Early onslaught drives Blue Wahoos by Jumbo Shrimp

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Riley Mahan homered for the second straight game on Friday, but the Pensacola Blue Wahoos blitzed the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 8-1 at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. A crowd of 7,351 enjoyed a Red Shirt Friday, Friday Night Lights spiced up by Tijuana Flats presented by Miller Lite and Coors Light, NAPA AutoCare Family Fireworks and '70s Night.
With the score tied at one, Jacksonville (29-43, 0-2) starter Josh Roeder (0-2) retired the first two Blue Wahoos (40-32, 2-0) of the second inning. Joe Cronin singled and Travis Blankenhorn walked to put two men on. An Alex Kirilloff base hit coupled with an error plated both runners to put Pensacola in front. After Ben Rortvedt drew a free pass, Lewin Diaz and Aaron Whitefield each cashed in RBI base knocks to widen the margin to 5-1.

Jordan Gore reached on an error with one out in the third. After a fly out, Blankenhorn doubled in Gore to push the Pensacola advantage to 6-1.
The Blue Wahoos added to their lead when Blankenhorn bagged an RBI single in the fifth.
Aaron Whitefield doubled in a run in the eighth to make the score 8-1.
The clubs traded barbs in the first inning. Diaz banged an RBI single in the top of the first before Mahan blasted a homer off Blue Wahoos starter Randy Dobnak (3-0) in the bottom of the frame.
Friday's winning raffle number of 2058046005 won a prize of $298.

Jacksonville hosts Pensacola at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday from the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. RHP Sixto Sanchez (2-3, 3.08 ERA) makes the start for the Jumbo Shrimp against Blue Wahoos LHP Charlie Barnes (0-1, 4.26 ERA). Coverage begins at 6:20 p.m. on MiLB.tv, Sunny 102.3 FM, TuneIn and jaxshrimp.com.
The Jumbo Shrimp are celebrating the oldest anniversary in the history of Minor League Baseball with the 4,000th anniversary of the humble noodle on Ramen Noodle Appreciation Night presented by 121 Financial and Union Home Mortgage. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a special Jumbo Shrimp flavor ramen noodle pillow. The Jumbo Shrimp will also have Jumbo Shrimp flavored ramen noodles available for purchase in the concessions stands and special noodle-themed contests all night long. Following the game, fans can enjoy a special Saturday Night Fireworks show presented by 121 Financial and Union Home Mortgage. 
ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League's Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by General Manager Harold Craw. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.