Monteverde Bounces Back Strong, But Teammates Unable To Deliver in 1-0 Loss 

Patrick Monteverde bounced back from his last start with a pitching performance the Blue Wahoos needed.

But there was no run support to go with it.

After stranding all 11 runners in scoring position, including twice with the bases loaded, the Blue Wahoos --- wearing their specialty jerseys on the final Pensacola Mullets night of 2022 -- absorbed a third straight home loss Thursday in a 1-0 loss against the Biloxi Shuckers.

The game exemplified Pensacola’s recent struggles at the plate. .

The Shuckers won their seventh straight game by getting the one clutch swing the Blue Wahoos couldn’t produce. Leadoff hitter Corey Ray’s one-out sacrifice fly to left field scored Yelson Coca in the seventh inning with the game’s only run.

A good portion in the crowd of 3.856 at Blue Wahoos Stadium remained into the ninth hoping for a 10th walkoff win this season. Hope began when Thomas Jones led off in the ninth with a walk. He was then thrown out trying to steal second with a perfect throw from Shuckers catcher Jason Lopez.

Nasim Nunez then followed with a walk and was successful with his steal attempt at second. Shuckers reliever Zach Vennaro quelled suspense by striking out Cobie Fletcher-Vance and Norel Gonzalez to end the game.

The game’s defining moment occurred in the fifth inning. The Mullets had the bases-loaded with none out. But the top of the order struck out swinging in succession to keep the game scoreless.

In the eighth, Pensacola loaded the bases with two outs when Demetrius Sims struck out swinging.

Monteverde worked 5.2 innings, scattering all six Biloxi hits and recording seven strikeouts. Pensacola’s bullpen followed with three strong innings. Newcomer Jorge Mercedes got out of a two-on jam when he replaced Monteverde in the fifth.

In the Shuckers’ sixth, however, Mercedes gave up a lead off walk and was unable to hold Coca from stealing second and third. Ray’s sacrifice fly became the game-winner.

The Blue Wahoos’ Chandler Jozwiak, appearing in his sixth game since joining the roster, struck out four batters in two innings.

J.D. Osborne was the Blue Wahoos only multi-hit player with a double and single.

GAME NOTABLES

--- With his team shorthanded among game day staff, team president Jonathan Griffith put on the roach costume for another time and stayed ahead of the charging kids until the last few feet in the race.

Griffith also participated in the Military Mascot Race an inning earlier. He has been “the roach” before, but this time it followed him running from the outfield to home plate area in the mascot race.

--- The National Anthem was performed by Brittany Shaffer, who delivered an impressive rendition. She had sung the album in a couple earlier games this year.

--- The Blue Wahoos finished 2022 with a 7-4 record in Thursday games wearing the Mullets uniform.

--- It was strong night Thursday for group sales with gatherings throughout the stadium. The city of Fort Walton Beach brought 51 people among its employees for their group outing.

--- There was a bachelorette party at the game with the fiancé throwing out the first pitch.

BLUE WAHOOS HOMESTAND

WHO: Biloxi Shuckers vs. Blue Wahoos

WHEN: Friday through Sunday

WHERE: Blue Wahoos Stadium

GAMETIMES: Friday’s game begins at 6:35 p.m; Saturday’s game is 6:05 p.m. and Sunday is 4:05 p.m.

TICKETS: Available online at www.bluewahoos.com. Or by visiting Blue Wahoos main box office at stadium during normal business hours.

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

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

PROMOTIONS:. Friday: Giveaway Friday: The first 2,000 fans will receive a special bobblehead of Watson & Watson – Bubba Watson and the Blue Wahoos service-dog-in-training named for the world renown golf star.

Saturday: Fireworks Saturday. The final fireworks show of the 2022 season at Blue Wahoos Stadium begins the 10th anniversary weekend.. In addition, the Blue Wahoos will have an in-game auction for their Sunday pink jerseys worn the last two years.

Sunday: Family Sunday.. There will be special presentations in honor of the 10-year history of the franchise, along