL on April 30. Prior to the game, he made four appearances with an 0-1 record and 3.86 ERA. Meanwhile, reliever Zach McCambley was elevated to Triple-A Jacksonville. McCambley was the longest-tenured Blue Wahoos player, first joining the team in 2021. He ranks second all-time in club history in strikeouts with 251. In 11 appearances this season, McCambley was 1-0 with a 2.11 ERA.
— The Blue Wahoos have enjoyed success against Birmingham. They entered Tuesday with a 93-68 all-time record. This year, the Blue Wahoos are playing Birmingham twice at home for the first time. The Barons will return on Aug. 12-17.
WANT TO GO?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Wednesday through Sunday
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.
GAMETIMES: The games on Wednesday through Saturday night will all start at 6:05 p.m. Sunday’s game will be a 4:05 p.m. start – the first late afternoon start time of season.
Northview Dominates Branford 14-6 To Head To State Championship
May 20, 2025
The Northview Lady Chiefs are headed to the state championship.
Northview dominated Branford 14-6 Tuesday afternoon near Orlando.
The Branford Buccaneers jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the first, but the Lady Chiefs answered with five in the bottom of the second and never looked back.
Northview’s five runs in the bottom of the second inning came on three hits — Addysen Bolen walked to score one run, Aubrey Hadley had a two-run single, and the Chiefs scored two runs on an error.
Northview took the lead in the bottom of the third when Daviona Randolph homered to left field, Riley Brooks singled down the left field line, and Kylee Langham drew a walk. Northview added six runs on five hits in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Sophomore Mikayla McAnally earned the win, allowing 11 hits and six runs in six innings, striking out six and walking one. Senior Jamison Gilman stepped into the circle for the final inning, giving up no hits while striking out two and walking none.
Mikayla McAnally and Avery Stuckey each had three hits for the Lady Chiefs. Shortstop Riley Brooks had three RBIs.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Northview will face Trenton at 1:30 EDT (12:30 locally in North Escambia) for the Rural FHSAA Softball State Championship.
We will have a complete preview on Wednesday morning, plus a link (paid, $13.99) to watch the live video from the NFHS Network. We will also be providing live score updates on Wednesday on our Facebook page.
Photos: Northview Softball Is Ready For State Final Four
May 19, 2025
The Northview Lady Chiefs will open play in the Rural FHSAA Softball Final Four near Orlando.
No. 2 Northview (21-6) will take on No. 3 Branford (21-6). The winner will head to the state championship game at 1:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday against either Liberty County or Trenton.
First pitch Tuesday is at noon EDT at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, just outside Orlando. Fans can watch the game live on the NFHS Network. Fans can watch live video on the NFHS Network for a $13.99 monthly pass (which can be canceled at any time). NorthEscambia.com will have periodic updates on our Facebook page during the game; be sure to like our page for updates.
For a photo gallery from the last practice before state for the Northview Lady Chiefs, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Lady Chiefs Depart For State Softball Final Four
May 19, 2025
The Northview Lady Chiefs department the school in Bratt early on a foggy Sunday morning, headed to the Rural FHSAA Softball final four beginning at noon EDT Tuesday at Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, just outside Orlando.
With a police escort from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lady Chiefs headed to Whataburger for breakfast, where the restaurant’s windows were covered with player’s name and jersey numbers. Numerous fans lined the route, with signs of support and cheers for the first-ever Northview softball team to got to state.
Northview will play Branford at noon EDT on Tuesday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Praytor Breaks Through, Pitching Shows Out In Pensacola’s Series-Clinching Win
May 19, 2025
written by Bill Vilona
Blue Wahoos catcher Sam Praytor extended his arms outward, then welcomed two teammates dumping an ice bucket of energy drink over his head.
“I think if it were (just) water, it would be better,” said Praytor, smiling during the on-field, post-game interview.
On the hottest afternoon game this season, any momentary discomfort could be enjoyed. Especially after Praytor’s day, when he blasted a home run, legged out a triple, drove in two runs and adeptly handled five pitchers who combined to help deliver Pensacola’s 5-1 victory against the Rocket City Trash Pandas to win the six-game series at Blue Wahoos Stadium.
He came into the game going 0-for-9, his longest hitless streak. But continued effort in pregame workouts and help from team hitting coach Jason Krizan led to a big day.
“Me and Kriz… I’ve been working this week and making some adjustments and (Sunday) I felt like it really clicked and it paid off,” said Praytor, the former Alabama Crimson Tide star catcher, who set slugging marks during his three seasons, then became the Miami Marlins’ sixth-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
A crowd of 3,737 endured the hot weather to see the Blue Wahoos win their first Sunday finale game since April 20. This one enabled them to take the series 4-2 against the Trash Pandas.
The Blue Wahoos have now won five series this season and this one coming after dropping five of six games last week at Biloxi to lose grip of first place in the Southern League South Division. They entered the day trailing the Shuckers by one game.
After a 9-0 loss Wednesday to Rocket City, the Blue Wahoos regathered and returned to what has been the hallmark of this team with pitching, defense, some timely hits and series wins.
They’ll have an immediate chance to continue home field success, where they are 15-6 at Blue Wahoos Stadium – when facing the Birmingham Barons in a series that begins Tuesday.
“We’re excited,” Praytor said, acknowledging the fans nearby. “We’re glad to be back at home, playing in front of you guys (pointing to crowd), so please keep showing up and get ready for another good week.”
The game began for the Blue Wahoos in a good way. In the first inning, Nathan Martorella, Josh Zamora and Johnny Olmstead had consecutive singles with two outs to load the bases. With one swing, Mark Coley II cleared the bags, driving a ball into the left-center gap for a 3-run double.
After Blue Wahoos starter Orlando Ortiz-Mayr allowed a second inning run, the Trash Pandas didn’t put up another threat the rest of the game.
In a designed bullpen game, Ortiz-Mayr worked three innings, followed by Luis Palacios, who earned his first win by going the next three innings. He struck out four and allowed just two hits.
Three other relievers – Jesse Bergin, Nigel Belgrave and closer Dale Stanavich – allowed just one hit apiece and combined for six strikeouts against just one walk.
“Our pitching staff is unreal,” Praytor said. “Every single one of those guys has the ability to pitch in the big leagues, so honestly It’s just a lot of fun to be catching them.”
Praytor extended the Blue Wahoos lead in the fifth inning when he led off with a home run, his second this season. He provided more insurance in the seventh when following Dalvy Rosario’s leadoff single with his triple in the outfield gap.
In the final four innings, Blue Wahoos pitchers faced just batters above the minimum and Stanovich closed out the game with a sweeper pitch and back-to-back strikeouts.
GAME NOTABLES
- The Blue Wahoos now have a 4-3 record in series finales. They had lost three consecutive Sunday games prior to the breakthrough this time.
- The win gives the Blue Wahoos a 37-13 all time record against Rocket City. The Trash Pandas’ first season in the Huntsville, Alabama area was 2021. This includes a 22-8 record at home.
- Pregame activities Sunday included a parade of school children who completed the Kazoo’s Reading Program organized by the Blue Wahoos. There were 203 free tickets distributed to kids who read four required books during the school year. The final parade of school children will be next Sunday.
- The Hellen Caro Elementary School Choir from Pensacola performed the National Anthem, as well as a rendition of God Bless America in the seventh inning.
WHAT’S NEXT?
WHO: Birmingham Barons vs. Blue Wahoos
WHEN: Tuesday through May 24.
WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.