The Nashville Sounds could not recover after a four-run first inning by the Round Rock Express in a 8-3 loss Wednesday night at Dell Diamond.

After a Drew Robinson walk and a Brett Nicholas single, Joey Gallo launched a three-run home run to right-center field to give the Express an early lead. Matt Duffy then tripled to left to set up Ronald Guzman with an RBI single to make it a 4-0 Round Rock lead after one.

The Sounds scored a run in three straight innings from the third through the fifth to narrow the deficit to 5-3.

Renato Nunez singled home Chad Pinder to put the first run on the board for the Sounds in the third.

Round Rock answered the Sounds RBI single with one of their own. After Gallo led off the inning with a triple, Matt Duffy singled him home to give the Express a 5-2 lead after three.

Colin Walsh then led off the fourth inning with a solo home run to left to narrow the deficit to 5-2. The home run was Walsh’s third home run of the season.

Nunez then made it a two run deficit when he launched his 22nd home with a solo shot in the fifth inning. The 22-year-old has now hit a home run in three straight games and is currently on an eight-game hitting streak.

Round Rock answered back with Preston Beck’s two-run triple in the bottom of the fifth to put the Express up 7-3.

The Express added a late insurance run in the bottom of the seventh to take an 8-3 lead. With the bases loaded, Sounds reliever Tucker Healy threw a wild pitch and Duffy scored from third. Healy would then strike out Doug Bernier to end the Express threat.

With the bases loaded with two outs in the ninth, Matt McBride flied out to center to end the game. The Sounds also left the bases loaded in the second inning when Arismendy Alcantara struck out looking to end the inning. In total the Sounds were just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left a total of 12 runners on base.

Sounds Starter Dillon Overton struggled early and never got in a rhythm. The left-hander only lasted four innings and gave up five runs on eight hits while just striking out three batters. Overton picked up his first loss as a Sounds starter since losing at Iowa on May 11.

The Sounds return home for an eight-game homestand beginning with a four-game set against the Reno Aces Friday night at First Tennessee Park. Right-hander Daniel Mengden (5-1, 1.46) starts for the Sounds against right-hander Matt Buschmann (7-8, 5.30) for the Aces. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The 2016 season is the Sounds’ 19th year in the Pacific Coast League and their second as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

The first-place Nashville Sounds begin an eight-game homestand on Friday, August 12 when they welcome the Triple-A Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks – the Reno Aces – to First Tennessee Park.

Following the series against the Aces, the Sounds host the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners – the Tacoma Rainiers – for four games from August 16-19.

Below is a preview for each game of the homestand:

Friday, August 12 vs. Reno – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• FOX17 post-game fireworks presented by Koorsen Fire & Security.

 Saturday, August 13 vs. Reno – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• Two-time National League MVP Dale Murphy will be at First Tennessee Park to meet with fans and sign autographs on behalf of the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office Designated Drives are Legendary campaign.
• Girl Scout Night – Discounted ticket options include: $20 Corner seat package includes a hot dog and soda voucher plus a Girl Scout patch. $12 Corner seat package includes a Girl Scout patch and $10 Corner seats for additional family and friends.

Sunday, August 14 vs. Reno – 6:35 p.m.

• Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
• Booster Paintable Bobblehead Giveaway – The first 2,000 fans in attendance receive this one-of-a-kind bobblehead of the best mascot in Minor League Baseball.
• Pre-game autograph session with select Sounds players 5:45-6:00.
• Military Sunday presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, Tennessee 811 and WSMV Channel 4 – the Sounds will wear camouflage jerseys to honor active/veteran military men, women & families.
• All Sounds jerseys will be part of a silent auction throughout the game. Fans with winning bids will receive their autographed jersey from the player on the field after the game.
• Kids Run the Bases (12 & under) presented by First Tennessee.

Monday, August 15 vs. Reno – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• Major League Monday with a special guest appearance by Rickey Henderson. The Hall of Famer will meet with fans and sign autographs (flat objects only) before the game (6:00-6:30) presented by AM 650 WSM.
• Kroger Plus Monday – Buy a “Family 4-Pack” that includes 4 Select section tickets, 4 hot dogs & 4 fountain sodas for $44. This offer is only available at participating Ticketmaster locations inside Kroger stores and is not available at First Tennessee Park.
• First Responders Night – In recognition of all first responders including Law Enforcement, Fire Department and Medical Staff the Sounds are offering $8 Corner seats.

Tuesday, August 16 vs. Tacoma – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• “Live from Nashville, it’s Tuesday Night” – Elvis impersonators invade First Tennessee Park with pre-game and in-game performances on Elvis Night. Wear your best costume, sing the night away and celebrate Elvis presented by The Tennessean.

Wednesday, August 17 vs. Tacoma – 12:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
• Noon Bash in Nash presented by ESPN 102.5 The Game – catch Sounds baseball at high noon!
• Senior Discount – Fans 60 and older may purchase a Corner Section ticket for just $8. Discount is based on availability – one ticket per I.D.

Thursday, August 18 vs. Tacoma – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• Throwback Thursday presented by iHeartMedia – the Sounds will wear throwback jerseys to commemorate the team’s original uniform style from 1978. Fans can purchase Coca-Cola fountain soda, domestic draft beers and 12oz. cans for $2 each. Bud and Bud Light 16oz. cans and import and craft draft beer can be purchased for $3 each.
• Aug-Toberfest Beer Stein Giveaway presented by Brauer Material Handling Systems. The first 2,000 fans in attendance (21 and older) receive the Beer Stein Giveaway.

 Friday, August 19 vs. Tacoma – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• FOX17 post-game fireworks presented by Koorsen Fire & Security.

The 2016 season is the Sounds’ 19^th year in the Pacific Coast League and their second as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

Tickets for the 2016 Pacific Coast League playoff dates at First Tennessee Park will be available for purchase beginning on Monday, August 15 at the Nashville Sounds box office and online at www.nashvillesounds.com.

A string of Raider turnovers helped lift the Tullahoma Middle School football team to a 30 to 14 win over the Coffee County Middle School on Tuesday night at Carden-Jarrell Field in the annual Coffee Cup game. Tullahoma nabbed 4 interceptions in the game, including 3 in the 2nd half, to capture the rivalry win. The win by the Cats, broke a 2 game winning streak in the series for the Red Raiders.
The Cats converted the opening drive into points as Trinton Partin rumbled 38 yards for a TD and added the 2 point conversion. Coffee County battled back to tie the score on a 10 play, 67 yard touchdown drive as Marshall Haney scored from 11 yards out and added the 2 point conversion to end the 1st quarter tied at 8. Tullahoma added a 2nd quarter touchdown to extend the lead to 16 to 8 and used the first Coffee County interception to drive to the Raider 5 before Ethan Baker stepped in front of a pass to end the threat just before the half.
After swapping turnovers to begin the second half, Haney added a 17 yard TD run with 6:05 left in the 3rd quarter, but the missed 2 point conversion left the score 16 to 14 in favor of Tullahoma. The Raiders recovered the ensuing onside kick only to turn the ball over again. Jakobe Thomas added a pair of 4th quarter TD’s to seal the win.
Haney led Coffee County in rushing with 59 yards on 8 carries and both touchdowns before leaving the game with an injury in the 4th quarter. Conner Shemwell was 9 for 16 passing for 74 yards and 3 interceptions for the Raiders. Curtis Tudor was 4 for 8 through the air for 35 yards and an interception. Haney also added 25 yards receiving on 4 receptions while Ethan Baker had 2 receptions for 35 yards.
After a week off, the Red Raiders will take on Tullahoma in a rematch on Tuesday, August 23rd in Tullahoma. Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM.

You can download a copy of the broadcast by visiting our website at: http://www.thunder1320.com/downloads/

Samuel Prater of Coffee County golf (file photo)

The CHS Golf teams returned to the links on Tuesday in Tullahoma as the Raiders faced Tullahoma and Franklin County while the girls squared off against Franklin County. The Lady Raiders had another strong performance in the win while the boys continued their consistent play as they spilt their 2 matches.
The Red Raiders had 4 players card a 39 on the day in the 9 hole match as Austin Farris, Reid Lawrence, Josh Perry and Samuel Prater each shot 4 over par to give Coffee County a team score of 156. Franklin County struggled to a 168 while Tullahoma blistered their home course for a round of 144. The boys are now 26 and 6 on the year.
The Lady Raiders topped Franklin County 78 to 89 as Coffee County’s Ashley Gilliam posted a 37 tying her with Melia Stovall of Franklin County for the low round honors. Savannah Quick added a 41 and Sophie Vinson carded a 43 to help raise the Lady Raiders record to 14 and 3 on the season.
The Lady Raider golfers will return to the links on Monday and Tuesday as they travel to Chattanooga to compete in the Baylor Preview.

The Coffee County Middle School volleyball team opened the regular season on Tuesday as they traveled to Flintville. After taking a victory in the first set, the Lady Raiders dropped the final 2 sets to lose the match. The JV Lady Raiders won their one set contest over Flintville.
Storming out to an impressive 25 to 15 win in the first set, the Lady Raiders looked poised to claim the road win. Flintville clawed back to take the 2nd set 25 to 21 setting up the crucial tie-breaker set for the match. Flintville was able to hold off Coffee County in the tiebreaker to claim a 15 to 13 third set victory to seal the come from behind win. The JV team won their set by a score of 25 to 22.
Maci Head led an erratic Lady Raider service game with 5 aces as Coffee County struggled mightily at the service line. Lauren Brandt had 3 assists for Coffee County. The Lady Raider netters will travel to McMinnville on Thursday to take on Warren County Middle School. That conference match will get underway at 4:30 PM.

The Braves rallied to spoil Wily Peralta’s homecoming party.

In his first big league start since he was demoted to the Minors in June, Peralta held Atlanta scoreless on two hits through six scoreless innings, before the Braves knocked him out of the game with a two-run seventh. Atlanta held on for a 2-1 win at Miller Park on Tuesday.
Ryan Braun’s fourth-inning home run off Braves starter Tyrell Jenkins gave Peralta a lead, and the big right-hander held long enough to throw his first pitches in a seventh inning all season. He did not record an out in the inning, however. Freddie Freeman walked before Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis knocked successive singles to tie the game at 1. Reliever Michael Blazek took over for Peralta and surrendered another run-scoring single, to Adonis Garcia, for a 2-1 Braves lead.
Jenkins allowed one run on three hits in six innings for the second straight start — and this time was rewarded with a win when closer Mauricio Cabrera touched 103 mph en route to his third save. The Braves have won four straight games and six of their last seven.
The Brewers have lost three games in a row and five of their last six.
After delivering a pair of key extra-base hits in Monday’s series-opening win, Markakis extended his recent success with his game-tying single — his seventh hit within his past 13 at-bats with runners in scoring position. The veteran right fielder has batted .353 (30-for-85) since the All-Star break and .410 (16-for-39) over his past 11 games. .
Every time Peralta found trouble in the early innings, a defender was there to bail him out. When Ender Inciarte walked on the game’s first four pitches, catcher Manny Pina threw him out trying to steal second. When Garcia hit a grounder up the middle in the second, Brewers second baseman Hernan Perez made a terrific pick and throw to first. After Peralta threw away Jenkins’ sacrifice bunt in the third, Pina picked off Anthony Recker at second base. And when Erick Aybar hit an infield single in the fourth for the Braves’ first hit, then took off from first on a pitch in the dirt, Pina was there once again. He threw to shortstop Orlando Arcia, who started a rundown that ended with 245-pound first baseman Chris Carter tagging — and tackling — Aybar near second base.

The Braves and Brewers continue the series on Wednesday night in Milwaukee.  First pitch is set for 7:10 PM CT and THunder Radio will have the broadcast beginning at 6 PM on the Braves Radio Network.

Nashville Sounds right-hander Jharel Cotton just missed a perfect game and settled for a one-hit shutout in the Sounds’ 3-0 win over the Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond Tuesday night.

Cotton, recently acquired in a trade by the Athletics, retired the first 26 batters he faced on the night. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Round Rock second baseman Doug Bernier lined a 2-1 pitch to the right field wall for a triple to break up the bid at perfection.

The Virgin Islands native struck out a career-high 12 in the dominating effort. With Bernier at third, he punched out Drew Robinson for the final out of the game.

Cotton started the night with a flurry of strikeouts as he struck out the side in the first and recorded another two in the second. He recorded another strikeout in each of the next three innings and was up to eight through five frames.

Express (56-62) left-hander Yohander Mendez was also impressive as he tossed five shutout innings.

Nashville (68-50) finally broke through and got runs for Cotton in the sixth. Chad Pinder drew a one-out walk and was able to jog home when Renato Nunez belted a two-run homer to left field – his 20th of the season to give the Sounds a 2-0 lead.

The Sounds pushed across another run in the seventh with the help of additional free passes. Josh Rodriguez walked and swiped second, and Colin Walsh drew a two-out walk to put a pair of runners on.

Chad Pinder came through with a clutch base hit through the left side to score Rodriguez and give the Sounds a 3-0 cushion.

Cotton returned for the bottom of the seventh and retired the first two batters quickly. Catcher Brett Nicholas sent a soft fly ball to center field that was caught with a diving effort by center fielder Jaycob Brugman to preserve the perfect game.

He struck out Joey Gallo to start the eighth and retired Jared Hoying and Matt Duffy on back-to-back pops up to second.

Armed with a 3-0 lead, Cotton got Ronald Guzman to pop out to first to start the bottom of the ninth. He then struck out Kyle Kubitza who was ejected by home plate umpire Junior Valentine for arguing the called third strike.

After a lengthy delay due to the ejection, Doug Bernier lined the 2-1 pitch from Cotton just over the stretched arm of Walsh in right field to break up the perfect game.

There has been two perfect games in Nashville Sounds history. Josh Wasdin threw the first on April 7, 2003 against Albuquerque, and Manny Parra tossed the most recent on June 25, 2007 in Round Rock.

The complete-game shutout for Cotton is the first of the nine-inning variety for the Sounds since Mike Fiers accomplished the feat with a three-hitter on August 31, 2011 in a 1-0 win over Iowa.

The series finale between the two teams is scheduled for Wednesday night in Round Rock. Left-hander Dillon Overton (10-4, 3.21) starts for the Sounds against left-hander Derek Holland (0-0, 0.00) for the Express. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

The 2016 season is the Sounds’ 19th year in the Pacific Coast League and their second as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

The Motlow College Foundation is planning its 23rd annual golf tournament for Friday, Sept. 9, at The Bear Trace at Tims Ford State Park.

This year’s event is sponsored by Jacobs Technology, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home, Lakeway Publishers, Nationwide Express, Southern Tennessee Regional Health System, First Vision Bank, Franklin County Industrial Board and Roscoe Brown, Inc.
Stan McNabb Automotive is sponsoring the hole-in-one contest. There will also be a closest-to-pin and longest drive contest as well as a special contest, the winner of which will win 50% of the contest proceeds.
All proceeds from the tournament benefit Motlow State Community College students primarily through scholarships including, but not limited to honors, presidential, student government and athletic scholarships.
“We are so grateful for the continued support the Motlow College Foundation receives each year from this golf tournament. Thank you to the team organizers, all participants, the hole sponsors, the event sponsors, numerous donors and the community-at-large for being a part of this fundraising event,” said Lane Yoder, director of the foundation. “Because of your long-standing generosity, the Foundation is able to improve and enrich the lives of our students through scholarship awards.”

The tournament is a four-person scramble with prizes for three places in two flights. The cost to participate is $110 per person or $440 per team which includes greens fees, cart rental, mulligans and lunch. Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. and tee time is 1:00 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is Sept. 16.

Please contact the Motlow College Foundation at 931-393-1543 or 931-393-1692 to sign up for the tournament.