Pensacola One Win Away from Championship
PENSACOLA, Fla., - Pensacola starting pitcher José López delivered the second straight eight inning outing for the Blue Wahoos in the Southern League South Division Championship Series.
PENSACOLA, Fla., - Pensacola starting pitcher
Behind Lopez's three-hit, nine-strikeout performance, Pensacola defeated the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, 6-3, Thursday in front of 3,256 at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The Blue Wahoos have won the first two games of the playoff and are one game away from becoming the Southern League co-champions.
Lopez's outing came after Pensacola starting pitcher
Pensacola manager Pat Kelly called the game Lopez turned out "outstanding," giving the Blue Wahoos a five game winning streak over Jacksonville.
"It was a really, really tremendous job," Kelly said. "Deck (McGuire) did great yesterday and he did just as good."
It was the second playoff appearance for Lopez, who pitched for the Billings Mustangs in 2015 in the Pioneer League playoffs. To add even more pressure, in his past two starts against Jacksonville, Lopez is 0-1 with a 6.59 ERA and lasted 4.2 and 4.0 innings. He allowed six earned runs on eight hits and 10 walks and struck out 11.
"It was just a mental thing," Lopez said about his first two outings. "It's fun to win. The playoffs make it a little more special."
"I can't think of a better guy to have on the mound to clinch it," Kelly said.
Speaking of clutch players, Pensacola left fielder
"Definitely, this is the time to get hot," said VanMeter, who hit .375 and drove in 27 runs with two outs and runners in scoring position this year. "I've been pretty good in clutch situations. These are the games you live for."
Kelly said VanMeter's home run came with all kinds of benefits, such as allowing Pensacola to save
"It took the air out of (Jacksonville's players)," Kelly said. "There are a lot of things involved right there."
Pensacola first baseman
"That was huge to get a lead on (Jacksonville pitcher Matt) Tomshaw right there," Kelly said.
Blue Wahoos shortstop
Jacksonville rallied with two outs in the third inning to get a run, when center fielder
Blue Wahoos co-owner and PGA Tour player Bubba Watson already proved he could motivate the Pensacola ball players when he gave a pep talk before Thursday's playoff game. Then, the two-time Masters Champion donned the roach costume for the Lewis Critter Gitter Roach Race and looked like he could pinch run, if Pensacola needed him.
"It was pretty cool considering his status and who he is," VanMeter said. "He is so down to earth. He came in and treated us like he knew us."
Kelly said Watson's talk to the players was great.
"I think it means a lot," Kelly said. "You could see his passion. He loves not only his sport, but he loves our sport, too."
GAME NOTES The Pensacola Blue Wahoos play the third game of the best of five Southern Division playoff series against the Miami Marlins Double-A affiliate the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at 1:05 p.m. Friday. The Blue Wahoos are offering free admission to the ballpark, but request donations for Hurricane Irma Relief.
The Jumbo Shrimp are starting RHP
Because the Blue Wahoos scored five runs online orders from Papa John's are 50 percent off using the pass word WAHOOS.
The games are broadcast live on the Blue Wahoos flagship station 97.1 The Ticket. Listen for free at bluewahoos.com and by using the TuneIn Radio app on your mobile, desktop or home devices.
BIG FISH Left fielder/third baseman Josh VanMeter was 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and is now 7-for-8 in the first two games of the playoffs...First baseman Gavin LaValley went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer to right field...Third baseman/second baseman Arismendy Alcantara hit 2-for-5 with a solo homer to right field...Shortstop Blake Trahan was 1-for-4 and had an RBI.
Tickets to the 2017 playoffs are now on sale! Purchase tickets online at bluewahoos.com, visiting the Box Office or calling 850-934-8444. 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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