Category: Sports

Kickin’ Cancer Playday Schedule (click to enlarge and print)

The Coffee County Middle School soccer team will hold their 12th annual soccer playday on Saturday on their home pitch at CCMS. Since 2011, Coach Travis O’Kelley and the booster club have added a service element to the event as it is known as the “Kickin’ Cancer Play Day.” The event begins at 9 AM and will conclude just before 6 PM. Eight different schools, from 6 different counties will be in attendance as the teams will play varsity and JV “halves” throughout the day.
In 2011, a portion of the proceeds went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Beginning in 2012, the beneficiary became the Middle Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition as it is a local organization which would ensure that the funds donated would go to someone in this area. “Many of us, including players, have friends or even family members who have been affected by breast cancer” said O’Kelley. He went on to say “This is a good opportunity for our players to learn the importance of getting involved with a cause and giving back to their community.” Since they began raising money, O’Kelley estimates that CCMS Girls Soccer has contributed between $1,600 and $2,000 to these organizations.

The Coffee County Lady Raider softball team would like to invite all former players and coaches to sign up to attend the 1st Annual Coffee County Lady Raider Softball Alumni Game to be held on Saturday, August 13th at 1 PM at Terry Floyd Field. There is a $10 fee to register and all alumni will receive a t-shirt. The will be a lot of activiites for the whole family.  There will be concessions, a silent auction, a dunking booth and even a bounce house for the kids. If you need more information, contact Ashley Harrell Jernigan at 931-273-1597 or visit the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/216795455335079/

Coffee County Central High School will be hosting the Central Tennessee Fall League at Manchester’s Powers Field. The league is set to begin around the end of August and will be determined once area player participation is clarified.

League Info can be found at www.HSFBL.com. Players from 450+ High Schools played in our leagues in 2015.

• Players can access the HSFBL Flyer at: http://www.hsfbl.com/2016%20hsfbl%20flyer.pdf
• 2016 League Registration is now open. Players register online at www.HSFBL.com.
• Players register individually and can request teammates on their registration.
• Players save $20 on registration if registered by the August 1st early registration deadline.

HS Players can expect the following:
• Play 6 weeks of fun, competitive baseball on Sundays (Saturdays in California Leagues)
• Each league plays a ‘College Game Day’ at area Colleges/Universities
• Top talent chosen to play on HSFBL All-Star Exposure Team in the All-Star Exposure Games
• Receive a Pro Birch Bat from Hoosier Bat Company and a Team Dri-fit jersey top.
• Equal playing time, monitored innings pitched, overseen by site directors and qualified coaches.

The High School Fall Baseball League (HSFBL) is a network of HS Wood Bat Fall Leagues covering multiple states including IN, IL, OH, MI, KY, WI, MN, TN, GA, NY, and CA. Each league plays up to a 6-week regular season including a ‘League Tournament’. League championship teams earn a berth into the ‘HSFBL Championship Tournament’ to compete for the HSFBL Title.
The HSFBL is open to all incoming 2016 high school players (2017-2020 graduates). Players register individually and have the opportunity to enter the names of other players they would like to be on the same team with under the “Teammate Request” section of the registration page. Teams that want to enter the league should contact the HSFBL for details.
Each league plays a ‘College Game Day’ at a partner college during the regular season. Players receive a pro model wood birch bat from Hoosier Bat Company, a team Dri-fit game jersey, and a free college player profile with registration.
The top talent in each league is chosen to play on an All-Star Showcase team in the ‘HSFBL All-Star Exposure Games’ sponsored by Vantrition. Player information is sent out to our network of college coaches across the country. The All-Star Exposure Games take place in Chicago (IL), Indianapolis (IN), Dayton (OH), and the Bay Area (CA).
The HSFBL was started in 2008 by Indiana University alum, and former Seattle Mariner prospect, Eric Blakeley.
“Our goal from the beginning was to offer a fall baseball experience like no other” said Blakeley. “By incorporating a strong blend of competition, college game days, team power rankings, seeded playoffs, and an All-Star Exposure Game, the HSFBL has proudly given kids a great opportunity for fun, competitive baseball in the fall.”
“The HSFBL allows for players to continue developing in the fall without a huge commitment of time, traveling, and money that accompanies summer travel baseball. In addition, players raise their level of play when they know there is something at stake. The power rankings, All-Star game, and playoffs bring that edge of excitement.”
The HSFBL also utilizes the latest in social networking for game updates, weather alerts and important announcements.
Registrations will be accepted up until a week before the league begins.
To register for the league, go to www.HSFBL.com

Anyone having questions can contact David Martin at martindavid@k12coffee.net OR Kris Lammers at kolam29@live.com or visit the HSFBL website at: http://www.hsfbl.com/

Coach Martin will be a guest on Saturday’s Coffee Coaches Show to talk about the league

Aside from Saturday’s 15-run deluge in the desert, the Brewers have had a hard time scoring runs since sending cleanup hitter Jonathan Lucroy to Texas. Chris Carter helped out Wednesday night with one big swing.

Carter’s go-ahead, three-run home run capped a four-run third inning before Chase Anderson and four Brewers relievers made the lead hold for a 4-3 win over the Braves at Miller Park.
Freddie Freeman hit a pair of solo homers for the Braves, who lost starter Joel De La Cruz to a knee injury after four innings, and lost a ballgame for the first time in five days. It was the Braves’ second loss in their last eight games.
“We came back and made it a game,” Freeman said after the Braves fell to 25-25 over their past 50 games. “Over the past two months, that’s the way we’ve been playing. We’re never out of it, no matter how far we’re down early in the game.”
The Brewers snapped a three-game losing streak and won for the fourth time in Anderson’s last four starts. He allowed two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings, pitching with a lead after Ryan Braun’s tying RBI single and Carter’s three-run homer gave the Brewers a 4-1 advantage in the third. Braun has 12 RBIs in eight games this month, and has driven in at least one run in five of those games.
“Two runs or less, that’s the goal each and every time out. It’s good to actually produce that, and give the team a chance to win,” Anderson said. “Carter came up big with that home run, and I just tried to keep the lead right there.”
Carter’s easy swing against De La Cruz in the third produced a go-ahead fly ball that left his bat at 107 mph and traveled 442 feet to center field, according to Statcast™. Of his team-best 26 homers, 19 have come at Miller Park, pushing Carter past the Rockies’ Nolan Arenado and the Indians’ Mike Napoli for the most home runs in home games this season.
“We have been scuffling to score runs. The three-run homer cures that,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “You almost expect it from Chris. It was in an important spot, certainly. It has been tough for us at this point, stringing together some hits and walks to get a rally going.”
Freeman answered Carter’s monster shot when he opened the fourth inning with a home run that traveled 436 feet with an exit velocity of 106 mph according to Statcast™. The Braves first baseman’s leadoff homer in the eighth inning provided him his second multi-homer game of the season and eighth of his career. He has now hit at least 20 homers in four of his first six full big league seasons, but this marks the first time he’s reached this mark since 2013.
“During my [batting practice] the past few days, I’ve just been trying to hit hard line drives up the middle and then the last couple rounds I try to put some extra carry to it,” Freeman said. “I felt like I had been jumping out right when the pitcher was releasing the ball. So, I’ve been trying to let the ball get a little deeper and obviously, it’s been paying off.”
Blaine Boyer helped Anderson evade damage in the sixth inning, Carlos Torres pitched a scoreless seventh, Corey Knebel held the lead in the eight despite Freeman’s second homer of the night, and Tyler Thornburg pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to convert his second save chance since the Brewers traded closer Jeremy Jeffress to Texas along with Lucroy. Those relievers combined to allow one run on three hits in 3 2/3 innings to hold the Brewers’ 50th victory of the season.
“Each guy is kind of unique in it,’ Counsell said. “Each guy has to do what he’s good at. It is going to be different for each guy. You can’t ask Blaine to be a big strikeout guy. That’s not his strength. His strength is early count contact.”
De La Cruz labored through the four-run third inning and then ended a perfect fourth inning by taking Orlando Arcia’s line drive off his right knee. The right-hander was forced to exit and undergo X-rays which were negative. The Braves bullpen surrendered two hits and held the Brewers scoreless over four innings, but the early deficit proved to be too significant to overcome. Atlanta’s relievers have worked 13 scoreless innings during this series.
“We had a couple shots, but it’s tough when you lose your starter that quick,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “I was trying to stay away from that, but they did a great job of holding the game in check and giving us a chance.”
Atlanta will send Roberto Hernandez to the mound for the series finale, which is scheduled to start Thursday at 1:10 p.m. CT. Hernandez, who was formerly known as Fausto Carmona, made his second debut on Saturday, allowing three earned runs over five innings against the Cardinals.

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.