Great Start Turns Into a Loss—Sounds Bounce Back in Game Two

NASHVILLE, TN — Thursday night at First Horizon Park had the feel of two different stories stitched together: a setback early, then a response loud enough to split a doubleheader with Norfolk.

In Game 1, Robert Gasser set the tone quickly, striking out the side in the first and repeatedly putting the Tides in uncomfortable counts. Though Nashville couldn’t turn the early momentum into runs, Gasser’s start stayed sharp and compact—more reminder than routine. He finished after 2.2 innings with four hits allowed, just one earned run, two walks, and five strikeouts, and at times he looked un-hittable, even when Norfolk kept finding ways to work him with two hits that were more lucky than skillful.

Behind him, Nashville’s bats finally connected. Cooper Pratt drove in the tying run with a sacrifice fly, and Eddys Leonard added pop with key contact that kept the Sounds within reach. But Norfolk answered with timely hits and pressure through the middle frames, and Nashville couldn’t climb all the way back, falling 5-2. It was the kind of loss that stung, but didn’t feel hopeless—more like unlucky / unfinished business.

Then came Game 2, and the Sounds treated it like a promise. Coleman Crow was the calming force, spinning through trouble with control, and when Brock Wilken came to the plate, everything clicked. Wilken’s second home run of the season gave Nashville a 2-0 lead, and once the margin was built, the bullpen held firm. Nashville scored again to make it 3-0 before Norfolk finally threatened—just enough to make the last outs feel earned—but Nashville secured the 3-1 win.

By night’s end, Nashville didn’t just split; they corrected. A short, productive start by Gasser set the table, and a relentless response in Game 2 turned frustration into momentum heading for Friday’s rematch.