Well-Traveled Mincey, Big Bat Jerar, Deliver Again For Blue Wahoos In Lopsided Win

Cody Mincey has a career path in professional baseball vast enough to impress on a world atlas.

He’s played in Australia, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. He’s been on four different Independent League teams within the U.S.

As a pitcher, he’s been used in every role: closer, holder, long reliever and now starter with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

“More or less, it’s been trying to continue working on my craft and if I can help some of these younger players from my experiences and the journey I have gone through, then I think I will be doing my job here.” said Mincey, after helping the Blue Wahoos to an 8-2 win Wednesday night against the Rocket City Trash Pandas.

Mincey did his job with his best outing of the early season at Blue Wahoos Stadium. He worked a season-best six innings, allowing just two runs, no earned runs with five strikeouts against one walk.

His teammates staked a 4-0 lead in the first inning and led 6-2 when Mincey left the game after throwing 89 pitches with 60 of those for strikes.

“I think as an offense, we are doing a really good job of putting runs on the board right now,” said Mincey, who improved to 2-1 with a 3.81 in his first Double-A season.

It takes a little bit of pressure off the pitcher when we go out there,” he said. “The slider was working pretty well for me… just trying to stick with that and follow that with changeup and fastball.”

The win pushed the Blue Wahoos (14-15) to a 2-0 lead in this series against Rocket City (18-11), which entered the week with the best record in the Southern League.

The teams will continue playing through Sunday.

Mincey, a righthander, had his 30th birthday on April 23, making him the Blue Wahoos’ oldest player by several years.

After finishing his collegiate career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Mincey overcame an accident with severe burns to continue playing as an undrafted free agent.

The Miami Marlins signed him before the 2021 season and he pitched last year as a starter in Beloit (Wisc) the Marlins High-A level affiliate.

That led into further advancement this year with the Blue Wahoos where Mincey worked five innings in each of his first four starts.

“I’m grateful for where I’m at,” said Mincey, who grew up in Hartsville, South Carolina. “I’m grateful for the journey and way it went I think there has been a learning lesson at every point in where I have stopped. Whether it has been good or bad I have tried to make the most of the situations.

“Miami has given me an opportunity and I am grateful for it.”

Mincey received offensive support in a big way from two players. Outfielder Jerar Encarnacion had another in a string of big nights, this time going 4-for-4 with three RBI, including a pivotal 2-run homer in the fifth inning after the Trash Pandas had cut the Blue Wahoos lead to 4-2.

Encarnacion also threw out Rocket City’s Braxton Martinez, who was trying to go from first to third base on a single.

Blue Wahoos center fielder Victor Victor Mesa had one of his best Double-A career games, going 2-for-4 with four RBI. Mesa hit a two-run bomb in the first inning and just miss another two-run homer in the fourth inning.

Relievers Jeffry Yan and Andrew Nardi followed Mincey’s success with a combined three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit.

GAME NOTABLES

--- The play of the game was turned in by a fan in the stands. While holding an infant on the first base side section, he caught a foul ball barehanded with his right arm in the top of the fifth inning. The crowd gave a loud, extended cheer.

--- Former Blue Wahoos team president Bruce Baldwin, a multiple winner of Minor League executive of year in different leagues, held a Q/A session with season-ticket holders in the first base lounge prior to the game.

The Blue Wahoos hosted “Fungible Token Night” as a playful spoof on the latest crypto craze with Non-Fungible Tokens.

In this case, fans entering the ballpark were handed a no-value card with an image of Kazoo and there were no copyright restrictions. All in good fun.

--- The game presented the Blue Wahoos their second opportunity for one-price Wednesday where fans purchased a $17 ticket and received the seat of their choice, plus a hot dog, chips and a soda.

--- The National Anthem was sung by Hannah Shuler.

--- Three of the Blue Wahoos bat boys, Austin, David and Santi all threw out a first pitch.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Blue Wahoos Homestand

WHO: Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Blue Wahoos

WHEN: Thursday Through Sunday. Game times are 6:35 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 6:05 p.m. on Saturday and 4:05 p.m. on Sunday.

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

PROMOTIONS: Thursday is “Thirsty Thursday” with alcoholic drink specials throughout the game. It’s also Pensacola Mullets Night with the players wearing uniforms designed with Mullet logo.

Friday is Giveaway Friday with the early-arriving fans receiving a commemorative 10th anniversary poster and former Blue Wahoos player, fan favorite Travis Mattair signing autographs and meeting fans before the game.

Saturday is post-game fireworks.

Sunday is Family Sunday with kids running the bases and families playing catch in outfield after game.

TICKETS: Online at www.bluewahoos.com/tickets, or by phone at 850-934-8444. Or visiting box office at the stadium on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RADIO: ESPN-Pensacola (99.1 FM and 1330 AM and WYCT 98.7 HD4).

TV: YurView (check provider) and MILB.tv (streaming).at www.milb.com/live-stream-games with subscription discount using BLUE WAHOOS.