LaValley Crushes Homer in First Game with Pensacola

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., - Pensacola Blue Wahoos first baseman Gavin LaValley crushed his first Double-A home run Friday against Chattanooga Lookouts pitcher Stephen Gonsalves.

LaValley, who was called up from the High-A Daytona Tortugas, led Pensacola's offense, going 2-4 with a double, as well.
The 23-year-old, who batted fifth in Pensacola's batting order, was the one bright spot in the Blue Wahoos', 6-1, loss to Chattanooga in the first game of the second half in the Southern League.
LaValley's homer on a line drive to left center field was the only run given up by the big lefty Gonsalves at AT&T Field. Before being promoted to Pensacola, LaValley was second in homers with 15 and second in RBIs with 45 in the Florida State League.
Chattanooga's Gonsalves worked seven innings, giving up three hits, a walk and striking out nine. Gonsalves improved his record to 3-3 in seven starts for the Lookouts and dropped his ERA to 2.85.
Meanwhile, Pensacola starter Keury Mella lasted five innings, giving up five runs on three hits, two walks and four strikeouts. Mella is now 2-5 this season with a 4.70 ERA. Both relievers Alex Powers and Brennan Bernardino struck out the side in the one inning that they both pitched.
Chattanooga went up 5-0 before LaValley's fifth inning homer. The Lookouts first two runs came in the first inning when shortstop Nick Gordon and right fielder Edgar Corcino both scored on a throwing error to first by Pensacola second baseman Josh VanMeter on a grounder by left fielder LaMonte Wade Jr.
Lookouts center fielder Levi Michael then smacked a three-run homer to right field in the fourth inning for a 5-0 lead.
Pensacola right fielder Aristides Aquino knocked his fifth triple, which is tied for second in the Southern League, for his only hit in four at bats. VanMeter was 1-4 with his 15th double of the year.
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the Double-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Southern League. Follow the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at BlueWahoos.com, facebook.com/PensacolaBlueWahoos and twitter.com/BlueWahoosBBall.
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