Jacksonville Wins Opener, 12-6, over Pensacola
June 29, 2014 - Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release
PENSACOLA, Fla. - On Sunday Family Funday at the Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball game, fans had lots of fun for the first five innings.
Ryan Wright hit his first Double-A home run, which cleared the left field fence and put Pensacola ahead, 6-5, in the bottom of the fifth inning. It was also the second baseman's first hit at home, after going hitless during his first five-game homestand at Pensacola. However, he's hitting .300 (6-20) since then.
However, in Jacksonville's very next at bat the Suns scored six runs off three Blue Wahoos pitchers to go ahead, 11-6, on their way to a 12-6 victory in the opener of a five-game series at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. Alfredo Silverio led off the big inning for the Suns with a home run.
The big hitter Sunday, though, for Pensacola was first baseman Marquez Smith. Smith hit a two-run home run, doubled in another run and walked in four at bats. It was Smith's first home run this season, too, in a Blue Wahoos uniform after getting called up from High-A Bakersfield.
Smith said the homer to deep right center felt good after starting his stint with two hits in his first 18 at bats.
"It's definitely good to get on the right track," Smith said. "I was glad today to get some hits."
Delino DeShields said that he would like to get the same production from Smith that Bakersfield got in the first half of the season. There Smith hit .298 with 15 homers and 67 RBI in 68 games.
"I'm hoping he will produce for us while he's here," DeShields said. "He is an older player. It gets tougher when you get older."
The 29-year-old Smith was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2007 out of Clemson University and has played 737 games in the minors, including 2,615 at bats. He also has played 14 games in the Major Leagues, including 13 with the Cubs in 2011.
"I've been doing it for a long time and been lucky enough to still have a jersey on my back," said Smith, who was born in Panama City down the coast from Pensacola. "I'm still having fun playing the game, so you can't beat that."
GAME NOTES
The second game of the five-game series with Miami Marlins Double-A affiliate the Jacksonville Suns gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Monday. RHP Jon Moscot (4-6, 2.83) takes the mound for the Wahoos and is scheduled to be opposed by the Suns RHP Jay Rogers (2-2, 4.81). It's Social Media Monday that allows fans to connect with the Blue Wahoos social channels using #WahoosLife to win prizes, seat upgrades or to have your message displayed on the video board.
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN Pensacola at 101.1 FM and 1450 AM. You can also stream the game at MILB.TV.
The Blue Wahoos scored more than five runs, so fans receive 50 percent off Papa John's Pizza online the following day. Ordering is easy: Tomorrow, simply go to www.papajohns.com, select your pizza, enter promo code, WAHOOS, and enjoy your delicious discount!
BIG FISH Wahoos outfielder Jesse Winker doubled in five at bats to extend his on-base streak to 10 games...Third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean went 1-4 and scored three times...Second baseman Ryan Wright went 1-3 with a home run and three RBI on the night...Starting pitcher Daniel Corcino had a sacrifice bunt that gives him the team lead with six this year.
UMP OUT Home plate umpire Jeremy Riggs left the game after being struck twice by foul balls, including one in his face mask. The game was delayed about 15 minutes when Riggs left in the bottom of the fourth inning after the sixth Blue Wahoos batter came up that inning. Riggs, who was checked out by Blue Wahoos medical staff, reported feeling woozy. He ended up having a Grade 2 concussion and cannot umpire for two games, according to a team official. First base umpire J.J. January replaced Riggs behind the plate and the rest of the game was called with two umpires, instead of the usual three.
LISTEN TO WCOA News Talk 1370 AM WCOA radio is scheduled to have a wide-ranging interview at 7:30 a.m. Monday with Blue Wahoos owner Quint Studer on downtown Pensacola, his and his wife, Rishy's, latest projects, and the Community Maritime Park. Listen in for the latest scoop!
VOTE FOR FAVORITE CHARITY Blue Wahoos Fans can stop by the Gulf Coast Community Bank Fan Assistance Booth Tuesday, June 30 for their last chance to cast a vote for the local non-profit they would like to receive $10,000 from Minor League Baseball Charities and your Blue Wahoos. Qualifying an organization is simple: The charity must be a registered 501c3, and must be able to demonstrate how they are assisting northwest Florida residents with flood relief. One vote per fan or email per game. The winning non-profit will be announced with a check presentation at the Blue Wahoos Family Fun Day from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 4 at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium before the Sertoma Club fireworks.
Through team fundraisers and auctions, the team has already donated more than $8,000 to flood victims in greater Pensacola
ALL-STAR FUTURES The Blue Wahoos are the only team in the league with multiple players in the 16th annual SiriusXM All-Star Futures game. Right-handed pitcher Robert Stephenson and outfielder Jesse Winker have both been selected to play for the U.S. Team in this year's annual event held in conjunction with the Major League All-Star Game.
The showcase between prospects on the U.S. and World Teams is scheduled at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13 at Target Field, as part of Taco Bell All-Star Sunday. The game can be seen live on television on MLB Network and MLB.com.
Stephenson, 21, is 3-6 with a 4.17 ERA with the Wahoos this season, and is second in the league in strikeouts with 85. Meanwhile, Winker, 20, joined the Blue Wahoos following the Southern League All-Star break after hitting .317 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI in High-A Bakersfield. Stephenson is the Cincinatti Reds No. 1 prospect and Winker is the organization's No. 4 prospect.
Southern League Stories from June 29, 2014
- Olson Shines, But Generals Drop Opener to BayBears 4-3 - Jackson Generals
- Biscuits Baffled by Rhee in Loss - Montgomery Biscuits
- Suns Double up Wahoos 12-6 in Opener - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Paciorek Pinch Hits Stars to Win - Huntsville Stars
- Paciorek Leads Stars Past M-Braves - Mississippi Braves
- Jacksonville Wins Opener, 12-6, over Pensacola - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Tonight's Game Suspended, Will Resume Tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Snow to AAA Tacoma, Hernandez Reinstated from DL - Jackson Generals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
