Lindgren Shines, But Blue Wahoos Seven-Game Win Streak Ends In Series-Opening Loss

Following a week-long, unscheduled pause, the Blue Wahoos had the longest-active win streak in the minor leagues end in a way that defied their season trend.

After starting pitcher Jeff Lindgren produced a sensational outing, the Blue Wahoos bullpen unusually faltered in a 5-2 loss Tuesday against the Mississippi Braves at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

Their seven-game win streak, matching the second-longest in club history, had vaulted the Blue Wahoos into a 3.5 game lead in the Southern League’s South Division.

But timely hits and stellar relief – two elements that carried this team – didn’t happen Tuesday.

The game began a 12-game homestand. It followed the Blue Wahoos (19-16) playing just once last week in Montgomery due to Covid-19 issues with the Montgomery Biscuits.

In his third start since rejoining the Blue Wahoos, Lindgren allowed just one hit and two baserunners through six innings. He had five strikeouts. He faced just 19 batters -- one above the minimum -- in one of the strongest outings of his career.

Lindgren, who pitched all last season in Pensacola, left with a 1-0 lead. Griffin Conine's RBI single in the third inning scored Luis Aviles Jr. In that inning, however, the Blue Wahoos left runners stranded on the corners with one out and that moment proved pivotal.

Other missed opportunities at the plate prevented a bigger lead and wound up costing Pensacola in the end.

The Blue Wahoos had runners in seven of the first eight innings, including three innings when stranding multiple baserunners.

In the seventh inning, the Blue Wahoos first reliever Josh Simpson struggled with his command. He gave up a single, two walks and then a two-run flare hit to left by Riley Delgado on a two-strike curveball.

Eli Villalobos prevented worse damage and pitched a scoreless eighth. The Blue Wahoos had tied the game in the seventh when J.D. Orr walked, stole second and third base on separate attempts and scored on Jose Devers' sacrifice fly.

But the M-Braves (19-21) struck for three runs in the ninth against Anthony Maldonado, who gave up two walks and two hits to the first five batters he faced.

GAME NOTABLES:

-- Seven of the hitters in the Blue Wahoos lineup Tuesday night reached base at least once. The Blue Wahoos stole five bases in the game.

-- The Blue Wahoos began selling their 2022 team baseball card set, including a card with Watson, the team’s service-dog-in-training.

-- There were four youth baseball teams attending: Pace Misfits, Pace Apaches, NEP 10U Braves, Appleyard Agency Cubs.

-- The National Anthem was performed by the members of the Foley High School chorus and part of a 30-member group contingent.

-- Among larger groups in attendance were the U.S. Air Force and the City of Milton with 100 members each.

The Blue Wahoos entered the game with an 11-3 record in May, the best in the Southern League.

BLUE WAHOOS HOMESTAND

WHO: Mississippi Braves vs. Blue Wahoos

WHEN: Wednesday through Sunday (May 29)

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium.

GAMETIMES: 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, 4:05 p.m. on Sunday.

TICKETS: Online at www.bluewahoos.com/tickets, or at the stadium box office beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Friday; 12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Or by calling 850-934-8444.

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

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

PROMOTIONS: Wednesday is the first “School’s Out Fireworks” night, along with being One Price Wednesday with a $17 ticket for all available seats and includes hot dog, chips and soda.

Thursday is Pensacola Mullet Night with speciality uniforms and Thirsty Thursday with beverage specials.

Friday is Giveaway Friday: Early arriving fans will get a Blue Wahoos commemorative plastic tote bag sponsored by CPC Office Technologies.

Saturday is the traditional post-game fireworks show and Navy Baseball Night with members of NAS Pensacola attending and team wearing commemorative jerseys that will be auctioned for a U.S. Navy charity.

Sunday is Family Sunday with kids able to run the bases following the game and family toss in the outfield for 30 minutes after the game. The will also be celebrating the Navy history in Pensacola with the commemorative jerseys.