Wahoos Evade BayBears Comeback in 4-2 Victory

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Blue Wahoos came out on fire scoring four runs in the first two innings, on their way to a 4-2 win over the Mobile BayBears Thursday night at Blue Wahoos Stadium. Pensacola now leads the series 2-0.
In the first inning, Nick Longhi singled on a ground ball to right field that scored Shed Long to put the Wahoos up 1-0. In the bottom of the second, Long doubled on a fly ball to score Gavin Lavalley. With two on and only one out, Narciso Crook singled on a ground ball that allowed Taylor Sparks and Long to score to increase the Wahoos lead 4-0. Every Blue Wahoo in the lineup had at least one hit and the Wahoos recorded a base hit in all eight innings they came to the plate.
Wright (W, 3-4) had a great outing for Pensacola. After giving up a double to leadoff hitter Luis Rengifo, Wright retired the next 13 batters he faced until Connor Justus singled with one out in the fifth. Wright pitched seven innings and allowed no runs on three hits, no walks, and three strikeouts.
The BayBears mounted a comeback in the top of the eighth inning as Luis Rengifo grounded into a force out that scored Justus. Shortly after Brennan Lund singled on a ground ball past third baseman Taylor Sparks to score Brendon Sanger that cut the Mobiles deficit at 4-2. Carlos Navas (S, 3) came in from the pen and got the Wahoos out of the jam with the final out of the inning.
Mobile threatened to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning after a pair of Navas walks, but both were stranded after Brandon Sandoval flew out to center fielder Brian O'Grady to secure the Wahoos the win. Navas got credit with the save after recording the game's final four outs.
Pensacola can claim their third straight series win with a victory on Friday night. Right-hander Keury Mella (5-3, 3.33) will take the mound on for Pensacola, and RHP Jose Rodriguez (5-6, 5.68) will take the hill for the BayBears. Friday's game can be found on the radio at 97.1 The Ticket/1490 AM Milton, Blab TV, and www.bluewahoos.com. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos -
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. The 2018 season is underway at beautiful Blue Wahoos Stadium on Pensacola Bay. Group packages, season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are available for the 2018 season by calling (850) 934-8444 or online. Follow the Blue Wahoos at bluewahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos, and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall