Burdick's Bomb Sets Franchise HR Record, But Blue Wahoos Drop Another To Shuckers 

Earlier in the game, Blue Wahoos outfielder Peyton Burdick had a moment to remember.

Leading off the third inning, he waited on a sinking pitch, timed and squared it perfectly, and launched the ball so deep over the wall that Biloxi’s left fielder did not move.

The moon shot homer Wednesday night became his 21st this season – his first since August 11 – and set the Blue Wahoos franchise record held for most homers (same team) in a single-season.

The homer mark was formerly held by Aristides Aquino, now with the Cincinnati Reds.

Unfortunately for Burdick and teammates, that highlight and its joy was followed by late inning frustration of missed opportunities in the Blue Wahoos 5-3 loss against the Biloxi Shuckers, which further hampered Pensacola’s playoff hopes.

After the Blue Wahoos exited the third inning with a 3-1 lead, Biloxi’s pitchers continued to step up and deliver scoreless innings the rest of the way.

The Shuckers (40-65), who have struggled in last place all season in the Double-A South, have won the first two games in the Blue Wahoos (54-51) final homestand.

Wednesday night, the Blue Wahoos loaded the bases in the seventh and eighth innings, but came up empty.

In the seventh, Shuckers reliever Braden Webb struck out Riley Mahan to start inning, but the ball eluded catcher Brent Diaz, whose then committed a throwing error allowing Mahan to reach second. He broke a string of 11 consecutive Blue Wahoos hitters retired in order.

After Galli Cribbs Jr. followed with a single, then Burdick coaxed a one-out walk, Webb made big pitches to strike out J.J. Bleday and Griffin Conine.

In the eighth, Shuckers reliever Zach Vennaro plunked two Blue Wahoos batters to load the bases, but struck out Kameron Misner to end the threat.

It was this kind of tough night for the Blue Wahoos.

Starting pitcher Max Meyer worked five innings in his final regular-season home start, but was touched up for seven hits and four runs. It was the most runs he allowed at home since the May 11 home opener against Birmingham.

Bleday went 3-for-5 at the plate with an RBI, Burdick went 2-for-4, plus a walk and two runs scored. They accounted for more than half of the team’s nine hits.

Game 3 of the six-game series is Thursday with the Blue Wahoos’ Zach McCambley on the mound.

GAME NOTABLES

--- The Blue Wahoos honored the University of West Florida’s 2019 NCAA Division II national championship football season and the UWF cheerleaders’ 2021 national tournament championship.

Former Argos’ receiver Quentin Randolph, who starred at Navarre High, threw out a first pitch, along with UWF’s mascot and the Argos cheerleaders, who combined on a routine while throwing the pitch.

The UWF cheerleaders won the NCA (National Cheerleaders Association) title in Daytona Beach in April.

The Argos brought the NCAA national title football trophy and the NCA cheerleading title for display on the home plate concourse.

--- The final Winning Wednesday had a jackpot of $2,000. Each Wednesday of homestands, the Blue Wahoos gave away a minimum of $1,000 in a drawing.

--- The National Anthem was performed by Special Olympic athlete Frank Russell of Pensacola. He was joined by Alan Garrone, another Special Olympics athlete, who tossed out a first pitch. Both Russell and Garrone have both qualified to compete and represent Escambia County in the 2022 Special Olympics competition in Orlando, which begins June 5, 2022.

Russell will compete in the Triathlon and Open Water swimming competition. Garrone will compete in the surfing competition.

The local Special Olympics organization had a table on the home plate concourse to showcase their achievements.

--- As part of a football theme, there was a Punt, Pass and Kick competition for kids ages 12-under before the game in the centerfield area.

BLUE WAHOOS HOMESTAND

WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos

WHEN: Thursday through Sunday.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.

GAMETIMES: Thursday through Friday games will start at 6:35 p.m. Saturday’s game is 6:05 p.m. start; Sunday is 4:05 p.m.

RADIO: ESPN-Pensacola (99.1 FM, 1330 AM), Chris Garagiola on play-by-play.

PROMOTIONS: THURSDAY: Final Pensacola Mullets Night of season, plus Thirsty Thursday drink specials. FRIDAY: Wahoos Beach Towel for first 2,000 fans. SATURDAY: Final post-game fireworks show of season. SUNDAY: Team photo giveaway, plus kids able to run bases and families play catch in outfield.

TICKETS: Available online at www.bluewahoos.com or at stadium box office during business hours.