Category: Sports

The Nashville Sounds blew a late 4-1 lead and eventually lost to the El Paso Chihuahuas, 6-4, in front of 7,086 fans on Tuesday night at First Tennessee Park.

The Chihuahuas got a run-scoring fielder’s choice by Austin Allen and an RBI single by Seth Mejias-Brean in the top of the 10th inning to provide the difference.

Nashville starter Wes Benjamin turned in his best performance of the season but did not factor into the decision after the Sounds coughed up a lead. The southpaw tossed a season-high 6 2/3 innings and limited the Chihuahuas to one run on six hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out six.

The Sounds broke up a scoreless game with a three-spot in the bottom of the fourth inning. Nick Solak started the rally with a one-out single and Patrick Wisdom reached on a fielding error by El Paso.

Jose Trevino plated the first run of the game with a run-scoring double and Christian Lopesfollowed suit with another RBI double to make it a 2-0 game. Zack Granite knocked in the third run of the inning with a sacrifice fly and the Sounds took a 3-0 lead to the fifth.

The lone run Benjamin allowed was on Travis Jankowski‘s RBI single in the fifth. Nashville got the run right back in the sixth when Nick Solak belted a solo homer off the batter’s eye in center field. It was Solak’s fifth home run in 12 games with the Sounds and his 22nd overall in 2019.

Shane Carle took over on the mound for the Sounds in the eighth and ran into immediate trouble when Jankowski reached on an infield single. After Carle retired Michael Gettys for the first out, El Paso had consecutive run-scoring hits by Josh Naylor, Ty France and Austin Allen to even the game at 4-4.

Game two of the three-game series is scheduled for Wednesday night at First Tennessee Park. Right-hander Austin Bibens-Dirkx (0-3, 7.23) starts for Nashville against left-hander Logan Allen(4-3, 5.15) for El Paso. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Post-Game Notes

– With tonight’s 6-4 loss, the Sounds dropped to 44-62 in 2019.

– Wes Benjamin threw a season-high 6.2 innings (6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K).

– Scott Heineman‘s single in the second inning extended his hitting streak to 10 games. During the streak, Heineman is hitting .390 (16-for-41) with 9 runs scored, 2 home runs and 6 RBI.

– With tonight’s loss, the Sounds are now 2-4 in extra-inning games.

The 2019 season is the 42nd in Nashville Sounds franchise history and first as the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Single-game tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

A goal at Nissan Stadium was enough to earn Alan Winn a spot on the USL Championship team of the Week announced on Tuesday afternoon by the league. It is the second consecutive week that Winn has been honored by the Championship after appearing on the Team of the Week bench last week.

Winn was a dynamic presence on the wing for Nashville all night against Indy Eleven on Saturday. In addition to scoring the team’s second goal of the first half, Winn had three key passes (passes leading to shots) and completed 37 of his 40 passes on the evening. Known for his ability to dribble around and past defenders, the 23-year-old successfully completed six of his seven dribbles in the victory.

The inclusion of Winn in the Team of the Week gives Nashville a fifth player to make Team of the Week in 2019 as Winn joins Ken Tribbett (x2), Daniel Ríos, Matt Pickens and Kosuke Kimura to make a Team of the Week. It’s the 12th time overall that a player has been honored by a spot on the Team or the bench from Nashville SC this season.

Nashville SC will be return to the pitch on Saturday when it travels to take on Swope Park Rangers in Kansas City at 7 p.m. Nashville returns home to First Tennessee Park on August 7 against Hartford Athletic presented by Puckett’s. Tickets to the match are still available

The Coffee County Red Raider football team put on full pads for the first time this summer on Monday.  In the first day allowed in full pads by TSSAA, the 60+ Red Raiders worked out for about 2 hours in the Monday afternoon heat.

Coach Doug Greene was pleased with the day.  “The kids were excited about being out here in pads” said Greene.  “I thought they transitioned well(between practice periods) and did not waste any time.”  He was pleased with his teams improvement in tackling.  “Our execution of the run game is better right now than I hoped it would be.  Defensively, I think we finally have our players in the right spots.  There is a good culture here, the old guys are helping the young guys and they are competing in practice” added Greene.

The Red Raiders will host their first scrimmage on Friday, August 2^nd when they welcome Stewarts Creek to Carden-Jarrell Field in a varsity/freshman doubleheader.  That scrimmage will get underway at 5:30 PM.  The public is urged to come out and show their support.

The Red Raiders will open the 2019 season on August 23rd when they travel to Winchester to take on Franklin County.  That game will kick-off at 7 PM and as always, Thunder Radio will be on hand to bring you every second of every game.

Looking to defend their 2017 and 2018 district and region titles, the Coffee County CHS golf team will open the 2019 season on the road on Tuesday.  The Red Raider golfers, coming off a 3rd place finish in the state last year, will travel to Fayetteville for an 18 hole match against Lincoln County.

The Red Raiders, who finished 2018 with a record breaking match record of 80 and 7 last year, will be led by a talented, but young squad led by sophomore Logan Hale.  The Red Raider team will be represented by 7 underclassman who will fight to write their own legacy.  For the first time since 2016, Coffee County will also field a Lady Raider team.  Freshmen Cadie Prater and Maggie Crouch will represent the Lady Raiders.

The Raider linksters will travel to Cookeville next Tuesday, August 6th for an 18 hole match.  Coffee County will also play Grundy County at Sewanee on Thursday, August 8th before their first home match.  The Raiders first home match will be on Thursday, August 15th at Willowbrook when they welcome Warren County, Tullahoma and Grundy County for a 18 hole match.

by Jim Wyatt, TitansOnline.com

The Titans hit the field at Saint Thomas Sports Park on Monday for the fourth day of training camp.

Here’s a look at what stood out on Day 4:

-The Titans practiced in full pads for the second straight day.

-Guard Nate Davis worked extensively with the first team at right guard. He was joined on the first team by Dennis Kelly (LT), Rodger Saffold (LG), Ben Jones (C), and Jack Conklin (RT).

-Rookie safety Amani Hooker continues to get first-team reps in a three-safety look with Kevin Byard and Kenny Vaccaro. Hooker hasn’t looked overwhelmed. He has great instincts and has been around the football.

-Running back Alex Barnes is taking advantage of his opportunities. He got his teammates jacked up by showing some toughness in a 1-on-1 drill at the start of practice, when he proved tough to tackle.

-Receiver Corey Davis made the catch of the day again on Monday, snatching a football out of the air with one hand in a team drill.

-Quarterback Marcus Mariota had another good day. He was mostly accurate, even though he threw a really bad ball on a deep pass intended for receiver Tajae Sharpe. Mariota’s pass fluttered in the air, and it allowed cornerback Malcolm Butler to close in on Sharpe, and tip the ball into the air, where the previously mentioned Hooker intercepted it.

-Tight end Anthony Firkser had a really good day. It seemed like he was catching a pass every time I looked up.

-Tight end Delanie Walker, guard Rodger Saffold, linebacker Wesley Woodyard, and outside linebacker Cameron Wake all returned to practice after being held out on Sunday.

-Receiver Cameron Batson left practice early with trainers after coming down hard after making a sideline catch.

-Former Vanderbilt safety LaDarius Wiley had a scoop and score when he picked up Ryan Tannehill’s mishandled snap and went the other way. F.L.Y.’s (Fast Life Yungstaz) Swag Surfin’, played on the reg’ at Vanderbilt Stadium on Saturdays, just happened to be playing as Wiley sprinted to the end zone.

-During a one-on-one period early, Darius Jennings, Cody Hollister, Jalen Tolliver, Adam Humphries, Anthony Ratliff-Williams, Kalif Raymond, Tajae Sharpe, Taywan Taylor, Davis and Batson all made catches. Sharpe, Taylor and Batson all beat their men deep. Raymond made a juggling catch in this period.

-Defensive backs made plenty of nice plays in the aforementioned 1-on-1 drill, as Logan Ryan, LeShaun Sims, and Kareem Orr were among those who got stops.

-Humphries, Batson, Joseph Parker and Adoree’ Jackson all fielded punts during a special teams period.

-Linebackers Rashaan Evans and Sharif Finch were active in a team period early in practice, making stops near the line of scrimmage. Linebackers Jayon Brown, Wesley Woodyard and Kamalei Correa also showed up here.

-I mentioned Barnes earlier. Well, running back Jeremy McNichols has gotten my attention the most among the backs not named Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. Henry, of course, hasn’t been practicing. McNichols drew praise from coaches when he bounced a run to the outside for a nice gain. Taywan Taylor got an assist for a nice block.

-Tight end Ryan Hewitt, acquired in June after playing previously with the Bengals and Colts, has been lining up at fullback.

-Cornerback Kenneth Durden made a nice breakup on Monday.

-Defensive lineman Frank Herron stuffed a run at the line of scrimmage.

-In a third down period, Corey Davis, Anthony Firkser and Tajae Sharpe all had nice catches.

-Defensive back Joshua Kalu intercepted quarterback Logan Woodside on a nice play at the boundary. Cornerback D’Andre Payne made a nice play in this period, too.

-Ratliff Williams, an undrafted free agent from North Carolina, caught a short pass from Woodside and turned it into a long touchdown when he busted into the clear and outran defenders.

-The Titans have their first off day of training camp scheduled for Tuesday.

Next practice: Wednesday, 9:50 a.m.-noon (Open to fans).

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club returns to First Tennessee Park on Tuesday, July 30 to begin a seven-game homestand. The Sounds welcome the El Paso Chihuahuas for a three-game series from July 30-August 1 and the Albuquerque Isotopes for four games from August 2-5.

Below is a preview for the seven-game homestand:

Tuesday, July 30 vs. El Paso – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• Tito’s Tail Waggin’ Tuesday – It’s the last chance in 2019 for fans can bring their four-legged friend to First Tennessee Park. Tickets start at $25 ($20 for humans; $5 for dog). Proceeds from all dog tickets will benefit Bonaparte’s Retreat. Limit of one dog per human. Please note all dogs must enter through the Right Field Gate on 5^th Avenue. The Vanderbilt Health Picnic Place will be reserved for all dogs and owners in attendance. All dog owners are required to sign a waiver and present proof of updated rabies vaccination.
• Taco Tuesday – Trade in your hot dogs for tacos as the Sounds bring back Taco Tuesday. Starting at $60, fans receive a Club Level ticket, pregame all-you-can-eat, build-your-own taco bar (from 6:00-8:00 p.m.) on the Budweiser Deck, unlimited Estrella Jalisco & Bud Light draft beer (available until last call), unlimited sweet tea, lemonade and water, and exclusive access to the Brauer Lounge and Budweiser Deck.

Wednesday, July 31 vs. El Paso – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
• All fans win on Winning Wednesday presented by Pepsi at First Tennessee Park. The first 1,000 fans through the gates are guaranteed a free prize. Additionally, all fans are welcome to run the bases after the game if the Sounds win.
• Faith and Family Worship Night – Join the Sounds for a night of worship and baseball at First Tennessee Park. Ryan Stevenson performs a pre-game concert near the Family Fun Zone with worship set to begin at 6:00. Fans attending Faith and Family Worship Night can receive a $2 ticket discount by ordering tickets online.

Thursday, August 1 vs. El Paso – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• Throwback Thursday presented by Budweiser – the Sounds will wear throwback uniforms to commemorate the team’s original uniform style from 1978. Fans can purchase Pepsi fountain soda and Budweiser products at a discounted rate.
• Throwback Reversible Bucket Hat Giveaway to the first 2,000 fans.

Friday, August 2 vs. Albuquerque – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• FOX 17 News postgame fireworks presented by Koorsen Fire & Security.

Saturday, August 3 vs. Albuquerque – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• An Evening in Bachville – Notable contestants from ABC’s hit reality show “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” will be attending the game. Fans can purchase the VIP Bachville package that includes early entry into First Tennessee Park at 4:30 p.m., a special Q&A session at 5:00 and an exclusive pregame cocktail party at 5:30. The VIP Bachville package is $25 and includes a ticket to the game.
• Enjoy Saturday at the Park with visits to The Band Box and our Family Fun Zone in the right field corner

Sunday, August 4 vs. Albuquerque – 6:15 p.m.

• Gates open at 5:15 p.m.
• Kids Backpack Giveaway to the first 1,000 fans 12 & under presented by Delek US.
• Middle Tennessee Hyundai Dealers pre-game autograph session with select Sounds players from 5:15 to 5:30 p.m.
• Postgame Kids (12 & under) Run the Bases presented by First Tennessee.
• First Responders Night – Join the Sounds as we honor First Responders at First Tennessee Park. Arrive early to experience vehicle displays and see a helicopter drop in over centerfield pre-game. First Responders can receive a $2 ticket discount by ordering tickets online.

Monday, August 5 vs. Albuquerque – 7:05 p.m.

• Gates open at 6:00 p.m.
• Kroger Plus Monday – Score a “Family 4-Pack” that includes 4 Select section tickets, 4 hot dogs & 4 fountain sodas for $44 when fans show their Kroger Plus card at the Sounds Ticket Office. Offer is subject to availability.

Seniors and Military families can enjoy a $2.00 discount on single-game ticket prices at First Tennessee Park. The offer is valid for any reserved seat section on Sunday through Wednesday games – subject to availability. Offer valid for up to four (4) tickets per I.D. (Seniors 55 +, government-issued military I.D. required at ticket office; no phone orders).

After a summer of conditioning, weight-lifting, 7 on 7 competition and practices in “shells”, the Red Raider football team will have their first summer practice in full pads on Monday.  After Media Day pictures on Sunday, Coffee County will don the pads for a 3:30 PM practice Monday at CHS.

The Red Raiders will host their first scrimmage on Friday, August 2^nd when they welcome Stewarts Creek to Carden-Jarrell Field in a varsity/freshman doubleheader.  That scrimmage will get underway at 5:30 PM.

The Red Raiders will open the 2019 season on August 23rd when they travel to Winchester to take on Franklin County.  That game will kick-off at 7 PM and as always, Thunder Radio will be on hand to bring you every second of every game.

Eighteen members of the Coffee County Claybusters have traveled to Sparta, Illinois for the American Trapshooting Association(ATA) AIM Grand American World Trapshooting Championships.  The Claybusters will compete on Monday and TUesday at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta , IL

The Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) is the official governing body of the sport of Trapshooting and was founded in 1889. The purpose of AIM is to provide a safe and positive experience with firearms and registered trapshooting for youth, elementary school through college age. AIM encourages good sportsmanship and personal responsibility through competition while establishing the foundation to make trapshooting a lifelong avocation.

Members of the Claybusters are no stranger to the event as it has served as the season ending event for the team each year.  Last season, the Claybusters earned 3 team titles in their strongest performance ever.

To get more information about the Claybusters, you can visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/145542225487727/  The Claybusters are coached by Scott Dickson, Barry Carlton, and Heath Jacobs.

Al White Ford/Lincoln, in conjunction with Lincoln Motor Company, hosted a Driven to Give Event to benefit the Coffee County Central High School track team. The event, which was held on March 9th, earned $7,960 for the Raider harriers. A check was presented to the team at a ceremony in the Al White showroom on Saturday.

Al White Ford/Lincoln raised over $850,000 last school year for schools and teams through test drive events like this one with both Ford and Lincoln. Over the past 4 years, Al White has helped raise well over a quarter of a million dollars for the community through these events. Baxter White coordinates the test drive program for the dealership. Al White’s test drive program will ramp up for the school year in September.

It has been a dream season for Daniel Ríos and Nashville SC, so of course Nashville’s star forward scored the first goal in the club’s Nissan Stadium history. A give-and-go between Ríos and captain Michael Reed resulted in Ríos’ 13th goal of the season. He’s Nashville’s leading scorer, the USL Championship Eastern Conference’s leading scorer and the second-highest scorer in the league.

Ríos’ goal in the 24’ minute was the first for Nashville in three matches at Nissan after the venue played host to two nil-nil draws last season.

In the 42’ minute, forward Alan Winn doubled the lead on swerving run into the box. It was his second of the year in USL Championship play, while midfielder Lebo Moloto, who played him the ball in space, added his team-leading 7th assist on Winn’s goal.

Nashville SC keeper Matt Pickens was tested throughout the match. The MLS veteran made multiple highlight reel saves to keep his sixth clean sheet of the season. Pickens was credited with four saves, but his best came early in the second half when he made a quick reaction save to slap a shot off the line from Indy Eleven captain Paddy Barrett.

Overall, it was the eighth clean sheet of the season for the Nashville defense and the first win in club history over Indy Eleven.

Here are three takeaways from the huge win.

1) Curse Broken

It lasted two full matches plus 24 minutes, but Daniel Ríos broke the scoreless streak for Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium. The upcoming home for Nashville SC in Major League Soccer had seen two nil-nil draws played by Nashville SC last season, leaving the Boys in Gold still searching for their first goal at Nissan.

It made sense for it to come off the boot of Daniel Ríos, who was named Nashville SC’s first MLS player back in November of 2018 and has piled up goals in his first season. The interplay between Ríos and Michael Reed in the build-up to the goal was beautiful, and it resulted in an easy strike to break the streak.

2) New Look Defense Looks Legit

Nashville newcomers Jimmy Ockford and Forrest Lasso didn’t look like newcomers in each’s first home match. The two centerbacks were in sync all night to lock down the clean sheet. That, paired with Ken Tribbett’s return to the field as a second half substitute, was exactly what the doctor ordered for Nashville’s defense.

A unit that struggled following the injury to Tribbett in June looked refreshed in its second straight clean sheet, looking more like the defense that Nashville SC sported much of last season. This version of the NSC backline will be tough to break for any team the remainder of the USL Championship season.

3) A Big Crowd Sees Victory

It was billed as a “Preview at Nissan Stadium,” and the fifth-largest crowd to see a USL Championship match this season was treated to a win on Saturday night. The 13,047 filled both sides of the lower bowl at Nissan Stadium while the supporters filed into the North endzone, accompanied with lights and smoke, giving Nissan the feel of MLS.

The crowds will only get bigger for Major League Soccer in 2020, but Saturday night was impressive for Nashville SC and the Music City both on and off the field.

Up Next

Nashville SC will have a normal week as it prepares for a one-match roadtrip to Swope Park Rangers in Kansas City next Saturday, August 3. Swope Park sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference table and is a team that Nashville SC already beat this season 5-1 at First Tennessee Park.