Wahoos Fall 1-0 Despite Gem From Smeltzer

The scariest moment in pitcher Devin Smeltzer's professional baseball career didn't faze him.
He took a line drive off the back of his neck last week in Biloxi, causing a stadium to fall into a hush, both teams standing stunned and Pensacola Blue Wahoos manager Ramon Borrego fearing the worst.
"It was so scary," Borrego said. "I walked so slowly to the mound. I was praying nothing happened."
Smeltzer miraculously returned to the mound Tuesday night, delivering another outstanding performance with nine strikeouts and no walks through seven innings of a hard-luck, 1-0 loss against the Mobile BayBears. A crowd of 4,288 watched a pitching and fielding showcase among both teams.
Most of all, they saw Smelzer's fortitude shining through. The lefty has allowed just two earned runs in four starts and 25 innings pitched.
"He is a warrior," Borrego said. "To get through that moment and come back and give you that kind of game, that was impressive."
Smeltzer wasn't having any flashbacks. Instead, he's re-watched video of having a 96-mph baseball ricochet off the back of his head more than 1,000 times. The guy who beat cancer at 9-years-old isn't going to let getting struck by a baseball affect him.
"Everything that's happened, it's going to take a lot more than that," he said. "I posted it on my Instagram. I wanted to see where it got me. That's just how I am. You can't get too mental with it. You have to take it for what it is. You can't pitch scared, because that's when the ball finds you, and the ball knows."
The game's only run Tuesday night occurred in the third inning. With two out, Connor Justus singled, stole second and scored on Brandon Marsh's single. Marsh was then thrown out on a perfect throw-and-tag from centerfielder Tanner English to second baseman Brian Schales.
The Blue Wahoos (13-6) left the bases loaded in the bottom of the third, which proved decisive. Mobile starter Jeremy Beasley threw five scoreless innings, allowing two only two hits with five strikeouts. The BayBears (7-11) had their bullpen thwart a couple other chances in the later innings.
"I want to give credit to their pitching staff," Borrego said. "We had a couple chances to do some damage and didn't do it. Unfortunately the offense was really flat. But that's baseball. Somebody has to win and they pitched well,"
Five of the Blue Wahoos six losses this season have been by one run in low scoring games. In the ninth, the Blue Wahoos Caleb Hamilton drew a one-out walk against reliever Dario Beltre, who then struck out English and Taylor Grzelakowski with breaking pitches to end the game.
BALLPARK MEMORIES

• The O.J. Semmes Elementary School choir sang the National Anthem and paraded on the field before the game.
• WEAR-3 TV videographer Darrin "Mac" McAllister was presented his award before the game as the 2018 Southern League Sports Media Person of the year.
• The first "Fat Tuesday" promotion was a sellout hit in the Winn-Dixie right field party deck. Approximately 200 people filled the area. The deal is for $24 apiece, it includes a ticket to the game, a 90-minute buffet from local restaurants, unlimited soda and water, plus a Blue Wahoos hat. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. The next Fat Tuesday night is May 28.
• Prior to game, Minnesota Twins outfielder coordinator Mike Quaide met with season-ticket holders in the Better Homes & Garden Lounge. He spoke on how impressive the Blue Wahoos have played, as well as how he's been wowed by the Pensacola community and partnership with team management.