Wahoos Surge to 6-5 Victory on Opening Night
April 3, 2014 - Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release
Fighting back from a five-run deficit in the third inning, the Blue Wahoos won their season opener in a 6-5 thriller. A sellout crowd of 5,038 fans packed the house, and they certainly didn't go home empty-handed. Returners Juan Silverio and Bryson Smith smacked two hits apiece and Carlos Contreras anchored the bullpen's shutout effort on the heels of Mat Latos' rehab start. The victory is Pensacola's third straight Opening Night win. Here are the highlights as we go Around the Horn:
THE ROAD TO CINCINNATI: Starter Mat Latos reached his pitch limit after four innings, showing good mobility (if not stellar statistics) in his only rehab appearance with Pensacola. The right-hander allowed five runs on seven hits, striking out three while walking two. Latos, who will join the Louisville Bats for another tune-up, is recovering from knee surgery performed in February. Catcher Devin Mesoraco, who will remain with the team through Saturday, drew two walks and registered an RBI.
THE PEN IS MIGHTIER: Three relievers kept the Smokies in check after Tennessee ripped five extra-base hits against Latos. Carlos Contreras earned the win as he dominated opposing batters to the tune of six strikeouts. Only three baserunners reached against the combined efforts of Michael O'Brien, Contreras, and Drew Hayes.
WELCOME TO THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Smokies third baseman Kris Bryant drove a two-run home run into Pensacola Bay in his first Double-A at-bat. Rated as baseball's ninth-best prospect by MLB.com, the 2013 first-round selection finished 1-for-3 with a pair of runs and two runs batted in.
RALLY FISH: The Wahoos put together a strong eighth-inning showing, sending seven batters to the plate and collecting four straight hits to claim the lead. Travis Mattair led off with a single before Juan Silverio and Brodie Greene added doubles. The Smokies cut the rally short with a sharp double play at first base.
The opening series continues tomorrow at 6:30 PM with recovering Reds reliever Jonathan Broxton pitching one inning; Daniel Corcino will follow. Wind Creek Casino will give away nine 32-inch televisions and the Fur Circus comes to town. All fans will receive magnet schedules at the gate courtesy of Andrews Institute and WEAR ABC 3.
WHEN THE WAHOOS SCORE,
PIZZA LOVERS SCORE!
Papa John's is back with half-off online pizza orders when the Blue Wahoos score five runs or more, but this time they've upped the ante. The offer is now valid for all 140 games -- home and away! Visit papajohns.com and use the promo code WAHOO for 50% off your pizza order the next day.
HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER
The Cubs' pipeline runs through Tennessee as the organization's top prospects begin the season with the Smokies. Click here to read the series preview from the official blog of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.
Southern League Stories from April 3, 2014
- Generals Take Season Opener 12-7 in 11 Innings - Jackson Generals
- Bryant Homers in Debut, But Smokies Drop Opener 6-5 - Knoxville Smokies
- Braves Drop Opening Night Contest 6-2 - Mississippi Braves
- Barons Launch Three Homers to Take Opening Night - Montgomery Biscuits
- Wahoos Come from Behind for Opening Night 6-5 Win - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Wahoos Surge to 6-5 Victory on Opening Night - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Suns Win 3-1 over Stars on Opening Day - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Barons Begin Title Defense with Blowout Win over Biscuits - Birmingham Barons
- Huntsville Stars Fall in Season Opener - Huntsville Stars
- White Sox Infielder Gordon Beckham to Rehab with Barons - Birmingham Barons
- Barons Kick-Off 2014 Season with Promotion Packed-Homestand - Birmingham Barons
- Generals Announce Series of Roster Moves - Jackson Generals
- Smokies Announce 2014 Opening Day Roster - Knoxville Smokies
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.
