Category: Sports

Tim Dillard tossed seven stellar innings on his 36th birthday and infielder Nick Solak drilled a pair of home runs to lead the Nashville Sounds to a 6-5 win over the Iowa Cubs in front of a sellout crowd of 10,975 at First Tennessee Park Friday night.

In Dillard’s third appearance in the last seven days, he limited the Cubs to two runs on five hits. He issued one walk and struck out four in his sixth win of the year.

The offense helped Dillard with four home runs – two from Solak in his First Tennessee Park debut, and one each from Andy Ibanez and Patrick Wisdom. Ibanez started the power display right away in the bottom of the first when he lined a pitch from Matt Swarmer into the left field seats to give the Sounds a 1-0 lead.

Solak’s monster game started in the second when he launched a ball off the batter’s eye to make it a 2-0 game. Patrick Wisdom followed and drilled a homer off the light tower in left-center field to give the Sounds back-to-back home runs and a 3-0 lead.

In his first game back with Nashville since being optioned by Texas on July 16, Willie Calhoun contributed RBI doubles in the second and sixth innings. His second of the night extended Nashville’s lead to 5-1.

Dillard was dialed in for much of the night. Iowa’s Phillips Evans started the top of the seventh with a triple and scored on Jim Adduci’s RBI groundout to make it a 5-2 game.

Reliever Wei-Chieh Huang was summoned for the eighth inning and trouble started immediately. Dixon Machado doubled, Donnie Dewees doubled, and Zack Short hit a two-run homer to trim Iowa’s deficit to 6-5.

Miguel Del Pozo relieved Huang and shut down the threat. Closer David Carpenter took the ninth and fired a 1-2-3 inning with a pair of strikeouts to convert his 15th save in as many opportunities.

Game two of the three-game series is scheduled for Saturday night at First Tennessee Park. Right-hander Seth Maness (5-3, 5.55) starts for Nashville against right-hander Colin Rea (11-2, 3.17) for Iowa. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Post-Game Notes

– With tonight’s 6-5 win, the Sounds improved to 41-57 in 2019.

– Nick Solak and Patrick Wisdom hit back-to-back home runs in the second inning. It was the third time a pair of Nashville teammates went back-to-back this year.

– Solak went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs in his First Tennessee Park debut. It’s Solak’s fifth multi-homer game of his career and third in 2019.

– The Sounds hit four home runs to match a season-high. It’s the fifth time the Sounds have hit four home runs in a game this year. Nashville is 19-16 when hitting at least two home runs.

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.

Coffee County Central High School Tennis Team players  Ben Davis and Lauren Perry are headed for the Junior Team Tennis TN State Championship Tournament July 19-21 2019 in Murfreesboro, TN.

Red Raiders Ben Davis and Lauren Perry are members of the Murfreesboro True Blue 18U Intermediate Junior Team Tennis Team which is advancing to the State Championship Tournament held in Murfreesboro.  The Team is coached by Davis’ Father, Lance Davis, who has recruited some of the best players from Middle Tennessee to make a solid team.  “Most of the teams in Murfreesboro Junior Team Tennis (JTT) are school-based from one of the Murfreesboro High Schools but our players are from all over and we like the variety of players our team brings to the game.” Davis said when asked about his team.  “Since we’re from all over Middle Tennessee, we’re proud to be ‘True Blue’ just like the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders!”, commented Davis.

Ben and Lauren enjoy the competition of JTT and will be taking some of that Coffee County Red Raider Spirit with them to the State Championship beginning 7/19, 2019.  Davis’ team had some success in the 2018 State Championship when they placed 2nd in their Flight of Teams in the 18U Intermediate Division.  The True Blue Team for 2019 consists of the following players:

• Ben Davis – Coffee County
• Henry Frazier – Stewarts Creek
• Josh Strickland – Stewarts Creek
• Kaleb Bell – Covenant Academy (Warren Co)
• Lauren Perry – Coffee County
• Emma Nolan – Central Magnet
• Maddie Hand – Ensworth Academy
• Jessie Thepsouvan – Oakland

The True Blue Team finished the 2019 JTT season in 3rd place overall in the 18U division standings and hopes to carry that winning percentage on to the State Championship Tournament.

Everyone is welcome to support their Coffee County Red Raiders and all the talented Junior Team Tennis Players from all over Tennessee at the JTT State Championship Tournament July 19-21 in Murfreesboro, TN at the Adams Tennis Complex and Middle Tennessee Christian School.

About Junior Team Tennis

Murfreesboro Junior Team Tennis is a United States Tennis Association (USTA) sanctioned league which is part of the USTA Southern Section of Competition.  The TN State Championship Tournament is a qualifying event for Junior Team Tennis Teams to advance through a series of tournaments to the USTA National Tournament.

The Coffee County CHS football team closed out their 7 on 7 scrimmage schedule on Thursday in Shelbyville.  7 on 7 is non-contact form of football used in the summer to work on the passing game offensively and defensively.  The Red Raiders closed out 2 weeks of “perimeter work” in the Pencil City Tournament at Shelbyville Central High with a record of 3 and 2.

Coach Doug Greene was pleased with his young team’s performance.  “We came out fast, our offense clicked and the team stayed focused” said Greene.  Greene was impressed with the continued progress shown by sophomore QB Connor Shemwell.  “Connor made some good throws and his decision-making continues to get better every week” raved Greene.  He also called out the play of Marshall Haney and Andrew Hite as each had multiple touchdowns on the day.   Defensively, Haney and C.J. Anthony each had interceptions.  Greene was pleased with the opportunity to see a Wing-T team but insists that his defense needs to do a better job of communicating.

The Raiders return to summer conditioning on Monday leading up to the first day of practice on July 29^th.  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.

Facing their toughest competition of the summer thus far, the Coffee County CHS volleyball team headed to Eagleville on Thursday for the 2^nd day of the Eagleville team camp.  Facing off against 3 quality programs including a state semifinalist from last year, the Lady Raiders had their hands full.  Despite 3 close battles, the Lady Raiders dropped all 3 contests.

Opening up against Watertown, the Lady Raiders got a 1^st set win(25 to 21) over last year’s 3^rd place team in the Class A state tournament.  The Lady Tigers rallied to win the last 2 sets by scores of 15-25, 11-15.  Taking on Summertown in the 2^nd round, the Lady Raiders tangled with a Lady Eagle team that was eliminated in the sectional round in 2018.  Coffee County won the 1^st set 25-22 before falling 18-25 and 11-15.  The Lady Raiders closed out the day with a straight set loss to old rival Lawrence County 21-25 and 21-25.

Despite the losses, head coach Andrew Taylor was pleased with the performance of his team.  “Don’t be fooled by today’s record.  We played some good volleyball today” said Taylor.  “We played and evaluated every kid in our program that was there today.  Our staff saw a lot more good than bad” added Taylor.

The Lady Raiders return to Eagleville on Friday for the final day of the camp.  They will open up against Rockvale on Friday morning at 9 AM in the 1^st round of bracket play.

The Coffee County CHS dance team closed out a 4 day camp on Thursday at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.  The Raider dancers, coached by first year head coach Ashley Kraft had a strong performance at the Universal Dance Association Camp.  The dance team received several team honors and a one dancer was named as an All-American.

The team opened competition on Monday with a 5^th place finish in the “home pom” routine receiving a Blue Superior ribbon, the highest ribbon awarded.   The team won the spirit stick and was nominated by their peers on Day 3 of camp to receive the Super Spirit Stick.  They received the highest ribbon (Blue Superior) for their team performance dance and received the highest trophy (Superior) for their individual dances.  The performance qualified them for UDA Nationals in Orlando, FL and gave them an automatic invitation to perform in the Citrus Bowl.

Senior captain Elizabeth “Lizzie” Freeze was named a UDA All-American for the Raiderettes.  Freeze, one of 2 seniors on the squad, qualified to perform in Rome, Italy for their New Year’s Day parade.  The Raiderettes perform at Coffee County football and basketball games.

The Nashville Sounds Baseball Club returns to First Tennessee Park on Friday, July 19 to begin a six-game, seven-day homestand. The Sounds welcome the Iowa Cubs from July 19-21 before a team off day on Monday, July 22. The second half of the homestand features the Sounds and Oklahoma City Dodgers from July 23-25.

Below is a preview for the six-game homestand:

 

Friday, July 19 vs. Iowa – 7:05 p.m.

– Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

– FOX 17 News postgame fireworks presented by Koorsen Fire & Security.

– Paradise at the Park Weekend – Join us in bringing Paradise Park Trailer Resort back to The Band Box. Relive memories from your favorite Broadway Trailer Resort while the players sport custom Paradise at the Park jerseys that will be auctioned to benefit Room In The Inn.

– Paradise at the Park Frozen Bundle – This one-time offer includes a ticket for the Vanderbilt Health Picnic Place, a voucher for Paradise at the Park grilled cheese and tots, a voucher for a 12 oz. frozen cocktail from The Band Box and one souvenir The Band Box drink koozie all for just $35.

– Fans can purchase Paradise Park favorites such as grilled cheese sandwiches, tater tots, corn dogs and $6 Natural Light pitchers at The Band Box.

Saturday, July 20 vs. Iowa – 7:05 p.m.

– Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

– Enjoy Saturday at the Park with visits to The Band Box and our Family Fun Zone in the right field corner.

– Paradise at the Park Weekend – Join us in bringing Paradise Park Trailer Resort back to The Band Box. Relive memories from your favorite Broadway Trailer Resort while the players sport custom Paradise at the Park that will be auctioned to benefit Room In The Inn.

– The online and mobile auction will begin at 10:00 a.m. and finish at the end of the sixth inning. Winning bidders in-ballpark will receive their game-worn signed jersey on the field post-game. Enjoy live music from The Fun Zone by The Otherside beginning at 7:00.

– Fans can purchase Paradise Park favorites such as grilled cheese sandwiches, tater tots, corn dogs and $6 Natural Light pitchers at The Band Box.

– Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee Night – Discounted tickets are available for boy scouts and families. Additionally, all scouts and families attending are invited to a movie and sleepover at First Tennessee Park following the game.

Sunday, July 21 vs. Iowa – 6:15 p.m.

– Gates open at 5:15 p.m.

– 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.

Tuesday, July 23 vs. Oklahoma City – 7:05 p.m.

– Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

– Tito’s Tail Waggin’ Tuesday – Fans can bring their four-legged friend to First Tennessee Park every Tuesday in 2019. Tickets start at $25 ($20 for humans; $5 for dog). Proceeds from all dog tickets will benefit Nashville Humane Association. Limit of one dog per human. Please note all dogs must enter through the Right Field Gate on 5th 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.

Wednesday, July 24 vs. Oklahoma City – 7:05 p.m.

– Gates open at 6:00 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.

Thursday, July 25 vs. Oklahoma City – 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.

– Christmas in July presented by GLOW Nashville – Catch the holiday spirit with Santa and the Sounds as we celebrate a big announcement at First Tennessee Park. Additionally, the first 2,000 fans receive a Santa hat presented by GLOW Nashville.

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).

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.

Nashville Soccer Club announced today that the postponed USL Championship regular season match between the club and New York Red Bulls II has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. CST at First Tennessee Park.

The originally scheduled match was abandoned at halftime on Wednesday, June 26 as severe thunderstorms swept through the region. Despite an initial 2-1 lead in favor of the home team, the rescheduled contest will be played from the opening kickoff.

Tickets for the June 26 match will be honored on Aug. 21. If fans transferred or sold their June 26 tickets, the party who received or purchased them will have access to the rescheduled match. Additional tickets are available for purchase at https://www.nashvillesc.com/tickets.

Nashville SC (9W-5L-5D, 32 pts) will be back in action on Saturday, July 27 when they host Indy Eleven at Nissan Stadium, the club’s home when they join Major League Soccer in 2020.

Become an inaugural season ticket member for MLS at https://www.nashvillesc.com/mlstickets and get access to specially priced tickets for the two USL Championship matches at Nissan Stadium on July 27 and Oct. 12, 2019.

The Coffee County Central High School volleyball team opened up camp play on Wednesday at Eagleville. The Lady Raiders played in three scrimmage games on the day. Coffee County got wins over Rockvale and Eagleville and fell to Middle Tennessee Christian.

Coffee County lost to Middle Tennessee Christian in straight sets 25-21 and 25- 17. They defeated Rockvale in straight sets 25-19 and 25-22 before getting a thrilling three-set victory over Eagleville. Coffee County won by set scores of 26-24, 24 – 26 and 15 to 11.
Coffee County Lady Raider coach Andrew Taylor complemented the play of Keelie Hillis, Lexi Bryan and Keri Munn.  “(The) girls did a good job with handling the adversity of the day” said Taylor.  “Communication and attitudes were good. Our service game, with the exception of MTCS, was solid. Offensively we are working hard on elevating and speeding up our arm swings. Defensively we need to improve our slides and positioning” added Taylor.

Coffee County returns to Eagleville on Thursday were they take on 2 state qualifiers from last season.  They open against Watertown at 1:30 before taking on Summertown at 3.  They close out the day against former district rival Lawrence County at 4:30 PM.

1st National Bank and Thunder Radio will once again join forces this fall as we continue to highlight local athletes and teams. The highly acclaimed 1st National Bank Hometown Sports Series returns for its 6th season as we highlight middle school football action from Westwood and Coffee County Middle, along with girls’ soccer and volleyball at the middle schools and at Coffee County Central High.

Highlights for the season include 4 road trips as we follow Coffee County Middle School football to Watertown and the Lady Raider volleyball team to Tullahoma.  We will also feature a Westwood football game at Cannon County and a Coffee County CHS soccer game at Lincoln County.  We will also feature Westwood volleyball visiting Coffee County Middle School for a battle of crosstown rivals.

Beginning on August 6th and continuing through the end of September, Thunder Radio will bring you a series of 19 regular season contests as we strive to spotlight Manchester’s incredible school and community spirit.  The Hometown Sports Series will continue into the postseason for the high school volleyball and soccer teams as well as any middle school football championship games in October.   Just another example of why Thunder Radio is your leader in Manchester and Coffee County sports coverage.

The tentative schedule is as follows:

 

Nashville Soccer Club eased to a 2-0 victory over in-state rival Memphis 901 FC on Wednesday night in the Bluff City, behind goals from debutant Jimmy Ockford and USL Championship leading scorer Daniel Ríos. It’s the second 2-0 win against Memphis for Nashville SC this season, completing the Tennessee Two-Step over the inaugural season club.

The first half wasn’t without a nervy moment for Nashville fans. It looked like Memphis 901 had gone ahead early in the 9’ minute when former Nashville SC and current Memphis forward Brandon Allen tapped in a goal after chaos in the box. Celebrations ensued but the assistant referee had his flag raised, disallowing the goal for offside. After a long discussion between referees, the call stood and Memphis players were left to fume over the decision.

In the 42’ minute, it was Nashville SC that struck first. A set piece won by Nashville SC in its offensive half led to cross into the box from midfielder Lebo Moloto. A slight touch was all Ockford needed to redirect the point perfect cross inside the far post to give Nashville the lead.

Early in the second half, Nashville’s leading man found his 12th goal of the season. A through ball from Alan Winn sent Ríos in all alone in the box. The league’s leading scorer made no mistake, firing high into the net to double the lead. The goal puts Ríos into a tie atop the USL Championship’s goal leaders with Phoenix Rising FC forward Solomon Asante.

From there, Nashville SC salted the victory away, taking state bragging rights and continuing its quest for a second consecutive USL Cup Playoff appearance. Memphis meanwhile languishes near the bottom of the table, with just 15 points in 18 total matches.

Here are three takeaways from the victory:

1) Immediate Impact

Newly acquired defender Jimmy Ockford earned an immediate start for Nashville SC at center back, and made an instant impact, scoring the opening goal of the match on a set piece late in the first half. It was the first goal for the defender since the 2017 season, but it couldn’t have come at a better time as it gave Nashville the lead. While the loan for Ockford is just short-term, the San Jose Earthquakes defender has already proven his value with the goal and contributing to the clean sheet for Nashville.

2) Much Needed Clean Sheet

It hasn’t been a great run lately for the Nashville defense, giving up eight goals in its last four matches. The clean sheet on Wednesday night against a rival was the perfect remedy. It’s the 7th clean sheet of the year for the Nashville backline and 5th of the year for keeper Matt Pickens who made three big saves.

3) Ríos at the Top

The second consecutive match with a Daniel Ríos goal puts the Mexican forward in a tie at the top of the USL Championship leaders with 12 goals this season. Ríos was the club’s first MLS signing in the offseason, and he has shown why all season, with 12 goals in 19 matches. He is on his way to becoming the first player in USL Championship history to scored 20 goals in consecutive seasons and potentially winning the league’s Golden Boot for being the top scorer at the end of the season.

Up Next

Nashville SC’s premier match of the summer is now on deck as Nashville will take on Indy Eleven at Nissan Stadium on July 27 at 7 p.m. The matchup will allow fans a preview of Nashville SC at Nissan leading into the 2020 MLS season. Tickets are available here.