Wahoos Take Thrilling Series Opener against Mobile, 2-1

June 13, 2018 - Southern League (SL) - Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Brain O'Grady drove in Shed Long with a sac fly in the bottom of the ninth to give the Blue Wahoos a 2-1 walk-off win over the Mobile BayBears in Wednesday night's series opener at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Pensacola began its comeback in the bottom of the eighth inning while trailing 1-0 against Mobile. Chris Okey smashed a solo home run over the left field wall to tie the game at 1-1. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shed Long led off with a double. He advanced to third on a passed ball. Narciso Crook was intentionally walked before O'Grady came through on a two-strike pitch. Right fielder Brandon Sanger made a sliding catch on the shallow fly ball, but his throw was way too late to get Long, sparking the Blue Wahoos celebration.

Pensacola got both runs off Mobile reliever Greg Mahle (L, 3-1), the brother of former Wahoo and current Red Tyler Mahle, who was saddled with the loss.

Seth Varner pitched an excellent game for the Wahoos. Varner pitched 6.2 innings and allowed only one run on three hits, and one walk. Varner finished with a season-high nine strikeouts, which was one shy of tying his career-high at 10. Alex Powers (W, 1-1) is credited with the win as he retired all three Mobile batters in the top of the ninth, producing two strikeouts in his one inning pitched.

BayBears starter Jason Alexander had a solid outing for Mobile. Alexander pitched six innings and only had one hit with no runs, two walks and six strikeouts in a no-decision.

Pensacola center-fielder C.J. McElroy left the game in the top of the first inning after he collided with the wall while making a spectacular catch on the second batter of the game.

The series continues Thursday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Right hander Daniel Wright (2-4, 5.05) will get the start for the Wahoos against BayBears RHP Luis Pena (2-4, 4.27). Thursday's game can be found on the radio at 97.1 The Ticket/1490 AM Milton and www.bluewahoos.com. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

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