Wahoos Drop Slugfest to Shuckers, 9-6
July 28, 2018 - Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release
PENSACOLA, Fla. - Pensacola dropped its series opener to the Biloxi Shuckers, 9-6, in front of a capacity crowd Saturday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The two teams combined to hit seven home runs, with the Southern League leaders-Biloxi-belting four of them.
With the Shuckers already leading, 1-0, Aristides Aquino and Gavin LaValley each launched solo home runs in the bottom of the second to give the Blue Wahoos a 2-1 lead. Biloxi rallied over the fourth and fifth innings to score five runs, using a pair of home runs to do it. Luis Aviles Jr. belted his fourth with a man on in the fourth inning. Troy Stokes Jr. hit the first of his two solo home runs on the night to spark a three-run rally in the fifth.
Trailing 6-2 in the fifth, Taylor Featherston's RBI single cut the deficit back to 6-3. It was his second of four hits in the game. The back and forth continued throughout the night. Despite opportunities to tie or take the lead, Pensacola couldn't get over the hump. The Wahoos finished 4-for-14 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 runners on base.
Seth Varner (L, 5-2) started for the Wahoos. Since moving to the rotation on May 25th Varner has been dominant, but that was not the case on Saturday. Varner's night ended early after four innings. The southpaw surrendered five earned runs on 10 hits, and three walks.
The Wahoos attempted a comeback in the bottom of the ninth inning. Nate Griep (S, 27) walked Aristides Aquino, and Chris Okey delivered a pinch-hit single before a two-out walk to Mitch Nay loaded the bases. Griep struck out Jose Siri to end the threat and game.
The Wahoos will look to even the series Sunday evening. Vladimir Gutierrez (8-8 4.27) will start for the Wahoos and Luis Ortiz (2-4, 3.92) will take the hill for the Shuckers. Sunday's game can be found on 97.1 The Ticket/1490 AM Milton, BlabTV, and www.bluewahoos.com. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.
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Southern League Stories from July 28, 2018
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