SL1 Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Wahoos Split Doubleheader with Barons

Published on April 24, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release


Pensacola, Fla. - When yesterday's suspended game resumed on Monday night, the Wahoos turned in a strong offensive performance to win 9-5. In the second game, the Barons flipped the script and handed the Wahoos a 6-0 loss.

The opening game began in the bottom of the third inning with the Wahoos already ahead 4-0. Eloy Jimenez led off the fourth and launched his first Double-A homerun-and his first hit-to left to make it 4-1. It was the first of two home runs on the day for the Chicago White Sox top prospect.

Josh VanMeter, who already had two hits when play was suspended on Sunday, roped a bases-clearing double off Jorge Rondón, which extended Pensacola's lead to 7-2. After Danny Mendick's two-run home run in the bottom of the top of the fifth, Shed Long responded in the bottom of the inning with a two-out double to score Taylor Sparks to make it 8-4. Later in the game, Sparks extended his hitting streak to eight games with a leadoff triple, and eventually scored on Nick Longhi's second hit of the game.

Seth Varner (W, 1-0) took the mound for the Wahoos in the opener and pitched four innings in relief to earn his first career Double-A win. Spencer Adams (L, 1-1), who started the game for the Barons on Sunday, was handed the loss.

In the second game, home runs generated all of the Barons offense. Trey Michalczewski hit a two-run homer in the second inning off Wahoos starter Vladimir Gutierrez (L, 0-3) to give Birmingham a quick 2-0 lead. Then Seby Zavala doubled the visitor's advantage with a two-run shot in the fourth with his fourth homer of the season. Mendick finished the scoring with a two-run home run in the seventh, his third of the series, to make it 6-0.

Jordan Stephens (W, 1-3) showed why he is considered to be a top pitching prospect for the White Sox. The right-hander dealt six scoreless innings against the Wahoos and stuck out two. Even when it seemed like the Wahoos had rallies developing, Stephens would induce a double-play to end the threat. Pensacola grounded into three double plays, and only had two runners in scoring position on the night. Long finished the night hitless, and his on-base streak came to an end at 14 games.

The penultimate game of the series begins tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. RHP Jesus Reyes (0-3, 6.94) hopes to bounce back from a difficult start to his season. He will be opposed by LHP Jordan Guerrero (1-1, 6.75). Tomorrow is the first Tap & Taco Tuesday at Blue Wahoos Stadium, where fans can enjoy delicious tacos paired with craft beers.

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Southern League Stories from April 24, 2018


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