Wahoos Cruise To 7-0 Win Over Barons
May 13, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos claimed their first win of the five-game set with Birmingham 7-0 on Monday afternoon at Regions Field. Jon Moscot (W, 3-2) dominated for the Wahoos turning in seven shutout innings on his way to his third win of the year.
Rey Navarro kick-started the offense by lacing a home run over the right field fence to lead off the game. The Wahoos scored in each of the next three innings and five of the next six frames. Navarro blew the game open with a bases-loaded two-run single in the sixth inning to make it a 6-0 Wahoos advantage.
Moscot was on cruise control after running into trouble in the third inning. The Barons loaded the bases against with no outs. Moscot coaxed the next three hitters into pop outs to wiggle out of the jam. He struck out six and walked just one in the winning effort.
Myles Jaye (L, 0-5) allowed four runs over five innings in the start for Birmingham. He walked three and fanned four in suffering his fifth loss of the year.
Navarro and Ross Perez paced the Wahoos offensively with three hits each. Navarro had three RBI while Perez scored three runs. Donald Lutz was held hitless in five at bats in his first full game back since getting sidelined with a hamstring injury back on April 24.
The series continues Tuesday night when the Blue Wahoos send RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 1.73) to the mound against LHP Scott Snodgress (1-2, 5.45). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. CT from Regions Field in Birmingham.
Barons Over Wahoos 3-2
May 12, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos broke a scoreless tie with two runs in the top of the ninth only to have the Barons hit a three-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the inning handing the Wahoos their second straight loss, 3-2. Christian Marrero, who was just activated from the disabled list before the game, avenged a three-strikeout game with a three-run opposite field home run with one out in the bottom of the ninth for the game winner.
Both teams traded zeros over the first eight innings of Sunday’s game in Birmingham before the Blue Wahoos finally broke through in the top of the ninth inning. Steve Selsky opened the inning with a base hit then alertly moved up two bases on Devin Lohman’s sacrifice bunt to the third baseman. The base went uncovered and Selsky took advantage. Ray Chang, a batter later, executed a suicide squeeze perfectly to score the game’s first run. Rey Navarro and Brodie Greene followed with back-to-back doubles to put the Wahoos in front 2-0.
The Barons rallied in the ninth against Shane Dyer (L, 0-1), who came into the game perfect in four save tries this season. He allowed a leadoff walk and a one-out single to setup Marrero’s game-winning home run.
Robert Stephenson was stellar in 6.0 innings in his start. He allowed just four hits with a walk and five strikeouts in the no-decision. Drew Hayes followed him with back-to-back scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth. Barons starter Chris Beck matched Stephenson for 6.0 innings. He also took a no-decision after allowing seven hits, two walks and one strikeout. Despite allowing both Wahoos runs in the ninth inning, Birmingham reliever Ryan Kussmaul (W, 1-0) earned the win.
Greene and Selsky paced the Wahoos offense with three hits each. Greene had a pair of doubles while all three of Selsky’s hits were singles.
Pensacola will try to get in the win column against the Barons on Monday afternoon. The Wahoos will send RHP Jon Moscot (2-2, 2.28) to the mound against RHP Myles Jaye (0-4, 5.25). First Pitch is set for 11:30 a.m. CT at Regions Field.
Wahoos Lose 2-1 To The Birmingham Barons
May 11, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell 2-1 in a pitcher’s duel with the Birmingham Barons on Saturday night at Regions Field to open the five-game series. With the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning, Chris Curley singled home Jaime Pedroza from third to break the 1-1 tie and lift the Barons over the Blue Wahoos.
Pensacola broke up Nick McCully’s no-hit bid in the sixth inning on a base hit to right field by Brodie Greene. He then stole second base and scored on a Rey Navarro single for the game’s first run. Birmingham was quick to answer in the bottom of the inning to lock the game up at 1-1.
Daniel Corcino allowed just the one run but pitched out of trouble all game. His final line was impressive with 6.0 innings worked just the 1R/ER allowed on two walks and four strikeouts. Barons starter McCully matched him over 7.0 innings giving up just the 1R/ER on only three hits with a walk and a strikeout. Neither started recorded a decision.
In the ninth inning, Fabien Williamson (L, 0-3) allowed a one-out single to Pedroza. He then went to second on an errant pickoff attempt at first base, and up to third on a wild pitch. After a strikeout, the Barons loaded the bases on an intentional walk and an unintentional walk. Williamson battled back from a 3-0 count to work it full against Curley before he singled into shallow centerfield to drive in the winning run.
Pensacola had just three hits in the game, while the Barons had 12 and left 12 on base. Nester Molina claimed the win for the Barons with a perfect ninth inning out of the bullpen.
The Blue Wahoos will continue the series on Sunday with RHP Robert Stephenson (2-3, 4.41) on the mound against RHP Chris Beck (2-5, 4.93). First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. from Regions Field in Birmingham, Ala.
by Tommy Thrall
Wahoos Come From Behind For 4-2 Win Over The Lookouts
May 10, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos (16-19) came from behind to win the rubber match against the Chattanooga Lookouts (14-20), 4-2. First baseman Travis Mattair’s two-run double capped a three-run eighth, which gave the Wahoos the lead and eventually the win.
RHP Mikey O’Brien made his second start of the season for the Wahoos. O’Brien, starting in the place of injured RHP Carlos Contreras, pitched well going 5.0 innings and giving up just two runs on three hits. Justin Freeman pitched a scoreless eighth and ninth while striking out three Lookout batters to earn the win for the Wahoos.
Shortstop Devin Lohman continued his hot series against the Lookouts with a solo home run in the second that cut the Lookouts lead to just one. Juan Silverio came up with a big RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at two before Mattair put the Wahoos ahead with his double.
RHP Garrett Gould had his best start of the season for the Lookouts, going a season-high 6.0 innings with a season-high nine strikeouts in the series finale. Gould gave up 1 R/ER on four hits and took a no decision. Gould allowed two runs or less for the third straight start. Juan Noriega took the loss for the Lookouts; the right-hander gave up 3 R/1 on three hits.
Chattanooga’s first baseman O’Koyea Dickson homered for the third time this series. Dickson’s first inning home run gave the Lookouts a quick 2-0 lead. It was the fourth time in the series that the Lookouts scored in the first inning.
The Wahoos will head to Birmingham to begin a five-game series starting Saturday evening. RHP Daniel Corcino (3-3, 4.35) will get the start for the Wahoos, while RHP Nick McCully (2-2, 6.33) will go for the Barons.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 4-2. Photo by (Warren Thompson/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
by Tommy Thralll
West Florida Jaguars Win 4A State Championship (With Photo Gallery)
May 9, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars won the 4A state championship in almost impossible grand style Thursday afternoon. The Lady Jags were down 5-1 with two outs in the seventh, before coming back to beat P. K. Yonge 6-5 in Vero Beach.
It was the first softball state championship for West Florida High. In face, it was the first team state championship of any kind for the school.
The Blue Wave’s pitcher was tossing a no-hitter all the way to the sixth inning when Nachelle Watson popped a single up the middle followed a single from Korina Rosario. Watson scored on a fielder’s choice to put the Jags on board at historic Dodgertown, 5-1.
Then with two outs, bottom of the seventh, Rosario had a grounder to the shortstop who threw wide to first base. That sent Emily Loring and Watson home, 5-3. Kristin Gunter’s hit sent Jibrasha Moore and Rosario home, 5-5.
Then Gunter crossed home plate on a winning hit from Ali Cutaio, setting of a wild celebration for the state champion West Florida Lady Jaguars.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top: The 4A state champion West Florida High School Jaguars. Pictured inset: Coach Jessica Simpson is dunked by her team. NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Win Pitcher’s Duel
May 9, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos defeated the Chattanooga Lookouts, 3-2, on Thursday night in front of a sell-out crowd at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (15-19) evened the series in a game in which the starting pitchers shined for both Pensacola and the Lookouts (14-19).
RHP Michael Lorenzen was fantastic in the start for the Wahoos. Each of the first four batters of the game reached for the Lookouts, but Lorenzen was able to work out of the jam and twirl a gem. Lorenzen retired twenty straight batters from the first inning into the seventh and struck out six Lookout batters during the process. The right-hander pitched 7.0 innings and gave up just three hits. RHP James Walczak pitched a perfect eighth inning and struck out one batter and earned his first win of the year.
The Wahoos had a tough time getting hits off of Lookouts starter Andres Santiago. Their first run in the contest scored on an error by second baseman Ryan Adams. Juan Silverio continued his hot hitting in the series, going 3-for-4 with three singles. Right fielder Juan Duran hit an RBI double into the left field gap to score Silverio all the way from first and give the Wahoos the lead in the eighth. Left fielder Steve Selsky added an insurance run with an RBI single to score Duran; Selsky went 3-for-4 with a double on the game.
Santiago had his longest outing of the season; he gave up 1 R/0 ER on five hits through 6.1 innings. Santiago added five strikeouts to his ledger. Reliever Pedro Baez took the loss for the Lookouts; the right-hander pitched 1.2 innings and gave up two runs on four hits.
Jeremy Hazelbaker led off the game with a triple down the right field line and later scored on a Brian Cavazo-Galvez single. Left fielder Scott Schebler had an RBI single in the ninth to cut the lead to one, but Shane Dyer struck out Chris O’Brien to end the game with the tying run at third. Despite allowing the ninth inning run, Dyer remained perfect in his four save tries.
RHP Mikey O’Brien (1-2, 4.24) will make his second start of the season for the Wahoos in the series finale on Friday. O’Brien pitched well in a spot start last week, giving up just 1 R/ER on three hits through 5.0 innings. The Lookouts will counter with RHP Garrett Gould (1-4, 6.41).
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos beat the Chattanooga Lookouts 3-2 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium Thursday. Photo by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida Wins, Advances To State Championship Game (With Photo Gallery)
May 8, 2014
The West Florida Lady Jaguars are headed to the 4A state championship game on Thursday.
The Lady Jags beat defending state champions Gulliver Prep 3-0 Wednesday at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. WFHS will play P. K. Yonge Thursday for the shot at West Florida’s first-ever softball state championship.
Korina Rosario pitched a two-hit shutout, striking out 12. For West Florida, Kristen Gunter was 2-2 with a RBI; Nachelle Watson was 2-3 with a RBI and run scored; Jordaine Watkins was 1-2 with a triple; Brianna Rogers was 1-2 with a triple and run scored. The Jags scored two in the first inning and one in second inning.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Gary Carnley, click to enlarge.
Wahoos Drop Second Straight
May 8, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos were shut out by the Chattanooga Lookouts, 6-0, on Wednesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-19) mustered just four hits against the Lookouts (14-18), who won their second straight game over Pensacola.
RHP Jon Moscot made his seventh start of the season for the Wahoos and gave up 3 R/ER and seven hits in 6.0 innings pitched. Moscot struck out five batters, which is tied for his second most strikeouts in an outing.
The Wahoos struggled for the second straight game to find hits against the Lookouts. Shortstop Devin Lohman went 1-for-5 with a single and a stolen base. Juan Duran and Chris Berset singled consecutively in the bottom of the seventh, but a double play thwarted the Wahoos rally. Duran ended the night 2-for-4, adding a double to his ledger in the ninth.
Chattanooga’s starting pitcher Chris Reed was fantastic for the Lookouts. The left-hander went 6.0 innings and gave up just one hit, which came from the leadoff hitter Lohman in the bottom of the first. Reed struck out seven and gave up just one walk to the Wahoos. RHP Juan Gonzalez came on in relief of Reed and gave up two hits, but pitched a scoreless seventh for the Lookouts.
Darnell Sweeney led the way offensively for Chattanooga. He went 2-for-5 and his fourth inning two-run home run broke the game open for the Lookouts. Third baseman Daniel Mayora had another successful day at the plate; he went 1-for-4 with an RBI sacrifice fly. Ozzie Martinez put the game away in the eighth with a pinch-hit solo home run off of reliever Justin Freeman.
The Wahoos will send RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-1, 1.82) to the bump to try and even the series with the Lookouts. Chattanooga’s RHP Andres Santiago (0-2, 6.08) will oppose Lorenzen on the mound.
by Tommy Thrall
Northview, West Florida Out Of Baseball Playoffs; Catholic Advances
May 7, 2014
Both Northview and West Florida were knocked out of the regional semifinals in their respective classes Tuesday, while Pensacola Catholic advanced.
The Northview Chiefs lost to Bozeman 12-2 in the Class 1A regional semifinals Tuesday at Bozeman. The Chiefs ended their winning season at 15-7.
In 4A action, Catholic beat the West Florida Jaguars 8-0. West Floirda finished their season at an even 17-17. Nick Lackey went 2-4 at bat for the Jaguars, while Kyle Harrison was 1-2.
Catholic moves on to the Region 1-4A championship game at 7 p.m. Friday against the Jacksonville Episcopal Eagles at Jacksonville Episcopal High School.
Wahoos Fall 7-3 To Lookouts
May 7, 2014
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Chattanooga Lookouts, 7-3, on Tuesday night at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The Wahoos (14-18) had their winning streak snapped at four games by the Lookouts (13-18), who won just their second game over their last seven contests.
RHP Robert Stephenson made the start for the Wahoos and gave up 3 R/0 ER in 5.0 innings pitched. Stephenson struck out nine batters, his highest strikeout total as a starter this season. RHP Drew Hayes pitched 1.0 inning in relief and struck out the side in the top of the ninth.
The Wahoos struggled to find runs in the game against Lookouts starting pitcher Tyson Brummett. Brummett retired 15 batters in a row from the end of the first inning into the sixth inning. Juan Silverio had a hit in his third straight game; he went 2-for-4 in the contest and scored a run. Catcher Ross Perez continued to swing the bat well and went 3-for-4 with three singles.
The Wahoos staged a comeback in the ninth inning off RHP Matt Shelton. Steve Selsky’s RBI groundout scored Ross Perez, and Devin Lohman’s RBI double scored recently added catcher Chris Berset. The comeback fell short in the ninth when Shelton shut the door with a strikeout and a groundout to finish the contest.
Brummett has been fantastic this season for the Lookouts and lowered his ERA to 0.49 after tonight’s start. He gave up five hits in 7.0 innings of work and surrendered just 1 R/0 ER.
The Lookouts continued to swing the bats well and had their second grand slam in as many nights. Daniel Mayora hit the grand slam in the seventh inning for the Lookouts and added a two-run double to his ledger. He finished with six RBI in the game, the second straight night a Lookouts player had a six-RBI game.
The Wahoos will send Jon Moscot (2-1, 1.93) to the bump on Wednesday night. Moscot has been fantastic over his last two starts; he’s 2-0 and has given up just five hits over 15.0 innings pitched. The Dodgers eighth best prospect, LHP Chris Reed (2-1, 2.19), will start for the Lookouts.
by Tommy Thrall
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos lose to the Chattanooga Lookouts 7-3 Tuesday. Photo by Michael Spooneybarger/ Pensacola Blue Wahoos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.