Blue Wahoos Top Barons Ending Five Game Losing Streak
May 9, 2017
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos have struggled since Tyler Mahle threw a perfect game against the Mobile BayBears April 22.
The Blue Wahoos have won just two games and lost 12 since then, including its last five games to the Chattanooga Lookouts.
The antidote? Playing a home series against the Birmingham Barons with the worst record (11-20), worst ERA (4.52) and tied for the worst in hitting (.210) in the Southern League.
But it didn’t get easy Monday until the fifth inning when Pensacola batted around to score five runs on its way to a 6-2 victory in front of 3,647 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Both catcher Joe Hudson and left fielder Tyler Goeddel came up with clutch two-out singles that drove in pairs of runs.
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly joked that the team scored more than five runs for the first time since April 20 because they left their bat bags in Chattanooga.
“The last 15 games we’ve had to scramble to score two runs,” Kelly said. “I talked to them in Chattanooga. I said, ‘I’m not going to chew you out but we have to take advantage of the opportunities we get.’ To me it wasn’t a lack of effort. We were trying to get them to relax.”
Hudson ripped a single into the left center gap that drove in both first baseman Angelo Gumbs and DH Eric Jagielo for a, 3-1, Blue Wahoos lead. Goeddel, who spent 2016 with the Philadelphia Phillies, hit a chopper that made it into center field and scored Hudson and center fielder Brian O’Grady to put Pensacola up, 6-1.
Goeddel got on base four out of his five times at the plate, with a double and two RBIs. The 24-year-old has provided a spark to Pensacola’s lineup in his six games with the club going 8-21, or .381 with four RBIs.
Hudson hit a two-out double in the fourth inning to drive in second baseman Alex Blandino to tie the game, 1-1. Hudson was 2-4 with a double, run scored and three RBIs.
For Hudson, the difference at the plate was changing his walk up song to “Believer” by Imagine Dragons released earlier this year. He heard it on the radio on his way to Monday’s game.
“I was listening to that song on my way to the field today,” Hudson said. “I thought, ‘What do I have to lose?’ Baseball is a really odd game. Changing your walk-up song can get you thinking a different way.”
The star of the game, though, had time to sign a baseball and take a photo with wheel-chair bound Bernice Crain, who turned 85 today, after attending her first Blue Wahoos baseball game.
Although, Hudson is batting .212 this season, Hudson’s on-base percentage is .333.
“Those are two huge situations,” Kelly said. “That’s how you win ball games.”
Birmingham scored first to go up, 1-0, in the first inning when DH Cameron Seltzer hit a weak fly ball off the handle into short left field to drive in second baseman Jake Peter, who doubled into the right field corner.
“They got that cheap run in the first inning,” Kelly said. “But (Mahle) kept pitching.”
Meanwhile, Mahle enjoyed getting the most run support in his seven starts from the Blue Wahoos offense.
The 22-year-old right-hander worked six innings, allowed five hits, two runs, a walk and struck out seven. He now leads the Southern League in wins at 5-0 and strikeouts with 48 in 43.2 innings pitched.
Mahle’s only blemish was giving up his second home run of the season to Birmingham first baseman Keon Barnum. He pulled a solo homer – his seventh of the year that ties for first in the Southern League – over the right field fence just above the glove of a leaping Gabriel Guerrero.
Pensacola relievers Ariel Hernandez and Geoff Broussard who pitched a final three scoreless innings combining for four Ks and one hit.
Pensacola remains tied with the Mississippi Braves for first place in the South Division with a 16-15 record.
Kelly is thankful the team won a franchise record eight games to start the season.
“One of the advantages of winning eight straight is you can absorb a streak like the games we’ve been through,” he said.
Chattanooga Sweeps Wahoos
May 8, 2017
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lost a doubleheader against the Chattanooga Lookout and was swept in the five-game series for the second time in franchise history to the Lookouts since 2013.
Chattanooga won the doubleheader against Pensacola Sunday, 4-2, and, 3-2, at AT&T Field.
Pensacola has lost 12 of its last 14 games and is now 15-15 this season, which is tied for first with the Mississippi Braves in the Southern League South Division.
In the first game, Chattanooga scored three runs in the sixth inning to overcome a 2-1 Pensacola lead to win, 4-2.
Chattanooga first baseman Travis Harrison hit a two-run single in the sixth inning, leading the Lookouts to a 4-2 win over the Blue Wahoos in the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday.
A single by DH Travis Harrison, part of a three-run inning, gave the Lookouts a 3-2 lead before third baseman Ryan Walker hit an RBI triple later in the inning.
The Blue Wahoos had taken a 2-1 lead when center fielder Tyler Goeddel hit an RBI single, bringing home right fielder Aristides Aquino in the second inning.
Deck McGuire dropped to 1-2 on the season when he gave up four runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings. McGuire gave up one walk and struck out six in his outing. He is now 1-2 on the year with a 4.01 ERA.
In the second game, Blue Wahoos reliever Brennan Bernardino gave up a run in the bottom of the eighth inning to allow Chattanooga to sweep the double header with a 3-2 victory. He gave up a single to DH LaMonte Wade to center field that drove in right fielder Edgar Corcino.
In the second game, Austin Ross worked seven innings, allowed two runs, one earned on five hits, walked four and struck out six. His ERA is now 0.87, which leads the Southern League.
The Pensacola pitching staff leads the league in earned-run average at 2.69.
Blue Wahoos center fielder Tyler Goeddel was 4-7 in the double header with one run scored and two RBIs to lead Pensacola at the plate. Meanwhile, shortstop Blake Trahan was 3-7 with one RBI and a double, his third of the season.
Northview Runners Place At State Meet; Spencer In Fifth
May 7, 2017
A Northview runner was on the winner’s stand Saturday at the state meet in in Bradenton, FL.
Brandon Spencer placed fifth in the state Saturday in the boy’s 200 meters.
Last year, he attended the state meet as a spectator, and this year he is coming home with a medal,” said Northview coach Natalie Nall. “He worked over outside of the season to earn this. I’m proud of this work ethic and dedication.
Also for Northview,
– 800 meter — Brandon Korinchak placed 14th in the state
– Boys 4 x 100 – Brandon Spencer, Tim Bush, Keaton Solmonson, Joseph Wright – placed 11th
– Girls 4 x1 00 — Audriene Odom, Crystal Douglas, Nene Findley, Celeste North — placed 14th
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Lose To The Lookouts
May 7, 2017
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos dropped Saturday’s game, 5-1, to the Chattanooga Lookouts and now have lost 10 of their last 12 games.
The team’s slump includes three straight losses to Chattanooga at AT&T Field. Pensacola’s losses come after winning a franchise record eight in a row.
Pensacola is now 15-13 and just one game ahead of the Mississippi Braves, who are 14-14, in the Southern League South Division.
Part of the reason for the losses are a lack of hitting. Pensacola’s one run Saturday came on just three hits.
Blue Wahoos second baseman Josh VanMeter was 1-4, DH Angelo Gumbs was 1-4, and first baseman Brian O’Grady was 1-3. Pensacola’s only run came when third baseman Alex Blandino, who was 0-2, smacked a fly ball to left field that scored Gabriel Guerrero, who reached first on an error by Chattanooga second baseman Nick Gordon. Gumbs singled Guerrero to third.
Chattanooga went up 5-0 in the first four innings. They scored twice in the second inning when Gordon singled to right field and drove in both DH LaMonte Wade and left fielder Travis Harrison.
In the fourth inning, Chattanooga’s right fielder Edgar Corcino doubled to centerfield scoring center fielder Tanner English and shortstop Engelb Vielma. The Lookouts tagged on another run when first baseman Jonathan Rodriguez singled to left field to score Corcino to go ahead 5-0.
Chattanooga starter Matt Tracy allowed all three Blue Wahoos’ hits in his six innings of work. He allowed one unearned run, didn’t allow a walk and struck out four. He improved to 2-2 with 2.60 ERA.
Meanwhile, Keury Mella allowed all five Chattanooga runs in 3.2 innings. He allowed six hits, walked five and struck out two. He fell to 0-3 on the season with a 4.76 ERA.
Pensacola’s bullpen – Ismael Guillon, Ariel Hernandez and Jimmy Herget – shutout Chattanooga the final 4.1 innings on two hits, four walks and nine strikeouts.
Aggie Nation on Top: Playoff Wins In Softball, Baseball
May 6, 2017
It was just good to be a Tate Aggie on Friday with the softball team winning a walk-off thriller in the regional quarterfinal and the baseball team winning two to claim the district championship.
SOFTBALL REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL
Tate 6, Milton 5
Tate Softball won the regional quarterfinal 6-5 on a walk-of homer over right center by Shelby Ullrich. Tate was down 5-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning when Ullrick drove in three runs.
For Tate – Hannah Brown 1-4, R; Hayden Lindsay 3-4, 3R; Belle Wolfenden 1-4; Shelby Ullrich 2-4, R, 4 RBI; Madison Nelson 1-3, 2 RBI; Sydni Solliday 1-3.
Hannah Brown earned the win for Tate. She pitched seven innings, giving up five runs, five hits, and striking out three.
Tate will take on Niceville at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Niceville in the Region 1-7A Semifinal game.
BASEBALL DISTRICTS
Tate 11, Escambia 1
In the 1-7A district semifinals, Tate easily beat Escambia 11-1 Friday.
Tate secured a strong 6-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
The fourth inning was a regular home run derby for the Aggies with homers from Hunter NeSmith, Logan Blackmon and Logal McGuffey.
Gabe Castro earned the win for Tate Aggies Varsity. He pitched five innings, surrendering one run, three hits, and striking out three.
Tate 4, Pine Forest 3
In the 1-7A championship game, Tate won their second straight district title 4-3 over Pine Forest.
Logan McGuffey tossed a complete game for Tate allowing three runs, six hits, striking out six, and walking zero.
For Tate – Mason Land 1-3, R, RBI; Mason Land 1-2, R, RBI; Logan McGuffey 1-3, RBI; Hunter NeSmith 2-3, R; Corben Young 1-2, R.
The Tate Aggies will host Niceville Tuesday at 7:00 in the Region 1-7A Quarterfinal.
Northview’s Ohijie Elliott Signs With Alabama Prep Birmingham
May 5, 2017
Northview High School senior Ohijie Elliott has signed to play football for Alabama Prep Birmingham. He is pictured at a signing ceremony Thursday afternoon at Northview with family, friends and fellow Northview Chiefs players.
Chattanooga Beats The Blue Wahoos 7-4
May 4, 2017
Named the Southern League-MiLB Player of the Month for April, Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitcher Tyler Mahle has had sharper games this season.
Although, the righty pitched a good game, the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 10 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline.com, gave up season highs in hits (7), runs (3), walks (2) and tied his season-low for innings pitched (5), as the Chattanooga Lookouts rallied Wednesday from four runs down to win, 7-4, at AT&T Field.
Mahle turned the game over to reliever Alex Powers, who struck out five but gave up two solo home runs in his two innings of work that gave Chattanooga a, 5-4, lead that they never relinquished. Powers is 1-2 on the season with a 3.55 ERA.
Mahle gave up a homer — his first of the season — to Lookouts right fielder Edgar Corcino, his first of the year, in the fifth inning. The three earned runs raised the ERA of Mahle, who threw a nine-inning perfect game two starts ago, from 0.55 to 1.19.
Then Powers took over from Mahle and allowed solo shots to Chattanooga’s second baseman Nick Gordon, his second of the season, in the sixth inning and the game-winning blast to leftfielder LaMonte Wade, his third, in the seventh inning. Wade was 3-4 in the game with two runs scored.
Tyler Goeddel, who was playing his first game for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, scored two of the Blue Wahoos four runs in the game. The Cincinnati Reds moved Goeddel down from Triple-A Louisville Bats Wednesday to replace the injured Taylor Sparks, who was hit by a pitch in the palm of his hand and placed on the disabled list.
Goeddel, who played his 2016 season in the Major Leagues with the Philadelphia Phillies where he hit .192 in 56 outfield starts, was 1-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
Meanwhile, the Blue Wahoos had three starters with multi-hit games, including center fielder Gabriel Guerrero, who was 2-5 with a double, a run scored and two RBIs. It was his 12th multi-hit game and fourth in the last five games.
Pensacola shortstop Blake Trahan was 2-4 with a walk, run and RBI, while first baseman Angelo Gumbs was 2-4 with a walk.
The Blue Wahoos went ahead, 4-0, of Chattanooga through the first four innings. Pensacola scored one run in the second inning when Guerrero scored on Alex Blandino’s single to centerfield. Guerrero then hit a double to left field in the third inning that drove in both Goeddel and Trahan. Finally, Trahan knocked in Goeddel on a single to right field.
Pensacola fell to 15-11 on the season but still owns first place in the Southern League South Division. Chattanooga evened its record to 13-13 in the North Division.
Northview, Jay Out of District Tournament
May 3, 2017
In the District 3-1A high school baseball tournament Tuesday, both Northview and Jay were eliminated. Chipley and South Walton will face off for the district championship.
Chipley 5, Northview 3
The Chipley Tigers eliminated the Northview Chiefs from the district tournament 5-3 Tuesday at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
Northview took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third and added two more runs in the top of the fifth before Chipley answered with five runs in the bottom of the fifth.
Wilson took the loss for Northview. He pitched two innings, surrendering four runs, four hits, striking out three, and walking zero. Mascaro started the game for Northview. He went for four innings, giving up one run, one hit, and striking out six.
For Northview: Quentin Sampson 1-4, R, 2B; Chandler Lowery 1-4; Jared Aliff 1-2, R, RBI; Zach Payne 1-3, RBI, 2B; Devin Stabler 2-3, R.
South Walton 9, Jay 5
Pictured: Northview takes on Chipley Tuesday in Niceville. NorthEscambia.com photos by Ramona Preston, click to enlarge.
Chiefs, Jay Earn Wins In District Tournament
May 2, 2017
In District 3-1A high school baseball Monday:
Northview 10, Baker 5
The Northview Chiefs beat the Baker Gators 10-5 Monday night at South Walton High School.
Quenton Sampson went 3-3 for the Chiefs with two runs, two RBIs and a home run. Also for the Chiefs: Zach Payne 1-3, 4 RBI, 2B; Josh Neese 2-3, 2R; Seth Killam 1-3, 2B; John Chivington 2 R; Devin Stabler 3 R.
Northview will next play Chipley at 5:00 Tuesday at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
Jay 2, Freeport 1
The Jay Royals beat Freeport 2-1 in extra innings. Up next, Jay will take on South Walton.
Molino 16U Hot Shots Tops In Tournament
May 2, 2017
The Molino 16U Hot Shots won the 16U “B” mid-season tournament at Pace recently. The Hot Shots went undefeated in six games. Coaches are Karen Odom, Phillip Boutwell and Darrin Bridges. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.