Category: Sports

Signups for the Manchester Youth Football League resume on Saturday at the Manchester Recreation Center. The signups will be held from 9 AM to 1 PM for the football players AND cheerleaders. The MYFL is looking for boys and girls ages 5 to 12 for the league for the upcoming fall season.  The MYFL will also hold registration days on Saturday, June 9th and  Saturday, June 16th.  The league will begin practices in July.  Folks needing more information, or wishing to register online, can visit the league’s website at: MYFLRaiders.com

MYFL league president Lawrence Phillips and cheer coordinator Kristy Cassel were guests on Saturday’s Coffee Coaches Show talking about the upcoming season. They were also excited to announce that the MYFL home games will be moved to Carden-Jarrell Field this year beginning in August. “It is a chance for the little Raiders to play on the same field that the big Raiders play on” said Phillips. You can listen to their whole interview by downloading the Coffee Coaches Show podcast at: https://www.podcastgarden.com/login/audio-28/28184/CCS052618Podcast.mp3

Jake Smolinski clubbed a pair of home runs and the Nashville Honky Tonks hit four as a team on their way to an 8-6 win over the Round Rock Dance Halls Thursday night at Dell Diamond. The win in Round Rock evened the 2018 Battle for the Boot at one game each.

Smolinski wasted little time getting his big night started when he launched a solo homer in the top of the first inning to give Nashville a 1-0 lead. The center fielder finished the night a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.

The early lead didn’t last long as Christian Lopes hit a solo homer of his own in the bottom of the first to even the game at 1-1. Nashville never trailed, but every time the Honky Tonks scored, the Dance Halls answered.

Jorge Mateo and Nick Martini drove in runs in the third, and Sheldon Neuse and Steve Lombardozzi knocked in runs in the fourth to extend Nashville’s lead to 5-1. Lombardozzi’s solo blast in the fourth was his first home run of the season.

Round Rock answered with a four-run bottom of the fourth inning to even the game at 5-5, but the Honky Tonks regained the lead with the help of an error in the top of the sixth.

With the game tied at 6-6 in the top of the seventh, Smolinski drilled his second home run of the game, an upper-deck blast to left field to give the Honky Tonks a 7-6 lead. Anthony Garcia gave Nashville an insurance run when he followed Smolinski with a solo blast of his own to extend the lead to 8-6.

The bullpen trio of Liam Hendriks, J.B. Wendelken and Bobby Wahl shut down Round Rock over the final four innings to lock in the win. Wahl earned his sixth save in as many opportunities.

Game three of the five-game series is scheduled for Friday night in Round Rock. Right-hander Ben Bracewell starts for the Honky Tonks in his first Triple-A start of 2018 against left-hander Yohander Mendez (0-5, 5.18) for the Dance Halls. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Post-Game Notes

• With tonight’s 8-6 win, Nashville improved to 27-25 on the season.
• Nashville matched a season-high four home runs in tonight’s win (Smolinski (2), Garcia, Lombardozzi).
• CF Jake Smolinski hit a pair of home runs in tonight’s game to become the fifth Nashville player to record a multi-homer game this year.
• Smolinski and DH Anthony Garcia hit back-to-back home runs in the seventh inning to become the first pair of Nashville teammates to hit back-to-back home runs this year.
• RHP Liam Hendriks appeared on rehab assignment tonight and pitched a scoreless sixth inning.
• Nick Martini extended his consecutive on-base streak to 39 games when he singled to lead off the game. Martini’s streak is the longest by a Nashville player in the Pacific Coast League era. It’s the longest active streak in the Pacific Coast League. Since April 14, Martini has reached safely in every game he has played in.
• Hendriks, J.B. Wendelken and Bobby Wahl combined to strike out six over four scoreless innings.

The 2018 season is the Sounds’ 41^st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Single-game tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

The 15U and 17U CHS baseball teams will begin play tonight in a weekend of tournament baseball.  Coach David Martin has assembled 2 teams of players from the 2019 CHS Red Raider baseball team to play together this summer.  CHS assistant coach Parker Gunn of the CHS staff is coaching the 17U squad while assistant coaches Jake Stephens and Jeff Houch are heading up the 15U team.  Coach Martin is working with both teams.

The 17U team begins play tonight in the Tomahawk Classic in Winchester.  The Red Raiders will take on Community at 7:15 at the Gamble Sports Complex.  Coffee County will play Marshall County on Friday night at 7 PM before closing out with a doubleheader on Saturday.  The Red Raiders will take on Franklin County at 9 AM and Central Magnet at 1 PM.

The 15U team will be playing in Tullahoma this weekend in the American Legion Post 43 Tournament.  Coffee County will open play with a doubleheader on Friday at Grider Stadium.  The Red Raiders will take on Tullahoma at 10 AM and Shelbyville at 2 PM. Coffee County will finish up play on Saturday with a noon game against Community.

Coach David Martin will be a guest on Saturday’s Coffee Coaches Show to talk about the summer program and give the fans an update on their progress in the 2 tournaments.  The Coffee Coaches Show is broadcast live each Saturday morning from 10 to 11 AM from the showroom of Al White Ford/Lincoln.  The Coffee Coaches Show is heard exclusively here on Thunder Radio.

The Round Rock Dance Halls used a four-run third inning to defeat the Nashville Honky Tonks 8-1 Wednesday night. The victory puts the Dance Halls in front 1-0 in the nine-game Battle for the Boot series.

A pair of two-out two-run home runs in the third inning gave Round Rock all the separation it needed to secure the victory. After the first two batters were retired by Honky Tonks starter Eric Jokisch, the next five reached base. Tony Sanchez doubled then Tommy Joseph homered. Andy Ibanez kept the rally going with a single and came around to score on Cameron Rupp’s opposite field blast.

Nashville threatened to put together a two-out rally of its own in the fourth inning after back to back base hits from Sheldon Neuse and BJ Boyd put runners on the corners but Michael Roth induced a ground ball from Steve Lombardozzi to keep the score 5-1 in favor of the Dance Halls.

The Honky Tonks plated their lone run of the game in the second inning as they loaded the bases with no outs. All they could muster, however was a sacrifice fly from Boyd.

Honky Tonks reliever Jarret Martin struggled in his Triple-A debut as he walked four of the seven batters he faced and allowed two runs in the sixth inning.

Nashville loaded the bases again in the seventh inning with three singles but were unable to chip away at the 8-1 deficit as all three base runners were left stranded. Jake Sanchez and Jeremy Bleich each allowed two hits and fanned three batters without allowing a run out of the Honky Tonks’ bullpen.

Game two of the five-game series is scheduled for Thursday night at Dell Diamond. Right-hander Jame Naile (4-5, 3.38) starts for the Honky Tonks against left-hander David Hurlbut (1-4, 5.21) for the Dance Halls. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Post-Game Notes

• With tonight’s 8-1 loss, Nashville dropped to 26-25 on the season.
• After scoring just one run tonight, Nashville has scored just 25 runs in its last 11 games and has scored two or fewer runs in seven of those games.
• Honky Tonks starter Eric Jokisch entered tonight needing to pitch 2 2/3 innings to reach the 1,000-inning milestone. He lasted five innings. Jokisch has now allowed four or more runs in seven of his 10 outings this season.
• Jokisch was ahead in the count on all seven hits he allowed.
• The Honky Tonks matched a season-high by walking eight batters.
• For just the third time this season Nashville lost a game in which it tallied at least 10 hits. They are now 11-3 in such games.
• Nick Martini extended his consecutive on-base streak to 38 games when he singled to lead off the game. Martini’s streak is the longest by a Nashville player in the Pacific Coast League era. It’s the longest active streak in the Pacific Coast League. Since April 14, Martini has reached safely in every game he has played in.
• Nashville have now split the all-time series 105-105.

The 2018 season is the Sounds’ 41^st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Single-game tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

Brandon Allen of Nashville SC

Nashville SC beat the toughest defense in the USL, on the road, to earn a massive three points on Wednesday night. New forward Brandon Allen scored his first USL goal for Nashville SC in the 69’ minute to secure the 1-0 win over Pittsburgh as Matt Pickens recorded his league-leading 6th shutout of the season.

It’s the first loss for the Riverhounds this season, and it was the first goal given up at home by Pittsburgh.  Brandon Allen scored a tap-in goal from a corner kick in the 69th minute, and that wound up being all the offense Nashville needed to score a 1-0 win and keep their impressive recent run of form going Wednesday night.

Allen’s goal, off a scrambled corner, was the first goal allowed by the Riverhounds at home all season and was Nashville’s first shot on goal in the match. The go-ahead goal was Allen’s second goal with Nashville in all competitions and the first one in USL play.

Pittsburgh, earning its first loss of the USL season, controlled play for most of the game and had more scoring chances in the match. But like the scoreless March game at Nissan Stadium, the Riverhounds failed to capitalize on their opportunities.

Nashville is unbeaten in the last five USL games and seven in all competitions, emphasized more so because Nashville has played five of its last six USL games on the road. Five of Nashville’s next six contests will be played at home going forward.

Tuesday’s game between the Nashville Sounds and Oklahoma City Dodgers has been postponed due to rain and severe weather from Subtropical Storm Alberto.

A makeup date has not been announced but will be played when the Dodgers return to First Tennessee Park from July 20-22.

Fans with a ticket to tonight’s game can exchange it for any remaining 2018 regular season game for a ticket of equal or lesser value, subject to availability. Tickets may be exchanged at the First Tennessee Park Box Office.

The Sounds travel to Texas to begin a five-game series with the Round Rock Express set to begin Wednesday night. Wednesday’s game is the start of the 2018 Battle for the Boot which has the Sounds transforming into the Nashville Honky Tonks and the Express changing to the Round Rock Dance Halls. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Dell Diamond.

The 2018 season is the Sounds’ 41^st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Single-game tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

Steve Lombardozzi’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted the Nashville Sounds to a 3-2 win over the Oklahoma City Dodgers in front of 7,105 fans at First Tennessee Park Monday afternoon.

Lombardozzi hit the first pitch he saw from Adam Liberatore down the left field line and off the wall to easily score Jake Smolinski from third. The inning began with a sharp single to left field by Smolinski and continued when Beau Taylor was hit by a Liberatore pitch.

Sheldon Neuse dropped down a sacrifice bunt to put runners at second and third with one out. The Dodgers elected to intentionally walk pinch-hitter Josh Phegley to load the bases for Lombardozzi who delivered Nashville’s fifth walk-off winner of the season.

The Sounds’ offense was stuck in neutral for most of the afternoon. Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth, Nashville took advantage of two walks and an error to even the game at 2-2.

Chris Bassitt gave the Sounds a quality start with six solid innings. He allowed two runs on eight hits in his first start back since being optioned by Oakland. He stuck out a season-high eight batters in a no-decision.

The bullpen combination of Josh Lucas and Bobby Wahl kept it a 2-2 game in the late innings. Lucas threw two scoreless innings before turning it over to Wahl who pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to set up the walk-off in the bottom half of the inning.

The fifth and final game of the series is scheduled for Tuesday night at First Tennessee Park. Left-hander Eric Jokisch (1-5, 5.01) starts for the Sounds against right-hander Dennis Santana (1-1, 2.45) for the Dodgers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Post-Game Notes

• With today’s 3-2 win, the Sounds improved to 26-24 on the season.
• Today’s walk-off was the fifth of the season for Nashville. It was the second time Lombardozzi was involved as he scored the winning run on April 26 vs. New Orleans.
• The Sounds improved to 11-4 in one-run games.
• Nashville pitcher Chris Bassitt notched his first quality start (6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K) of the season and the 11^th for Sounds pitchers in the month of May.

The 2018 season is the Sounds’ 41^st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics’ top affiliate. Single-game tickets are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.

As Nashville continues to boom, it is attracting some of the best sporting events in the world. On Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Soccer Federation and Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación announced that Nissan Stadium in Nashville would play host to a U.S. vs. Mexico men’s soccer friendly, presented by AT&T, on September 11. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT and will air live on ESPN, UniMas and UDN.

The matchup will take place in the first FIFA international window after the conclusion of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It’s the first time the legendary rivalry will make a stop in Nashville, and Nashville SC fans will be able to win tickets before they are available to be purchased by following @NashvilleSC on social media.

Nashville SC Season Ticket Members will have a presale opportunity before tickets to the U.S./Mexico match go on sale to the general public. There are fewer than 50 Nashville SC Season Ticket Memberships remaining so fans will need to act fast to receive the presale opportunity.

The rivalry is the second soccer game to be announced at Nissan Stadium this month. Last week, CONCACAF announced that Nissan Stadium would be one of the venues for the 2019 Gold Cup. Which round of the tournament will be at Nissan remains to be seen, but Nashville SC fans and Season Ticket Members will get the same perks for both the Gold Cup and U.S./Mexico friendly.

To purchase Nashville SC season tickets, visit NashvilleSC.com/seasontickets or call a ticket representative at (615) 457-8200.

Fans should consider purchasing a U.S. Soccer Membership (only $55 for a one-year term at membership.ussoccer.com). New Members who join by June 14, 2018 (Flag Day in the USA) will have the opportunity to buy tickets for USA vs. Mexico before those on U.S. Soccer’s social media channels, plus receive other benefits, like a Member-exclusive scarf and a ten-percent discount on purchases at store.ussoccer.com.

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Tuesday the promotions of Jeff Kealty to Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting; Brian Poile to Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations; and Scott Nichol to General Manager of the Milwaukee Admirals and Director of Player Development. The moves come after former Predators Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton was hired as General Manager of the Minnesota Wild.

“We’d like to thank Paul for his 20-plus years of contributions to our franchise. He has an incredible scouting eye and played a major role in our organization’s success of building and developing young, homegrown talent,” said David Poile. “At the same time, we are excited to have these three individuals move into expanded roles within our department and to be able to promote from within our organization.”

“Paul leaves behind an incredible legacy within our organization, and we couldn’t be more thankful to him or more excited for him on his next voyage,” said Predators President/CEO Sean Henry. “I’m also very excited for Jeff Kealty, Brian Poile and Scott Nichol on their promotions, new roles and added responsibilities. By promoting from within, it really pays the ultimate compliment to what David Poile has constructed in Smashville.”

Kealty, who recently completed his 17th season with the Predators organization, will oversee Nashville’s professional and amateur scouting efforts. Before being promoted to Director of Player Personnel on Dec. 1, 2017, Kealty spent 11 seasons as Nashville’s Chief Amateur Scout and oversaw the team’s last 10 NHL Drafts. Since 2007, Kealty has selected 42 forwards, 25 defensemen and 10 goalies, and his scouting played an integral role in the acquisitions of Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, Calle Jarnkrok and Ryan Hartman. With his experience in amateur scouting all over the world and development of prospects within the Predators system, 13 players who were drafted by the Predators during his tenure are on the team’s current roster, including Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm, Viktor Arvidsson, Kevin Fiala, Colton Sissons, Craig Smith, Austin Watson and Juuse Saros. Players drafted under Kealty’s watch combined for 339 points (136g-203a) during the 2017-18 regular season, helping Nashville win the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time. Prior to joining the Predators organization as an amateur scout in 2001, Kealty signed with Nashville as a free agent in 1998 and played one professional season with the Admirals in 1998-99.

In his expanded role, Brian Poile will manage the research, negotiation and handling of player contracts, fiscal strategic planning, arbitration, oversight of minor league operations in Milwaukee and at the ECHL level and the hockey operations budget. Poile, who recently completed his eighth season with the team, will also act as the liaison between hockey operations and the organization’s business departments, hockey facilities and Bridgestone Arena ventures. He will continue to carry out his responsibilities as the team’s Director of Hockey Operations, which include managing the payroll, salary cap, the team’s analytics department, the training, medical and equipment staffs and the department’s day-to-day business operations.

Nichol will manage the Predators’ primary development affiliate, the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals, in addition to his current role as Director of Player Development. He will work closely with Assistant Director of Player Development Wade Redden in following, evaluating and assisting prospects drafted by Nashville. During Nichol’s five seasons of guidance in his player development role in Milwaukee, he has helped players such as Filip Forsberg, Kevin Fiala, Viktor Arvidsson, Colton Sissons, Austin Watson, Miikka Salomaki and Anthony Bitetto secure full-time spots in the NHL and lead the team to the playoffs in each of their last four campaigns. Nichol will move to Nashville for the position and will also be available as a resource to Predators players and coaches at the NHL level. During his 20-season professional career, Nichol recorded 127 points (56g-71a) in 662 NHL games, including 47 points (24g-23a) in 209 contests with the Predators from 2005-09.