Overall Record: Nashville Sounds (13-13) | Charlotte Knights (13-13) Nashville recorded 25 hits, 11 extra-base hits, and 18 runs across two games—setting multiple single-game offensive marks. CHARLOTTE, NC — The Sounds and Knights split their doubleheader at Truist Field on Saturday night. Nashville broke a three-game losing streak with a 12-5 win in Game 1, then suffered a 16-6 setback in the nightcap. Across both contests, Nashville produced 25 hits with 11 total extra-base hits, totaling 18 runs on the day. Game 1: NASHVILLE 12, Charlotte 5 Nashville struck early, loading the bases in the top of the first on two walks and a hit batter. After an initial sequence that stalled the rally, Eddys Leonard continued his Friday momentum by launching a grand slam on the first pitch he saw to give the Sounds an early 4-0 lead. Ethan Murray followed with a solo homer, his first home run of the season and just his second at the Triple-A level, pushing the advantage to 5-0. The Sounds erupted again in the third, highlighted by Jordyn Adams’ first hit with Nashville and additional RBI knocks, including more production from Murray. Nashville added runs in the fourth and fifth to reach 12. On the mound, Robert Gasser allowed one run over two innings before the bullpen took over. Easton McGee earned the win with two scoreless innings, and Drew Rom closed the seventh with a 1-2-3 frame. Game 2: NASHVILLE 6, Charlotte 16 In the makeup of the rainout from April 4 at First Horizon Park, Nashville got the “home team” designation but faced an early Charlotte deficit. The Knights took a 2-0 lead in the first, helped by a rare error in center field, and then answered in a huge second inning. Charlotte exploded for seven runs in the second, highlighted by additional long-ball damage and an eight-run surge that pushed the score to 9-1. Nashville battled back with a three-run third inning, including Quero’s home run and more extra-base damage from Williams—cutting the deficit to 9-4. But Charlotte regained control, ballooning the lead again through the middle innings. Nashville added runs late, including Luis Lara’s two-out solo homer in the sixth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Knights’ big early cushion. Next Up The Sounds will wrap up the seven-game series on Sunday in Charlotte, with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 p.m. CT. RHP Logan Henderson (1-0, 0.71 ERA) will make his second start of the series, with a pitching rematch against RHP Duncan Davitt (0-1, 5.02 ERA).

Nashville matched a season-high in runs but fell 11-9 Friday night at Truist Field, dropping a third straight game to the Charlotte Knights. The loss (12-12) snapped the Sounds back to .500 on the year as Charlotte combined for 20 runs on 17 hits in a back-and-forth contest. Eddys Leonard led the way offensively with two home runs, marking a key multi-HR effort in Nashville’s latest setback. Charlotte struck first with Jarred Kelenic’s solo homer in the bottom of the first off Coleman Crow. Kelenic extended his series momentum with a third straight game featuring a home run, but Leonard answered with his first blast of the night off former Sounds pitcher Shane Smith to even the score. After Nashville fell behind again, the Sounds exploded in the top of the third, taking a 5-2 lead when Brock Wilken delivered a three-RBI triple that began with two walks and a hit-by-pitch. The Knights responded to retake control with a four-run bottom of the fourth. Michael Turner and Jacob Gonzalez powered that surge, highlighted by Gonzalez’s first of two three-run homers. Gonzalez finished with a career-high seven RBI and posted his second multi-HR game of the season as Charlotte moved ahead 8-5. Leonard made it close again with a second home run—his second of the game—on the first pitch of the sixth. But Nashville couldn’t get the momentum fully back, with three straight batters retired as the Sounds still trailed 8-6. Gonzalez later pushed Charlotte’s advantage to 11-6 with another homer, aided by a one-out throwing error that extended the inning and kept Gonzalez at the plate after strikeout trouble. Nashville mounted a late rally, scoring three final runs, but left the tying chances stranded. Cooper Pratt ignited the seventh-inning push with a single, moved to third on Luis Lara’s double, and scored on Jeferson Quero’s RBI single. Williams added a second hit and RBI to bring the Sounds within 11-8, and Lara later singled home Freddy Zamora after a hit-by-pitch. Still, Nashville went 5-for-14 with runners in scoring position, leaving seven on base, and fell after a 1-2-3 top of the ninth ended the comeback hopes. The series continues with a Saturday doubleheader in Charlotte. Nashville will need to sweep to keep the series within reach for Sunday’s finale, with first pitch at 3:05 PM CT.

By David Oglesby Photo / Ohio State Athletics PITTSBURGH, PA - The Titans treated Thursday night like it came with a built-in winning formula, landing the draft “daily double” by going from playmaking offense to edge-rushing defense without skipping a beat. After selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick, Tennessee then moved back into the first round to grab Auburn edge Keldric Faulk at 31—a rare one-two punch that feels custom-built for the Titans’ immediate future. It also continues a fascinating NFL trend: when a team invests a first-round pick in a quarterback one year, the very next draft often becomes about upgrading the weapons and protection around him—or at least accelerating the roster around the new signal-caller. In Tennessee’s case, the offseason logic is simple: if you’re going to bet on a franchise quarterback, you can’t wait five years to fix the pass-catching and the front-four problems. Titans GM Mike Borgonzi said Tate was the kind of receiver the team believes can translate quickly—“bigger, vertical,” with efficient route running and the ball skills to win contested throws downfield. He also emphasized Tate’s youth and how his contested-catch ability could help Cam Ward right away. And then there’s Faulk: Borgonzi framed the trade-up as a “fit” move for the defense—long, versatile, and capable both outside and inside—echoing how teams often think about matching athletic traits to scheme rather than just stacking positions. For Titans fans, the takeaway isn’t just two first-round selections—it’s the message that the franchise is trying to build a QB-ready foundation, quickly. That’s the gamble, the urgency, and, in Nashville, the hope: make Ward comfortable, make the defense tougher, and see what happens when both halves of the roster grow up at the same time.

Photo / Trevecca Athletics DICKSON, TN - The Trevecca Nazarene University men’s golf team stayed in the hunt all week and closed strong to finish in a tie for fifth place at the 2026 Gulf South Conference Championships at Greystone Golf Club. Competing in a nine-team field, the Trojans posted a three-round total of 872 (297-286-289) to share the spot with Valdosta State. The event, played over a par 72 layout stretching 6,858 yards, featured 46 golfers in stroke play across three days. Individually, Weston Lowry paced Trevecca with a finish tied for 15th at 1-over-par 217. Lowry’s final-round burst—an 1-under-par 71—helped him move up after posting even-par 72 in the second round. He also benefited from a strong overall run that included one of Trevecca’s four under-par rounds during the championship. Maddox Burton followed in a tie for 17th at 3-over-par 219. Burton delivered one of Trevecca’s top individual efforts with a 2-under-par 70 in the second round. Alex Hamm came home tied for 19th at 4-over-par 220, adding an under-par 71 in the final round after shooting 74 in round two. Wilson Borders, who led the Trojans through the first two rounds, finished tied for 25th at 8-over-par 224. Teamwide, Trevecca struck the right balance of aggression and control, finishing with 34 birdies—the sixth most in the field—and 180 pars, the most by any team. The Trojans also ranked highly in consistency, posting the fourth-lowest par-4 scoring average (4.07). West Florida won the team title, while Lee’s Drew Zielinski captured medalist honors.

CHARLOTTE, NC - Thursday night at Truist Field, the Nashville Sounds saw a strong start and plenty of chances go just a little sideways, dropping a 3-2 extra-innings loss to the Charlotte Knights. Despite taking a late lead and battling back from an early deficit, Nashville ultimately fell on a late Charlotte walk-off, suffering their fourth walk-off loss of the season. The story of the game began with left-hander Tate Kuehner, who turned in a statement performance for Nashville. Kuehner logged 5.2 innings with one earned run and a season-high eight strikeouts, keeping Charlotte’s bats off balance for most of the evening. He allowed the first run on a solo homer by Jarred Kelenic in the bottom of the first, but Nashville answered in the top of the second when Luis Lara drew a walk, advanced, and later scored on a key RBI groundout from Ramon Rodriguez to tie it at 1-1. After that, the game stayed locked. Kuehner struck out batters at key moments, worked around baserunners, and delivered scoreless frames in the fourth and fifth while limiting damage. When Nashville finally surged ahead in the seventh, Ethan Murray drove in Lara with a go-ahead RBI single—only for Charlotte to respond quickly. In the bottom of the seventh, Ryan Galanie crushed a leadoff home run to tie the game again at 2-2. The bullpens did their jobs, but scoring opportunities came up short for Nashville in the 10th. With the Knights playing small ball and ultimately capitalizing, Charlotte walked off with the winning run on a late hit through the left side. The Sounds will look to rebound Friday night as they try to even the series. RHP Coleman Crow (2-0, 4.02 ERA) gets the start for Nashville, fresh off a Major League debut last week with Milwaukee. Charlotte will counter with former Sound Shane Smith (1-0, 3.00 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:04 p.m. CT.

Photo / Tennessee Tech Athletics COOKEVILLE, TN - Tennessee Tech put together a decisive late rally to beat Middle Tennessee State 12-6 on Tuesday evening at Quillen Field at Bush Stadium, using a decisive seven-run seventh inning to pull away and earn a split of the season series with the Blue Raiders. The Golden Eagles struck first with a pair of runs in the opening inning when Manny Garza and Connor Crowson delivered RBI singles to give Tech an early 2-0 advantage. Middle Tennessee answered in the third with three runs, including two home runs, to briefly take the lead. Tech responded in the fifth with a run-making sequence that included wild pitches and a clutch two-run double from Crowson to move back in front 5-3. Middle Tennessee chipped away with single runs later, turning it into a tight 6-5 contest before the game flipped in Tech’s favor. In the bottom of the seventh, Tech sent 11 batters to the plate and scored seven runs on seven hits. The surge included an RBI single by Garza, a run-scoring triple from Nash Crowell, RBI knocks from Crowson and Eddie Garza, and another run driven in by Tyler Bennett. Jorsixt Jimenez then capped the inning with a two-run homer, his 16th of the season, to put the game out of reach. NASHVILLE,  TN - Trevecca Nazarene wrapped up the non-conference portion of its 2026 schedule with a 10-7 win over Lane College, continuing an offense-first performance under bright Middle Tennessee sunshine. The Trojans, now 29-17, collected 15 hits and turned them into 10 runs to outlast the Dragons (14-28), who battled throughout. Trevecca scored single runs in the second and third innings. Cade Martin picked up a sacrifice fly in the second to score Miles Nelson, and in the third, Caleb Webster launched a home run to extend Trevecca’s lead. Lane answered with an RBI double from Gabriel Garza in the fourth and a leadoff triple from Trey Babbitt in the fifth that helped the Dragons level the score at 2-2. The game swung again in the middle innings. In the bottom of the fifth, Landon Rogers roped a triple to left-center and scored on a sac fly from Webster, but Lane stormed back with three runs in the sixth aided by two walks, a hit batsman, and an error to take a 5-3 advantage. Trevecca tied it in the bottom of the sixth when Luke Dymond led off with a solo blast and Elijah Cross followed with a triple, scoring on a balk to make it 5-5. Trevecca then seized control in the seventh and held it from there, taking an 8-5 lead and eventually stretching to 10-5 in the eighth. Lane pulled within two in the ninth on a leadoff walk and a two-run homer by Anthony Brooks, but Jackson Marbet closed it out by retiring the final three batters. Key Trojans contributors included Webster (3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI), Dymond (2-for-4 with a home run), Moses (2-for-4 with a pair of extra-base hits and two RBI), and Martin (two doubles, two RBI). On the mound, Kayne Jinks earned the win, and Lane’s Toris Bolden took the loss. Trevecca will now turn to its weekend home conference set, starting Friday at 5 p.m., with a doubleheader on Saturday at noon against Lee University.

Photo / Cumberland Athletics LEBANON, TN - Cumberland Baseball completed its Mid-South Conference series sweep over Bethel on Sunday afternoon, erupting for a seven-run ninth inning to cruise to a 12-3 victory at the Kahlden Complex. The Phoenix (21-24 overall) came alive late, scoring nine of their 12 runs from the third inning onward, including the decisive surge in the final frame. The win propelled Cumberland into third place in the conference standings as the regular season enters its final weekend against Freed-Hardeman. Offensively, Cumberland finished with 12 runs on 11 hits, supported by six walks and four home runs. Aiden McDonald led the attack, going 2-for-5 with three runs scored, two RBIs, and a two-run homer. Dylan LaRue added a 2-for-6 effort with a home run and two runs, while Wilser Then continued a strong weekend with a homer, two runs scored, and three walks. Charlie Rocca delivered a three-run home run in the ninth to help seal the outcome, and Cole Freeman contributed off the bench with a perfect 2-for-2 showing that included a double and an RBI. On the mound, Mateo Santos earned the win, working 7.0 innings and allowing two runs—one earned—on four hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Jaron Keyser pitched the final two innings, giving up one run on one hit while striking out three to secure the sweep. Bethel, held to five hits, got production from Zayden McCaslin (two hits). The Wildcats’ three runs included home runs by Adriel Vega and Galvin Sims, with Juan Diego Ramos adding an RBI. Bethel stayed competitive through the middle innings, but couldn’t withstand Cumberland’s late momentum. After a scoreless first, Cumberland scored in the second on Then’s solo homer. The Phoenix extended the lead to 3-0 in the third and pushed ahead 5-0 in the fourth with McDonald’s two-run shot. Bethel trimmed the deficit with runs in the fifth and eighth, but Cumberland closed strong in the ninth with multiple extra-base hits and a late error to cap the seven-run rally. Cumberland will close the regular season next weekend at home against Freed-Hardeman, with Senior Day festivities scheduled for Saturday.

NASHVILLE — The Sounds’ win streak met its match Sunday afternoon at First Tennessee Park as the Worcester Red Sox claimed a 4-2 series-finale victory, spoiling Nashville’s late charge with a stand in the ninth. Nashville (11-9) had looked poised to extend its momentum, but Worcester struck first in the fifth. The WooSox plated a pair on a Nate Eaton leadoff homer and follow-up hits, turning a scoreless stretch into a 2-0 lead that carried forward inning by inning. On the mound, Peter Strzelecki was sharp early, tossing a scoreless first. Shane Drohan steadied the rotation for five innings, striking out three while allowing Worcester’s first two runs in the fifth. Craig Yoho entered as part of a rehab stint and worked a clean seventh, while Drew Rom’s relief appearance in the eighth proved costly—prompting walks, singles, and another run. Brian Fitzpatrick inherited pressure in the eighth and worked around it, but Worcester still managed to push the advantage to 4-0. In the bottom of the ninth, the Sounds refused to go quietly. Tyler Black doubled in a run, and Jeferson Quero later added an RBI single to cut the deficit—yet the tying moment never arrived, and Freddy Zamora struck out as the final settled at 4-2. Nashville now shifts to Charlotte, starting Tuesday with a 10:05 a.m. CT first pitch.

Photo / Nashville SC ATLANTA, GA - Nashville Soccer Club extended its Eastern Conference reign Saturday night, upsetting Atlanta United FC 2-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a performance that felt less like survival and more like authority. The Boys in Gold struck first through Cristian Espinoza in the 61st minute. Espinoza’s third MLS goal of the season came after an intricate sequence involving Hany Mukhtar and Jeisson Palacios, pushing Nashville ahead at a crucial moment. Then, with Atlanta still searching for an answer, the visitors delivered the final blow during added time when Shak Mohammed scored his first career MLS goal in his first Nashville MLS league appearance—an earned moment assisted by Mukhtar and Espinoza. Behind the scenes, Brian Schwake quietly kept the spotlight where it belonged: on Nashville’s momentum. The goalkeeper made three saves to preserve the shutout, registering his ninth clean sheet in 14 starts across all competitions this season. It was his fourth MLS shutout this year, and it helped Nashville complete another statement night at the back. Nashville’s form continues to defy history. With the win, the club sits unbeaten in 13 of its first 14 matches across all competitions, a stretch that includes a 9W-1L-4D MLS record. Overall, Nashville has outscored opponents 26-5 since the season began—proof that dominance is becoming their default setting. Espinoza and Mukhtar also continued their productive partnership, teaming up for a second straight match after Mukhtar’s Designated Player impact in Nashville’s recent Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series clinching win. Next, Nashville returns home to GEODIS Park for its first MLS match there since March 21, facing Charlotte FC next Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT for Star Wars Night.

Strong Pitching Keeps Sounds Win Streak Rolling NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Sounds kept their hot streak alive Saturday night, extending their season-long run to five straight games with a 2-1 victory over Worcester at First Horizon Park. Easton McGee delivered a key bullpen-game start, tossing three scoreless innings overall after beginning his outing with early trouble. Jett Williams provided the lift at the plate, launching a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first and later adding another hit as Nashville collected five total hits and pulled out a narrow win. Worcester struck a balance to match the Sounds’ momentum. After McGee turned in an inning that included an inning-ending double play to limit damage in the top of the first, Worcester tied the game in the second. The WooSox scored on multiple hits, highlighted by an RBI fly ball single that dropped into right field after Jacob Hurtubise lost it in the air. Kaleb Bowman entered in the fourth and helped keep the score level at 1-1. Despite issuing a couple of walks, Bowman responded with two strikeouts in his only inning of work, preserving a tight game. The deciding margin came late. Eddys Leonard delivered the key extra-base hit with his team-leading sixth double in the sixth, setting the stage for Ethan Murray’s opposite-field sacrifice fly that gave Nashville a 2-1 edge. From there, the Sounds’ pitching took control, as Blake Holub and Will Childers each followed with calm, scoreless relief innings. Childers worked the eighth and pushed his streak without an earned run allowed to eight innings, while also keeping Worcester from stringing together rallies late. Leonard added a hit to lead off the eighth, but Nashville could not turn momentum into more runs, and the Sounds held firm. The teams meet again Sunday to wrap up their first-ever series. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m., with left-hander Shane Drohan (1-0, 3.12 ERA) set to start for Nashville.

Photo / MLS Nashville SC Nashville SC is right back in MLS action tonight, traveling to Atlanta for Matchday 8 against Atlanta United at 6:30 p.m. CT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium . The Boys in Gold arrive riding momentum after a memorable 1-0 win in Mexico City on Tuesday, a result that helped them advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals —and kept their early-season surge rolling with just one loss in 13 matches. What makes this showdown especially intriguing: Nashville sits alone atop the Eastern Conference with 16 points through seven games , three ahead of second-place Chicago, and just two points off the Supporters’ Shield lead. Atlanta, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency—currently in 12th —but the danger is clear: when their top attackers are on and clicking, they can flip games quickly. For Nashville, the key storyline is slowing Atlanta’s Designated Player trio . The 2026 season’s production has been concentrated, with Miguel Almirón, Alexey Miranchuk, and Emmanuel Latte Lath combining for most of Atlanta’s offensive impact—while the rest of the squad has contributed far less. Nashville’s defensive form is encouraging, with the team conceding just five times in all competitions this year. Up front, Nashville’s creativity has been a weapon—especially with Hany Mukhtar leading as a kind of false nine—something they proved again in Mexico City even with Sam Surridge sidelined by injury. Tonight, it’s another test of adaptability: can Nashville turn road intensity into another result against a veteran, talent-heavy opponent? Tune in tonight at 6:30 CST on Apple TV to find out.

Photo / Lipscomb Athletics / Kaleb Kantola delivers a pitch Here’s a quick roundup of what happened in college baseball action around Middle Tennessee and the broader region on Friday, April 17 —with highlights for Nashville-area fans . Lipscomb Bisons def. North Alabama, 6-4 Location:  Mike D. Lane Field at Bank Independent Stadium (North Alabama)Lipscomb opened ASUN play’s second-half stretch with a 6-4 road win  over North Alabama. Turning point:  A four-run seventh inning  put Lipscomb ahead for good. Key hits: Alejandro Ludeiro  delivered a two-run single  and finished 2-for-3 with two RBI . Brady Miller  and Jordan Thomas  had back-to-back two-run knocks  in the seventh. Pitching:   Alexander Llinas  earned the win with a quality start (six innings, two hits, one earned run). Kaleb Kantola  closed it out with his fifth save . Final:  Lipscomb 6, North Alabama 4 Tennessee Vols fall to Ole Miss, 7-4 Location:  Lindsey Nelson Stadium (Knoxville)Tennessee dropped game one  of its weekend series against No. 22/25 Ole Miss , as the Rebels got early momentum and held on. Early offense:  Ole Miss used three solo home runs  in the early going to jump ahead. Tennessee response:  The Vols cut into the deficit with a two-run homer  from Jay Abernathy , and Abernathy finished 2-for-4  with two runs and two RBI. What it meant:  Tennessee couldn’t string enough late stops together, going scoreless in the late innings. Final:  Tennessee 4, Ole Miss 7 Up next:  Saturday at 4 p.m.  (start moved earlier due to weather risk). Vanderbilt Commodores lose at Kentucky, 5-2 Location:  Kentucky Proud Park (Lexington, Ky.)Vanderbilt’s first series game went sideways late—after a lead entering the ninth. Game-deciding moment:  Kentucky loaded the bases in the ninth and then hit a walk-off grand slam . Mound news:   Connor Fennell  worked 6.1 innings  for Vandy, and Jaxon Jelkin  went 8.0  for Kentucky with nine strikeouts. Final:  Vanderbilt 2, Kentucky 5 Middle Tennessee beats Delaware, 8-7 Location:  Murfreesboro, Tenn.Middle Tennessee kept its opener moving behind a standout start. Pitching highlight:   David Horn Jr.  delivered an 8.1-inning  effort— career-long , striking out nine . Big bats: Tyler Minnick  drove in runs and finished 2-for-4 with three RBI  (plus a homer). Nathan Brewer  went 3-for-4  with two RBI  and extra-base damage. Close finish:  The ninth got tight, but Gavin King  picked up the third save  in 10 days. Final:  Middle Tennessee 8, Delaware 7 Trevecca splits with UAH (UAH wins both) Location:  Huntsville, Ala.Trevecca fell twice to Alabama-Huntsville  in Gulf South action. Game 1:  Despite Cade Martin’s three-homer day , Trevecca dropped it 11-7 . Game 2:  Trevecca again showed fight, but UAH rallied late for a 9-8  win. Series note:  UAH now leads the all-time series 11-9  and is particularly strong in Huntsville . Austin Peay (sweep) over Bellarmine — 21-6 in a doubleheader Location:  Clarksville, Tenn.Austin Peay powered through a Friday sweep, including a massive run total across the day. Doubleheader sweep:  AP won both games and overwhelmed Bellarmine 21-6  in the combined outcome. Offense on display:  Six homers for Austin Peay in the sweep effort. Cumberland University sweeps Bethel (Doubleheader) — 16-11 & 4-3 Location:  Kahlden Complex (Lebanon, Tenn.) Cumberland finished a dramatic doubleheader sweep of Bethel , taking game one 16-11  and then grinding out a 4-3, ninth-inning win in game two . Game 1: Cumberland 16, Bethel 11 Cumberland poured on offense with 16 runs on 11 hits , drawing 12 walks  and hitting three homers . Wilser Then  sparked the day: 2-for-3 with two doubles and five RBI . Key runs:  Cumberland scored three in the first , Bethel answered with five in the bottom of the first , but the Phoenix surged again—especially with a five-run fifth  to create separation. Game 2: Cumberland 4, Bethel 3 A tighter game opened into a ninth-inning finish. Dylan LaRue  was the hero: 3-for-3  with two RBI , including the game-winning go-ahead homer  in the ninth (his second of the day ). Carter Whitefield  started and worked six innings , allowing one earned run . Bethel threatened late with runners in scoring position, but Kyle Nyblod  got the final outs to seal the sweep. Tennessee Tech falls to Southeast Missouri State — 13-11 Location:  Quillen Field at Bush Stadium (Cookeville, Tenn.) Tennessee Tech erased an early hole and made a late push, but Southeast Missouri  held on to win 13-11 . Fast start by Tech:  Tech scored eight runs in the first three innings , building an 8-0 lead . Southeast Missouri responded:  Big innings—plus the difference-making bat power of Cal Sullivan  and Ryan Lopetegui —helped SEMO take the lead. Late drama:  Tech cut into it late with a two-out three-run homer by Ty Denton , but the comeback fell short.

With a pair of wins Friday at First Horizon Park, the Nashville Sounds locked in franchise victory No. 3,500, swept the Worcester Red Sox in the series, and finished both games with a 4-2 score. The doubleheader results pushed Nashville to another strong stretch—four straight wins—and delivered the franchise a milestone in front of their home crowd. The day began with the continuation of Thursday’s suspended game. After three scoreless innings were followed by rain halting play in the top of the fourth, the game resumed Friday and Nashville ultimately took Game 1, 4-2. Brock Wilken posted his first career Triple-A multi-hit performance, going 3-for-3 with two RBI. Eddys Leonard also contributed offensively, earning his fourth multi-hit game of the season. In Game 1, Worcester jumped ahead in the top of the sixth via an early run, scoring thanks to a wild pitch and a RBI single by Tsung-Che Cheng. Nashville answered in the bottom of the sixth when Luis Lara walked and stole his team-high 11th base, setting up Wilken’s RBI double to left-center to tie the game. Worcester regained momentum with a pair of singles in the eighth, plating another run against Garrett Stallings. But Nashville answered again in the bottom of the eighth, as walks and singles created scoring chances. Wilken, Leonard, and Jacob Hurtubise delivered consecutive RBI singles to put the Sounds ahead late. Peter Strzelecki closed the top of the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning for Nashville’s first save of the night, while Stallings earned his first win of the season. Game 2 followed a similar script, with Worcester scoring early before the Sounds forged a lead. Nashville took its first advantage in the fourth when Wilken walked and Leonard and Ethan Murray singled, loading the bases for Hurtubise’s two-RBI single. After Drew Rom worked through trouble and the WooSox plated a run via a sacrifice fly, Nashville pulled ahead with two runs in the sixth, then closed it out as Jacob Waguespack earned his first save of the season in a 1-2-3 seventh. Beyond the sweep, Friday’s milestone win strengthened Nashville’s season momentum after a difficult stretch against Gwinnett. Among the highlights: Lara continued a hot stretch with a hit, a walk, and two runs, while Wilken broke out after a prolonged gap between multi-hit games. The Sounds and Worcester will continue the series Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT.

Photo / Nashville Sounds NASHVILLE, TN - The Nashville Sounds rebounded in a big way following a tough stretch, taking Tuesday night’s game against the Worcester Red Sox with a 9-4 win at First Horizon Park. After dropping five of six games in a disappointing series vs. Gwinnett, Nashville responded with a commanding performance against the WooSox, scoring early and sustaining pressure throughout the night. Jett Williams and Luis Lara each delivered three hits, while Jeferson Quero drove in four runs to help power the victory. A Quick Lead Turns Into Control Nashville wasted little time establishing momentum. The Sounds jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Williams led off with a single, and after Cooper Pratt walked and Lara was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Quero drew another walk to score Williams. Brock Wilken and Eddys Leonard followed with back-to-back sacrifice flies, pushing the advantage to 3-0. The Sounds expanded their lead in the bottom of the second. After Jacob Hurtubise was hit by a pitch to open the inning, Williams and Lara added singles to load the bases, and Nashville plated two more runs on back-to-back walks. Worcester did get on the board in the top of the third, when Jason Delay hit a homer to the left field pole, trimming the score to 5-1. But that was the extent of the early damage as Nashville maintained control heading into later innings. Sounds Strike Again and Extend the Margin In the bottom of the third, Nashville increased the pressure. Freddy Zamora led off with a double into left center and moved to third on a fielding error. Williams then delivered an RBI single up the middle, scoring Zamora to make it a five-run lead. Worcester responded with a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit slightly, but Nashville’s offense continued to click. The Sounds added more runs in the bottom of the fifth, highlighted by Williams drawing a lead-off walk and Lara beating out an extra-base opportunity after a grounder attempt at first. Quero added RBI hits to push the score to 8-2. Late Runs, Strong Relief Finish Nashville crossed home another run in the sixth to extend its advantage to 9-2. The WooSox answered with two runs in the top of the seventh, bringing the score to 9-4, but the rally ended there. On the mound, Shane Drohan impressed in his return, working 5.1 innings and allowing two runs with one earned while recording eight strikeouts. Jacob Waguespack followed with relief in the sixth, and Brian Fitzpatrick shut the door in the ninth to secure the win. Nashville totaled 13 strikeouts as a staff—marking the fifth time this season the Sounds have reached 13+. Game 2 Scheduled for Tonight The Sounds continue their series against Worcester with Game 2 today (Wednesday, April 15) at 6:35 p.m. CT at First Horizon Park.

Photo / Nashville Predators NASHVILLE, TN — Macklin Celebrini scored two goals to lead the San Jose Sharks to a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Monday, delivering the kind of result that ended far more than a single game. The loss, paired with the Los Angeles Kings’ 5-3 victory over the Seattle Kraken, eliminated both Nashville and San Jose from Stanley Cup Playoff contention. With one game remaining in the regular season, the Predators sit three points behind the Kings for the second Western Conference wild card, while the Sharks are five points back with two games to play—a gap that can no longer be closed. Still, the Predators didn’t fold quietly. After being shut out for the first 55 minutes, Nashville twice pulled within a goal late, but ultimately couldn’t force the tying score. Early Struggles, Loud Stakes—and a Message from San Jose Nashville entered Monday’s contest on the heels of an impressive streak, having defeated San Jose 15 straight games. But the Sharks snapped the drought and, in the process, improved their form enough to make a difference in crunch time. Igor Chernyshov had a goal and an assist, and Alex Nedeljkovic made 25 saves as San Jose improved to 38-34-8. The Sharks, attempting to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019, got the breakthrough on the power play in the second period. Chernyshov opened the scoring at 9:53 with a one-timer from the left face-off circle after a pass from William Eklund. San Jose then doubled its lead in the third. At 3:04, Celebrini pushed it to 2-0 with a one-timer from the slot following a neutral-zone turnover by Justin Barron. Predators Bite Back—But Too Late to Equalize The Predators finally made things interesting when Luke Evangelista scored twice. Evangelista cut the deficit to 2-1 on a breakaway at 15:39, beating Nedeljkovic to the glove side. After that, the Sharks regained control just long enough to put the game out of reach. Celebrini added an empty-net goal at 18:15 to make it 3-1. Evangelista answered again at 18:50, scoring his second of the night on a deflection of Ryan Ufko’s shot while Annunen was pulled for the extra attacker. But despite generating four shot attempts over the final 70 seconds, Nashville couldn’t find the equalizer. Goalkeeping Bright Spot for Nashville Justus Annunen made 20 saves for the Predators, who finished the night at 38-33-10. The team had been 4-1-1 in its previous six games, and their playoff push was very much alive heading into Monday—until it wasn’t. Nashville missed the playoffs for the second straight season, a disappointment that extended beyond the final scoreboard. “We Put Ourselves in Position”—But Missed the Mark Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky noted the importance of the win after a long personal drought versus the Predators. San Jose goaltender Nedeljkovic said the atmosphere matched the stakes. “They were fighting for their lives… We played pretty good… We were solid.” Celebrini’s Historic Night Celebrini’s performance added a notable line to an already impressive season. With 112 points, he trails Joe Thornton (114 in 2006-07) for the most points in a single Sharks season. Celebrini also has 44 goals, tying Owen Nolan (1999-2000) and Patrick Marleau (2009-10) for second most in Sharks history for a season, behind Jonathan Cheechoo’s 56 (2005-06). Predators coach Andrew Brunette said the group had done the work to put itself in position. “You’re disappointed we didn’t get the result… Probably disappointed in we really didn’t get to our game fast enough.” Nashville’s playoff hopes carried the weight of a season that started with major trouble. The Predators’ early-year struggles—an 6-12-4 record in the opening 22 contests—left them chasing momentum they couldn’t sustain, even with improvement over the rest of the schedule. And now, as the organization moves into its offseason, the team faces major changes behind the bench and beyond. Nashville will close its season Thursday with a home game against the Anaheim Ducks before entering a period of transition expected to include a new general manager following the retirement of Barry Trotz. Whether that leadership change alters the coaching staff remains unclear; Brunette finished second in the NHL’s Coach of the Year voting after the 2023-24 season, but the Predators have failed to reach the playoffs in each of the past two years.

Photo / Lipscomb Athletics / Kai Holm goes yard for the win! From SEC domination to high-scoring wildcards across Middle Tennessee, baseball fans in Nashville and beyond had plenty to watch this weekend. Here’s how the weekend shaped up for the programs we follow—on the mound, in the box score, and in the standings. Tennessee Vols: Sweep complete in Starkville, 7–2 The Tennessee Volunteers capped an impressive road series with a 7–2 win over Mississippi State on Sunday at Dudy Noble Field—finishing the sweep and extending an astonishing recent run versus the #9 ranked Bulldogs going into the weekend. Tennessee’s victory marked A 11-game winning streak vs. Mississippi State. The program’s first-ever two straight road series wins against MSU. A momentum-changing performance on Sunday led by starter Evan Blanco, who retired the first nine batters he faced before MSU finally got to him in the fourth. How it broke open Tennessee struck first for the third straight day, plating two in the top of the first—including runs driven in by Henry Ford and Blake Grimmer. After MSU cut the deficit in the fourth, Tennessee answered with two in the sixth (big two-out production again, highlighted by Grimmer’s RBI single). Then the Vols put it away with a decisive three-run ninth that featured multiple two-out hits—capping with Manny Marin’s RBI single and a two-run double from Levi Clark. From there, the Vols kept the door shut Brady Frederick finished the seventh with a key strikeout. Bo Rhudy recorded the final outs to seal it in relief. Up next: Tennessee returns to Knoxville for a nine-game homestand, beginning Tuesday night with UNC Asheville at 6 p.m., followed by Ole Miss next weekend. Vanderbilt: Oklahoma wins a close one, 6–5, at Hawkins Field In Saturday’s series finale at Hawkins Field, Vanderbilt fell to No. 16 Oklahoma, 6–5, as the Sooners came through with patient at-bats and timely scoring to limit the Commodores. Oklahoma’s offense clicked while keeping Vandy’s bats in check—the Sooners held Vanderbilt to just three hits and took advantage of two Vanderbilt errors plus 10 walks. Even with the limited hit total, Brodie Johnston provided the headline for Vandy, collecting two of the team’s three hits, including an electrifying three-run homer—his 11th of the season. How the game swung Oklahoma scored first with three runs in the top of the third. Vanderbilt answered in the home half of the third, scoring two runs without recording a hit, using two walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a wild pitch to pull within one. The Sooners pushed ahead further with an RBI single in the fourth (making it 5–2) and an RBI double in the fifth. Vanderbilt finally caught a break offensively in the bottom of the fifth, when Carter Johnstone delivered the Commodores’ first hit. After Mike Mancini was hit by a pitch, Johnston delivered the response—a game-tying, three-run blast to center to make it 5–5. Oklahoma regained control in the eighth on a single by Kyle Branch, scoring the go-ahead run. Vanderbilt worked the tying run into scoring position in the ninth, but Oklahoma held on for the win. What’s next The Commodores (21–16, 7–8 SEC) will make a quick trip to Lipscomb on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Ken Dugan Field. Middle Tennessee: Falls 5–3 to Louisiana Tech in Sunday finale In Ruston, Louisiana, Middle Tennessee (Blue Raiders) dropped its weekend finale to Louisiana Tech, 5–3, after falling behind early. The Blue Raiders were able to claw their way back—thanks to a productive fourth inning that started with Dean O’Neill’s double and continued with key RBI work from Cooper Clapp and O’Neill (including a run scored after an errant play). But Tech ultimately broke the game open against Middle Tennessee’s bullpen, pushing a go-ahead run in the seventh and adding insurance in the eighth. Still, there were bright spots O’Neill extended a streak of RBI production with an RBI double. Nathan Brewer kept building his doubles total for the season. Up next for Middle Tennessee: A road trip returns to Nashville briefly—Tuesday’s visit to face Belmont is set for 3 p.m. CT, as the Blue Raiders continue a road run. Belmont: Splits with East Tennessee (8–4, 10–8) At E.S. Rose Park, Belmont and East Tennessee delivered a split doubleheader. Game 1: East Tennessee won 8–4, breaking open the contest with a three-run sixth after scoring early and building separation. Game 2: Belmont bounced back to win 10–8, starting fast with a three-run bottom of the first, then answering East Tennessee rallies with timely extra-base hits and bullpen execution—closing it out in the ninth. The results leave Belmont at 13–23 on the season. Lipscomb: Avoids sweep, wins 6–5 vs. Central Arkansas Lipscomb kept its momentum going enough to dodge the sweep, beating Central Arkansas 6–5 at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium. Key Points The Bisons used a pair of home runs from Jordan Thomas and Kai Holm to stay in the game after UCA grabbed a lead. Once the ninth inning arrived, Lipscomb’s defense held and the Bears couldn’t finish the comeback. Lipscomb is now sitting in third place in ASUN Gold Division at 8–7. Up next Lipscomb hosts Vanderbilt on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Trevecca Nazarene: Salvages finale, keeps GSC race in focus Trevecca’s weekend had the feel of a season-long fight: competitive baseball, chances missed in game one, and a final-day response. Game 1: Trevecca fell 5–4 (Delta State made the timely plays after Trevecca left runners on base multiple times) Game 2: Trevecca bounced back with a 5–3 win, including a go-ahead two-run homer by Isaac Whitaker, then held on late with closer Ryan Sweeney sealing the save. The GSC title picture remains tight, and Trevecca’s next steps matter with only so many weeks left. Cumberland Drops 2 against Campbellsville Cumberland dropped a doubleheader to Campbellsville, falling 6–1 and 8–6. In the opener, the Tigers broke things open with a three-run fourth and limited the Phoenix to just two hits. Cumberland bounced back in game two with two home runs from Then, including a three-run shot in a five-run second—but Campbellsville rallied late to secure the split in the series. Tennessee Tech gets one versus UT Martin Tennessee Tech saved the weekend with a dramatic 18–16 win over UT Martin in the series finale. The Golden Eagles powered an eight-run fourth inning and leaned on standout performances from Landon Smelser (4-for-5, HR), Jorsixt Jimenez (two homers, four RBI), and Nash Crowell. Despite UT Martin’s late surge, Tech’s pitching staff held on to avoid the sweep and carry momentum forward. Austin Peay loses Sunday after a dramatic rally Austin Peay dropped game two of its weekend set to North Alabama, 13–12, even after rallying with five runs in the ninth. Ray Velazquez’s two-run homer gave the Governors an early lead, but North Alabama answered with timely power and extended its advantage. Austin Peay closed to within one late—thanks to a pair of long balls and timely extra-base hitting—but the Lions held on for the one-run win.