Blue Wahoos Miss Opportunities, Fall 2-1 to Smokies

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SL Pensacola Blue Wahoos

Blue Wahoos Miss Opportunities, Fall 2-1 to Smokies

April 22, 2025 - Southern League (SL)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release


Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitcher Jacob Miller
Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitcher Jacob Miller
(Pensacola Blue Wahoos)

Pensacola, Fla. - Producing two-out, run-scoring hits has been a staple of the Blue Wahoos' early-season success.

They could not buy one Tuesday. It cost them a game.

The Knoxville Smokies broke a tie game without a hit in the eighth inning and held on for a 2-1 victory against the Blue Wahoos to begin a series that matched the Southern League division leaders at Blue Wahoos Stadium.

It became a frustrating night for the Blue Wahoos. They had runners in scoring position in five of the final six innings, but could not get a clutch hit. They were 1-for-9 in the game in that scenario.

A crowd of 3,568 on Doggone Tuesday with one-price tickets, witnessed a game with solid defensive plays on both sides. The Blue Wahoos turned a double play with the bases loaded to thwart the Smokies in the fifth. Left fielder Mark Coley II made an inning-ending, diving catch an inning later to prevent extra bases and potentially a run.

The Smokies picked off the Blue Wahoos' Kemp Alderman in the fourth inning and had first baseman B.J. Murray Jr. make a terrific diving stop on a ball scorched off the bat by Nathan Martorella in the eighth. The next Blue Wahoos batter, Coley II, hit a double that would have tied the game.

Three Blue Wahoos pitchers had solid outings adversely affected by a combined eight walks. Two of those walks led to Smokies runs.

The Blue Wahoos started well, getting a first-innning run when Jared Serna reached on a single, moved over on a fielder's choice and scored on Alderman's single.

Knoxville tied the game in the second inning when Parker Chavers walked and eventually scored when Hayden Cantrell - a former Blue Wahoos player - delivered a two out single.

Blue Wahoos starter Jacob Miller worked the first four innings, giving up three hits, but issuing five walks. Reliever Justin King pitched out of a bases loaded, no-out jam that he inherited from Miller in the fifth inning.

Blue Wahoos catcher Sam Praytor, now the team's No. 1 catcher with Joe Mack elevated Monday to Triple-A Jacksonville, reached base twice in the game. His frustration boiled in the ninth when he was called out on a third strike call, then was ejected when yelling at the home plate umpire.

It was among 10 strikeouts for the Blue Wahoos in the game. Coley II had two of the Blue Wahoos' six hits.

The teams will continue the six-game series Wednesday in a matchup of each team's top-rated pitcher. Robby Snelling (2-0. 2.20 ERA) makes his fourth start for the Blue Wahoos against Knoxville's Will Sanders (0-1, 4.05 ERA).

GAME NOTABLES

--- Joe Mack quickly made an impact in his Triple-A debut Tuesday with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. After the Blue Wahoos catcher was called up Monday to replace Augustin Ramirez, who made his MLB debut Monday with the Miami Marlins, he was in Jacksonville's starting lineup.

Batting fourth, he reached on an error, walked and scored a run in four plate appearances. Also joining Jacksonville on Monday was Blue Wahoos second baseman Harrison Spohn, who did not play Tuesday. The Jumbo Shrimp (16-6) defeated the Gwinnett Stripers to extend their first place lead in the International League East Division.

--- Following the Blue Wahoos game Tuesday fans exiting the stadium were given voucher for a free Froster frozen beverage, courtesy of Blue Wahoos partner Circle K.

--- Three area teachers were honored before the game and threw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.

WANT TO GO?

WHO: Knoxville Smokies vs. Blue Wahoos

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

WHEN: Wednesday Thru Sunday.

GAME TIMES: Wednesday through Saturday games all start at 6:05 p.m. The game on Sunday starts at 1:05 p.m.

PROMOTIONS: Thursday is Mullet Thursday. The team takes on its alter identity as the Pensacola Mullets, complete with uniforms and there are drink specials for those of legal age throughout the game, beginning with $1 draft beer from 5-6 p.m. and $2 from 6-7 p.m., plus other drink specials.

Friday is Giveaway Friday. This week, the giveaway item is a Blue Wahoos "Fanny Pack" to the first 1,000 fans sponsored by CPC Office Technologies. The Blue Wahoos will also be wearing their Pensacola Pok-Ta-Pok uniforms on this night.

Saturday is Fireworks Saturday, sponsored this time by Navy Federal and featuring a post-game display.

Sunday is Family Sunday with children ages 12-under able to run the bases following the game and families permitted to catch soft baseballs in the outfield for 30 minutes in promotion sponsored by WKRG-News 5. In addition, the first 100 retired or active military can receive a free standing room only ticket when visiting the stadium box office.

TV: The games on Wednesday and Thursday and Sunday's game will be available on YurView (Cox Communications subscribers only). The Friday and Saturday games are available on BLAB-TV.

LIVESTREAM AUDIO: Listen to Blue Wahoos broadcast through www.bluewahoos.com/radio or the MILB App.

TICKETS: Available at www.bluewahoos.com.

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Images from this story

Pensacola Blue Wahoos on the mound
Pensacola Blue Wahoos on the mound
 Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitcher Jacob Miller
Pensacola Blue Wahoos pitcher Jacob Miller
  

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Southern League Stories from April 22, 2025


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