Barons Blast Past Wahoos, 9-6
May 8, 2018 - Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Barons belted three home runs and rallied for six runs in the eighth inning as they beat the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, 9-6, Monday night at Regions Field.
Wahoos starting pitcher Daniel Wright went five innings and allowed three runs on six hits in a no-decision. He struck out five with just one walk. Pensacola was trailing 3-2 when Wright came out of the game, but the Blue Wahoos tied it with a run in the top of the sixth. With two outs, C.J. McElroy singled home Taylor Sparks to even the game at 3-3.
Pensacola took a three run lead in the seventh. The Wahoos sent eight batters to the plate, scoring three times and doing so on just two hits. Luis Gonzalez started the inning with a double, he scored the go-ahead run on an error by the shortstop. Gavin LaValley scored later in the inning on a Taylor Sparks single and Brian O'Grady scrambled home with the final run on a wild pitch.
The bullpen, which has been brilliant all season, ran into issues in the eighth inning. After a pair of scoreless innings from former Baron Robinson Leyer, Birmingham loaded the bases against Brennan Bernardino with a walk and two singles. Rafael De Paula (L, 0-3) followed Bernardino and the Barons scored the first run on a sacrifice fly before a three-run homer from Danny Medick put them ahead. Two batters later, Zack Collins belted a two-run shot to make it 9-6 Barons and cap the scoring.
De Paula was charged with three runs over 0.2 inning and the loss. Brandon Brennan (W, 2-0) earned with win with 1.2 innings in relief for Birmingham. Jake Johansen (S, 1) pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the save, despite allowing the Wahoos to load the bases with three singles.
Chadwick Tromp and Sparks led the way offensively for Pensacola with three hits apiece. Gonzalez, O'Grady and McElroy each chipped in with two-hit games.
Pensacola will try to even the series on Tuesday night with RHP Keury Mella (3-0, 0.84) on the mound against Barons RHP Spencer Adams (1-3, 7.56). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. from Regions Field.
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