Photo / Cumberland Athletics LEBANON, TN  - The Cumberland men’s volleyball team has secured the No. 5 seed  in the River State Conference (RSC) Tournament , the league announced this afternoon. The Phoenix finished conference play with a 9–7 record , tying St. Mary-of-the-Woods (SMWC) . While the two teams matched in standings, SMWC earned the tiebreaker , receiving the No. 4 seed  and placing Cumberland one spot behind in the tournament bracket. Cumberland will open the postseason on the road this Tuesday, April 14 , taking on SMWC  in the first round. In another opening matchup, No. 6 seed Brescia  will travel to face No. 3 seed Oakland City  on the same day. What’s Next After Tuesday The winner of the Cumberland–SMWC  contest will advance to face the tournament’s top seed Campbellsville (KY) , while the winner of the No. 3 vs. No. 6  matchup will take on No. 2 seed Georgetown (KY) . Following Tuesday’s opening-round games, the remaining teams will convene at Gosser Gymnasium on the campus of Campbellsville (KY)  for the semifinals on Friday, April 17 . Semifinal matches are scheduled for 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM CT .

Photo / UT Athletics LEXINGTON, KY — Senior right-hander Karlyn Pickens tossed her fourth career no-hitter on Saturday at John Cropp Stadium, powering No. 9 Tennessee to a 5-0 shutout of Kentucky. Pickens improved to 11-4, striking out 12 and walking just one while completing the game. The performance extended her streak of dominance, as she has now thrown a no-hitter in each of her four seasons with Rocky Top. The shutout also marked Tennessee’s first no-hitter against an SEC opponent since Ashley Rogers blanked Ole Miss on March 10, 2023. Vols Capitalize Early, Then Pull Away Tennessee broke through offensively in the fourth inning, when Emma Clarke led off with a home run—her ninth of the season and the second leadoff blast of the year. The Lady Vols added more in the fifth, using aggressive baserunning and situational hitting. Saviya Morgan drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. After Maddi Rutan executed a sacrifice bunt to advance to third, Meredith Barnhart followed with a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Morgan. Home Runs Extend the Lead Pickens’ stingy pitching kept Kentucky at bay, while Tennessee’s lineup continued to add insurance. Elsa Morrison pushed the lead to 3-0 in the sixth with her fourth home run of the season.Then in the seventh, Tennessee added two more runs on back-to-back home runs by Gabby Leach and Ella Dodge. Kentucky Struggles Against Tennessee Pitching Kentucky starter McKenzie Oslanzi (3-5) took the loss after allowing two runs on three hits over 4.1 innings, along with one walk and two strikeouts. In relief, Sarah Haendiges surrendered three runs on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts across 2.2 innings. Kentucky fell to 24-20 overall and 1-15 in SEC play, while Tennessee improved to 34-6 and 10-6 in the conference. Notes: Tennessee’s Season of No-Hitters The effort was Tennessee’s fifth no-hitter of the season, the 13th under pitching coach Megan Rhodes Smith, and the 66th in program history. DUE UP Tennessee and Kentucky will meet again in Game 2 of the series on today, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

By David Oglesby NASHVILLE, TN - The inaugural event of KPK (Knockdown Professional Kickboxing)—hosted at Marathon Music Works—launched with a full-house atmosphere and a clear identity: fast, standing-focused fights built for action fans, not armchair grinders. Organizers promised a major production, and for the most part, they delivered it—complete with an entrance stage, large video displays on both sides, ring-side entertainment, and broadcast-ready staging and production designed to bring the fights to viewers beyond the venue. But this ‘first night’ also came with the kind of technical and operational glitches that often haunt new promotions. The show started late, ran long, and a pay-per-view broadcast pause/delay pushed back some matchups. The card itself also changed—which is common in the combat-sports arena—and it ultimately produced a lineup with more local appeal, adding to the energy level in the building. Still, the most important measure—whether fans showed up—was answered in real time. According to fans and those in attendance, the energy in the building was strong. Even when the first professional bout ended in a split decision—and the crowd wasn’t universally satisfied—the reaction still reflected something promotions can’t buy: real investment - an emotional stance in what was happening. In a sport where momentum matters, the results weren’t as important as the sense that people cared and engaged from the beginning and planned to stay and see more. That sentiment is tied directly to KPK’s stated mission: create a professional platform connected to the broader U.S. kickboxing pipeline. In an interview captured ahead of the event, lead promoter Rob Zbilnski described KPK as the professional extension of USA Kickboxing—an effort built to structure athletes’ paths from amateur development toward a sustained career, including the possibility of representing the U.S. internationally. He also argued Nashville was the right home, pointing to the city’s growth and the lack of a mature professional kickboxing scene in Tennessee. “We want to bring the excitement of fast, stand-up kickboxing,” the event messaging suggested—an approach that differentiates kickboxing from other combat sports by leaning into speed and striking rather than slowing down to grappling exchanges. That strategy also arrives at a time when martial arts participation in the U.S. remains a serious business. The U.S. martial arts and combat sports ecosystem includes about 11.82 million participants, according to Sports & Fitness Industry Association reporting cited in SEC documents. The broader martial arts studio industry has been valued at roughly $19.4 billion in 2024, with revenue growth projected in the mid-single digits. Those figures don’t guarantee pro fight tickets—but they show the talent base, training culture, and fan curiosity are already present. KPK’s first event also turned into an industry signal in another way: it brought major mainstream combat-sports presence to the broadcast, with UFC veteran fighter now commentator Shonie Carter at ringside. For a new organization, that kind of credibility helps convert curiosity into repeat viewing. Zbilnski’s vision is already moving forward. The next KPK event is scheduled for August 1, 2026, on the rooftop of Assembly on Nashville’s Broadway—a setting positioned to amplify the atmosphere and make the outdoor-and-rooftop spectacle a feature, not a distraction. For now, the verdict on KPK’s debut is simple: the night wasn’t perfect, but it was real, repeatable and exciting. And in combat sports, where consistency is built fight by fight, a successful first step - despite some missteps - may be exactly how viable new combat entertainment is born.

Photo / TSU Athletics NASHVILLE, TN - Tennessee State University has agreed to a contract extension with head men’s basketball coach Nolan Smith, a move that keeps him leading the Tigers through the 2031 season, TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen announced last Saturday. The university said the extension reflects its commitment to sustained excellence and the ongoing growth of its athletics program. “My staff and I are incredibly blessed to continue leading this program,” Smith said. “Last season, we laid the foundation and established a clear standard for a winning culture. We’re excited, motivated, and ready to keep building something that makes the Tennessee State University community proud.” Smith’s first year at the helm produced a dramatic turnaround. The Tigers finished 23–10 overall and went 15–5 in Ohio Valley Conference play, culminating in the program’s first OVC Tournament title in more than three decades and its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994. Allen praised Smith’s immediate impact, calling it “transformative.” “Nolan Smith has made an immediate and transformative impact on our program,” Allen said. “He is a winner whose passion for this university has energized our community and strengthened TSU basketball’s national profile.” What the Extension Means for TSU’s Long-Term Vision TSU President Dwayne Tucker framed the deal as more than recognition for one strong season—saying it’s part of an effort to build a lasting standard. “This is about building something sustainable and positioning Tennessee State for long-term success,” Tucker said. “Coach Smith has elevated our program in just one year, and this extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our vision for the future of TSU athletics.”

NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville has been awarded an expansion franchise in the UPSHOT League, a new women’s professional basketball league created as a developmental pathway for the WNBA. The Nashville team is expected to begin play in May 2027, playing 17 home games annually at Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gymnasium. League and team leadership say the move represents more than one new franchise—it’s part of an effort to weave women’s pro basketball into Nashville’s growing sports identity, while giving players and coaches additional routes to the highest levels of the game. UPSHOT League was announced in January 2025 as a league designed for players on two-way contracts who are working toward potential call-ups to the WNBA. Nashville’s addition—along with another expansion team in Baltimore—is scheduled for May 2027, with officials projecting a season structure that will run alongside the WNBA calendar. UPSHOT League commissioner Donna Orender framed the expansion as a city-wide partnership rather than a standalone sports upgrade. “Today is a celebration of Nashville as an already thriving world-known sports city,” UPSHOT League Nashville President and CEO Nancy VanReece, a former Metro Council member, emphasized what she described as continuity with Nashville’s sports momentum—and a commitment to building future opportunity. “This is not an add on to Nashville’s sports story, it is a continuation of its momentum,” VanReece continued. “We are building something that reflects the energy of this city while creating new pathways for athletes, fans and future generations.” Nashville has long been viewed as a national sports hub, with major league teams and a deep base of fan engagement. Leaders behind UPSHOT say the new franchise is designed to expand that ecosystem—specifically for women’s basketball—by creating additional roles and opportunities across the broader sports pipeline, including athletes, coaches and front-office talent. The franchise will also be embedded in the community through a planned “Dribble Campaign,” described as a program intended to activate youth programs, cultural institutions, local organizations and fans. Team leadership says the franchise’s name and identity will be revealed later—the team name is slated for July 2026, and coaching hires are expected by January 2027—giving Nashville time to rally around the project as it ramps up toward the May 2027 debut.

Photo / Vanderbilt Athletics NASHVILLE, TN — Vanderbilt’s offense came out firing early and never let off the gas Wednesday afternoon at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex, cruising to a 17-7 victory over Lindenwood to earn its third straight win. Logan Risenhoover powered the Commodores, recording a career-high six goals and finishing with seven points after adding an assist. Vanderbilt improved to 8-6 on the season. Fast Start Sets the Tone Vanderbilt struck for five goals in the first quarter, jumping to a 9-2 halftime lead. The Commodores continued their control after the break, outscoring Lindenwood 8-5 over the final two periods to seal the win. Standout Performances Molly Krestinski delivered a strong all-around effort, tallying a hat trick and adding two assists. Brooke Baker contributed two goals, including her 100th career goal. Hayden Miller also recorded a goal and an assist, while additional scoring came from Anna Taraboletti, Morgan White, Anna Szporn, Gianna Frieri, Garrison Morrill, and Anna Szporn, rounding out a balanced attack. Lindenwood Finds the Score, But Can’t Overcome Deficit Lindenwood (5-9) scored in bursts, but Vanderbilt’s early surge and steady pressure proved too much. The Lions finished with 17 total goals surrendered despite contributions that included two goals from Reese Krieger and scoring efforts from Luci Selander, Sarah Jardine, Marin Lally, and Isabella Jahkhah.

Sounds Stymied by Gwinnett, Fall 4-1 LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Nashville Sounds dropped the series opener to the Gwinnett Stripers, 4–1, Tuesday night at Gwinnett Field. Milwaukee’s No. 3 prospect Jett Williams provided Nashville’s lone offense, going 1-for-4 with an RBI single in the sixth inning. Gwinnett struck early, plating two in the second after Carlos Rodriguez allowed back-to-back singles and then a walk set up a double-steal. Rodriguez worked 3.1 innings, surrendering four runs on five hits and four walks while fanning a season-high six. The Stripers added a run in the fourth; an inherited runner also scored against reliever Peter Strzelecki, stretching the lead to 4–0. Nashville’s only run came in the sixth when Greg Jones was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on Williams’ single up the middle. Drew Rom steadied the staff with six straight retired across the sixth and seventh, recording five consecutive strikeouts; Jacob Waguespack tossed a scoreless eighth. The Sounds threatened in the ninth but left a runner at first. Nashville pitchers combined for a season-high 14 strikeouts, while the offense was limited to only two hits — their fewest this year. Notable: Gwinnett swiped a franchise-record 10 bases in the game, a rare Triple-A total and a season-high allowed by Nashville. The Sounds continue the series Wednesday with a 5:35 p.m. CT first pitch. Nashville SC Held Scoreless by Club América in CONCACAF - First Leg NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville SC and Club América played to a cautious 0–0 draw at Geodis Park in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal. The match featured few clear-cut chances; Nashville controlled 56% possession and outshot América, 13–8, but failed to convert — América finished with four shots on goal to Nashville’s three. The second leg is set for April 14 at Estadio Azteca, where Nashville will advance on a win or a 1–1 (or higher) draw thanks to the away-goals tiebreaker. Nashville reached this stage after knocking out Inter Miami on away goals in the round of 16; América advanced past Olimpia and then Philadelphia Union. Kings Edge Predators in Shootout - Forsberg the Difference LOS ANGELES, CA - Anton Forsberg stopped all three attempts he faced in the shootout and made 29 saves overall as the Los Angeles Kings beat the Nashville Predators 3–2. The Kings reclaimed the second Western Conference wild-card spot with the win. Joel Armia and Scott Laughton scored in regulation for Los Angeles; Steven Stamkos and Roman Josi scored for Nashville, and Juuse Saros made 26 saves. Kings interim coach D.J. Smith praised Forsberg’s performance, while Predators coach Andrew Brunette called the game “playoff hockey” — tight, physical and decided by small margins. Nashville sits one point behind Los Angeles in the wild-card chase; if tied, Nashville would hold the tiebreaker. Injury note: Predators defenseman Nicolas Hague is day-to-day with an upper-body injury sustained in Saturday’s 6–3 win at San Jose. What’s next Sounds vs. Gwinnett: Game 2, Wednesday, 5:35 p.m. CT Nashville SC: Second leg at Club América, Estadio Azteca, April 14. Predators: at Utah Mammoth, April 9, 8:00 p.m. CT

By David Oglesby NASHVILLE, TN - Knockdown Professional Kickboxing (KPK) makes a thunderous debut in Nashville on this Saturday, April 11, 2026, when the new promotion brings a full slate of professional bouts to Marathon Music Works. Produced by the leadership behind USA Kickboxing, KPK promises fast-paced, high-skill striking and a live fight-night atmosphere aimed at putting Tennessee on the map for pro kickboxing. “I wanted a place where people can see the highest level of striking, live and loud,” said promoter Rob Zbilnski in an interview ahead of the event. Zbilnski — who helped build USA Kickboxing’s amateur pipeline and shepherd the sport toward Olympic recognition — described KPK as the natural professional extension of that work. “When you develop a great amateur program, you have to build a professional platform. Knockdown is that platform for future Olympians and top U.S. athletes,” he said. KPK’s card will feature both emerging talent and experienced internationals, several of whom have represented the U.S. on world teams and in major competitions. Zbilnski emphasized the depth and pedigree of the roster: “A lot of them have international competition, they’ve been vetted — some are the best in the U.S. and ranked in the world. We provide a platform for them to exploit those skills.” Adding star power to the broadcast, UFC veteran Shonie “Mr. International” Carter is confirmed as a guest commentator. Carter — known in MMA history for his spinning backfist knockout and an eclectic, decades-long fight career across organizations including the UFC, WEC and Bellator — said in an interview he’s excited to bring his personality and experience to the booth. “I’m here to develop fighters beyond the ring: marketing, business development, making the show an experience,” Carter said, explaining his belief that fighters must learn to sell themselves as entertainers as well as athletes. Carter described Nashville as an under-tapped market for live combat sports, one he believes is ripe for a promotion that balances elite technique with fan-first production. “I plan to bring some flash — memorable moments, meet-and-greets, trading cards — things that keep fans engaged long after the bell,” he said. Marathon Music Works, a compact, high-energy venue in the heart of the city, will host the launch. Zbilnski called it “perfect” for the debut: “It’s going to be loud and tight — everybody will be able to see the fights.” The promotion has already announced a second show slated for August 1 on a rooftop venue downtown, signaling plans to build a consistent Nashville presence and expand nationally through partnering promoters. For fans outside Nashville, KPK will be available on pay-per-view through Fox Valley TV, widening exposure for fighters and the fledgling brand. Tickets are available via Knockdown’s official site. As Zbilnski put it: “Kickboxing is fast, explosive and accessible — and we think people will love it live.” Knockdown’s Nashville debut is more than a single fight night — it’s the opening act for a promotion seeking to turn amateur pedigrees into pro careers and to give fans a new kind of live combat spectacle in Music City.

Photo / TSU Athletics EVANSVILLE, IN — The Tennessee State women’s tennis team picked up its first Ohio Valley Conference victory of the season Friday afternoon, edging Southern Indiana 4-3 in a tightly contested matchup at Evansville. TSU grabbed the early advantage by taking the doubles point. Natalie Walsh and Julie Tungamarial set the tone with a 6-0 rout at No. 2 doubles, while Aroa Arrieta Castillo and Jovana Nikolic closed out doubles with a 6-2 win at No. 3. Southern Indiana claimed the No. 1 doubles flight, but the Tigers’ wins at Nos. 2 and 3 gave them the 1-0 team lead heading into singles. Singles play produced momentum swings, but the Tigers were able to hold firm when it mattered. Jovana Nikolic dominated at the top flight, posting a 6-0, 6-0 victory at No. 1 singles to spark TSU. Southern Indiana fought back with wins at Nos. 5 and 2 to tighten the match, but Arrieta Castillo answered at No. 3 with a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory. Taylor Ellis then closed the match out at No. 6, delivering a 7-6, 6-1 clincher to secure the 4-3 team win. The victory was an important breakthrough for the Tigers, who improved to 1-3 in conference play and 1-12 overall. The team’s doubles strength and clutch singles performances — notably Nikolic’s dominant start and Ellis’s closing effort — were the difference in a match that came down to the final court. Tennessee State returns home Sunday to host Southeast Missouri State in Nashville at 2 p.m., looking to build on the momentum from its first conference triumph of the season.

Boys in Gold Fall 1-0 to Fire in Rare Defeat: Remain Eastern Conference Leaders CHICAGO, IL - Nashville SC's dominant start to the 2026 season came to an end Saturday night when the Boys in Gold suffered their first loss of the campaign, falling 1-0 to Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field. Despite the setback, Nashville remains atop the Eastern Conference standings. Philip Zinckernagel's early goal—just one minute into the match—proved to be the difference in a hard-fought contest that saw Nashville create multiple scoring opportunities but ultimately couldn't find the back of the net. The lightning-quick strike by the Fire caught Nashville off guard in what would be a frustrating night for the visitors. "We came out flat and paid the price immediately," the loss seemed to suggest, as Nashville couldn't recover from the early blow. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake kept the deficit manageable with two crucial saves and earned Man of the Match honors for his efforts between the posts. Despite the loss, Nashville's impressive 2026 campaign remains largely intact. The Boys in Gold hold a 4W-1L-1D record in MLS play with 13 points and maintain first place in the Eastern Conference. Across all competitions this season, Nashville sits at 6W-1L-3D, demonstrating resilience and depth in their squad. The attacking prowess that has defined Nashville's early season was evident even in defeat. Sam Surridge led the team with three shots, while midfielder Matthew Corcoran controlled play with a 94.4% passing accuracy rate. Nashville has outscored opponents 13-3 in league play and 21-4 across all competitions—a testament to their offensive firepower. "This is just one match," the narrative suggests for the fanbase. "We'll bounce back." Indeed, there's little time to dwell on the loss. Nashville returns to action in just three days when the Boys in Gold host Liga MX's Club América in the Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal Round at GEODIS Park. The matchup marks Nashville's debut in the prestigious tournament's quarterfinal stage. Tuesday's showdown against América kicks off at 7 p.m. CT and represents an opportunity for Nashville to refocus and remind everyone why they've been the Eastern Conference's most impressive team thus far. With the championship mentality this squad has displayed, one loss won't define their season. The Boys in Gold will aim to recapture their early-season form and prove Saturday's defeat was merely a blip on their path to success.

Photo / Vanderbilt Athletics NASHVILLE, TN — Vanderbilt’s lacrosse team rallied in a back-and-forth contest to beat East Carolina 15-13 Saturday at the Vanderbilt Lacrosse Complex, handing the Commodores their third straight American Athletic Conference victory. Trailing in a tight game late, Vanderbilt erupted with a decisive 4-0 run to close the contest. Senior transfer Molly Krestinski sparked the finishing surge, finishing with four goals on the day and delivering the go-ahead marker early in the fourth quarter that shifted the tone in Vanderbilt’s favor. Freshman dynamo Gabby Putman also shined, matching Krestinski with four goals while dominating the circle — she won a team-high five draw controls and continued a week-to-week roll that has the freshman regularly recognized by the league. Hayden Miller added a multi-dimensional performance with three goals and two assists, and Shea Panzik chipped in two goals and two assists. Playmaking was at a premium: midfielder Logan Risenhoover orchestrated the attack with a game-high three assists, keeping Vanderbilt’s offense humming when it mattered most. On the other end, East Carolina got a heroic effort from Sarah Goodison, who buried five goals for the Pirates. Maya Koebke added three goals and Katelyn Sclafani finished with five points (two goals, three assists), but the Pirates couldn’t hold off Vanderbilt’s late push. The Commodores leaned on a gritty defensive performance to manufacture the comeback, forcing nine turnovers and nudging ahead 16-15 in draw controls. Emma Davis led the team with three forced turnovers, and goalie Emme Martin recorded eight saves to secure the victory in goal. Vanderbilt improves to 7-6 overall and 3-0 in American play, while East Carolina falls to 4-7 and 1-2 in conference action. The win keeps Vanderbilt perfect at the Plex this season and extends the Commodores’ edge in the all-time series with ECU to 6-2. The Commodores conclude nonconference play next Wednesday, hosting Lindenwood at noon with the game available on ESPN+. For Vanderbilt, the late-game poise and balanced scoring — veterans and newcomers both stepping up — provide encouraging signs as conference play intensifies.

MURFREESBORO, TN — Middle Tennessee Softball snapped an eight-game skid and closed out the series with Louisiana Tech in dramatic fashion, topping the Bulldogs 11-9 on Sunday at home. The Blue Raiders (14-21, 4-11 C-USA) opened the game with a burst of offense and never stopped swinging, while the defense made several momentum-saving plays — including a highlight-reel grab by left fielder Macie Harter — en route to a satisfying victory. Middle Tennessee came out flying, scoring four runs in the game’s first two innings and setting the tone early. Jana Want launched a leadoff solo home run in the bottom of the first to put the Blue Raiders on the board. After LA Tech (21-18, 7-8 C-USA) answered in the top of the second, Middle Tennessee responded immediately: Lexi Medlock crushed a two-run homer and Macie Harter followed with an RBI double to make it 4-1. The game settled down for an inning and a half, but the Blue Raiders blew the game open in the bottom of the fourth. An RBI single by Want began the rally and Ansley Blevins delivered a three-run home run to push the lead to 8-1 and had the home crowd buzzing about a possible early finish. LA Tech, however, rallied fiercely in the top of the fifth, posting eight runs to take a 9-8 lead and briefly seize control. The Bulldogs’ comeback tested Middle Tennessee’s resolve, but the Blue Raiders answered in the sixth in emphatic fashion. Back-to-back homers from Want and Blevins reclaimed the lead at 11-9; those two swings ultimately proved decisive as Middle Tennessee’s bullpen shut the door the rest of the way. Braelyn Hall started for the Blue Raiders and worked four innings before Halle Klaiber briefly relieved. Tori Coffman finished the game with 2.2 innings of relief and earned the win — her second of the season — after steady work to preserve the late lead. Middle Tennessee also set a program mark with five home runs in the game. Jana Want and Ansley Blevins each clubbed two homers, while Lexi Medlock added another to fuel the big night at the plate. Want finished with three hits, while Blevins and Onnika Spencer each collected two. The Blue Raiders will aim to carry this momentum into their next game at regional rival Austin Peay in Clarksville on Tuesday, April 7 at 4 p.m.

NASHVILLE, TN — A five-run outburst in the second inning — capped by Luke Adams’ first-hit-of-the-year grand slam — put the Nashville Sounds in front early, and a gutsy outing from Coleman Crow helped Nashville hold off a late Charlotte rally for a 7-6 victory Friday night at First Horizon Park. The crowd of 7,892 watched the Sounds jump on the board in dramatic fashion. With the bases loaded and one out in the second, Charlotte’s Duncan Davitt plated Freddy Zamora on a hit-by-pitch. Two batters later, Adams — the Brewers’ No. 13 prospect — turned a hanging slider into history, lofting a 397-foot blast into the left-field seats to make it 5-0. The grand slam was Adams’ first hit of the season after an 0-for-15 start, and his first homer since June 15 of last year at Double-A Biloxi. It was the third grand slam of his pro career and a thunderbolt that gave Nashville its biggest inning of 2026 to date. On the mound, Coleman Crow was efficient and composed. He retired the first nine batters he faced, striking out three while working quickly through Charlotte’s lineup. Crow finished with six innings pitched, four hits and two runs allowed, five strikeouts and two walks — his first Triple-A win and his first quality start at this level. The outing continued a personal trend: Crow has turned in a quality start each time he’s gone at least six innings in his professional career. Charlotte chipped away but never fully erased the deficit. After Crow gave up a run on a fielder’s choice in the fourth and a two-out RBI triple in the fifth, Jeferson Quero pushed the margin back out with a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth off Chase Plymell, a 93-mph drive that scored Tyler Black after Black’s hustle beat out a would-be double-play grounder. That made it 7-2 and gave Nashville breathing room. Infielder Jett Williams — in his first season with Nashville and already a difference-maker on the base paths — continued to show why the Sounds acquired him. Williams went 1-for-5 and swiped his fourth stolen base of the year, moving into the team lead and tying for the International League lead in steals. His speed and base running were on display earlier in the game when Tyler Black beat out a potential inning-ending double play to bring Williams to the plate for Quero’s two-run shot. Williams arrived in Nashville off a strong 2025 at Double-A Binghamton (.281, 99-for-352, 10 homers, 34 extra-base hits) and a history of contact, plate discipline and speed — attributes that make him a tough out and a constant threat once he reaches base. The Knights, did not go quietly. Joe Corbett, making his season debut in relief of Crow, surrendered three runs in the seventh after Nashville’s starter exited with the quality start in hand. Aggressive base running nearly produced more for Charlotte — Darren Baker was thrown out attempting to steal home in the same frame — a play that proved costly for the visitors as they may have keep momentum if not for the out. Charlotte continued pressing in the late innings. A leadoff triple in the eighth off Peter Strzelecki and a two-out single by Jacob Gonzalez cut the deficit to 7-6, but Strzelecki escaped without further damage. Will Childers worked a one-two-three ninth before yielding a single to Oliver Dunn; Childers then closed the door with a four-pitch strikeout of Gonzalez to record his first save of the year and seal the win. The triumph gives Nashville at least a series split; the club will look to take the series Saturday night when LHP Tate Kuehner (1-0, 1.59) draws the start against Charlotte’s RHP Tanner McDougal (0-0, 2.25). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT.

Photo / Vanderbilt Athletics COLLEGE STATION, TX — Vanderbilt and No. 20 Texas A&M treated the crowd to a long-ball showcase Thursday, combining for 10 home runs in the series opener as the Commodores prevailed, 14-8. Colin Barczi powered Vanderbilt’s attack, belting three homers — his second career game with that many long balls this season and the first Vanderbilt player ever to record multiple three-homer games in program history. Barczi opened the night with a home run in the first inning, his first round-tripper since returning from injury, and later crushed a 443-foot blast to left-center in the fourth. He capped the night with a third solo shot in the sixth to push the Commodores in front. Vanderbilt struck first when Tommy Goodin connected for his eighth homer of the season, a two-out blast to right-center that gave the Commodores an early 2-0 lead. Texas A&M answered with a solo shot in the bottom of the second, but Mike Mancini restored a two-run cushion for Vandy with a solo homer in the third and helped manufacture another run on an error and a sac fly, giving Vanderbilt a 5-1 advantage. Mancini’s home run was Vanderbilt’s 66th of the year, matching last season’s total. The Aggies’ Caden Sorrell supplied one of his team’s long balls in the third, and A&M narrowed the gap further with a pair of homers in the fifth to pull within one. Barczi’s fourth-inning blast and his sixth-inning shot helped keep Vanderbilt in front, and the Dores tacked on insurance runs later in the game. Vanderbilt extended the lead in the eighth when Korbin Reynolds ripped a two-run single to make it 11-8. In the ninth, an RBI single by Max Jensen — set up by a Brodie Johnston double — pushed the lead to three. Back-to-back bases-loaded walks to Ryker Waite and Reynolds made it a 14-8 final. Vanderbilt finished with 18 hits, a total the club has reached twice in its last six games. On the mound, Brennan Seiber (5-1) earned the victory with 2.1 innings of relief work after starter Connor Fennell, and Tyler Baird slammed the door with scoreless eighth and ninth innings to record his first collegiate save. Vanderbilt improved to 19-12 overall and 6-4 in SEC play, while Texas A&M fell to 23-6 and 5-5 in the league. The teams will meet in a Friday doubleheader at Blue Bell Park, with the first game scheduled for 2 PM and the nightcap slated for 6 PM.

Photo / Lipscomb Athletics NASHVILLE, TN — For the second straight day the Cumberland Phoenix faced an NCAA Division I opponent, falling 6-1 to Lipscomb Wednesday afternoon at the Huston-Marsh-Griffith Tennis Center. Doubles decided the early advantage. Lipscomb took the doubles point with wins at Nos. 1 and 3. Alex Vlahos and Oliver Thoeny claimed the top flight 6-3 over Mateus Mori and Carlos Morillas, while Matheus Guarnieri and Mohamed Bouhlel dropped a 6-2 decision at No. 3 to Filippo Verdese and Oskar Szymczak. Cumberland’s No. 2 pairing of Arne Sohmer and Arthur Fernandes led 5-4 when that match went unfinished. In singles, the Bisons won five of six matches. Alex Vlahos earned the match’s second point when Mateus Mori retired at No. 5. Oliver Thoeny closed out No. 6 with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Magnus Johansen. Filippo Verdese dominated at No. 2, beating Matheus Guarnieri 6-1, 6-1, and Facundo Perlov secured a straight-set win at No. 1, downing Carlos Morillas 6-2, 6-1. Henrique Ushizima added a 6-4, 6-1 victory at No. 4 over Mohamed Bouhlel. Cumberland’s lone point came at No. 3, where Arthur Fernandes outlasted Lipscomb’s Oskar Szymczak in a three-set battle, 6-0, 2-6, 11-9. Up next, Lipscomb travels for the regular-season finale at Bellarmine on Friday. Cumberland gets a week to regroup before hosting No. 1 Georgia Gwinnett next Wednesday in Pulaski and also faces Tennessee Southern in upcoming non-conference play.

Today in Nashville was a near-perfect spring evening for baseball — a warm, breezy day that eased into a clear, moonlit night — and First Horizon Park brimmed with fans eager for the Sounds’ home opener. The crowd soaked in the familiar pageantry: banners snapping in the breeze, the smell of grilling from the concourses, and the steady chorus of conversation and cheers that make a night at the ballpark feel like a neighborhood celebration. It was that full-senses kind of night: beer in hand, peanuts in the stands, and baseball on the field as Nashville beat Charlotte 7–3 and extended its early-season momentum. NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Sounds defeated the Charlotte Knights, 7–3, in the first home game of the 2026 season Tuesday night, improving to 2–2 overall and handing the International League East leaders their first loss at 3–1. Three different Sounds recorded multi-hit games and two players drove in multiple runs as Nashville built an early advantage and held on behind a strong relief effort. Charlotte struck first in the top of the first when William Bergolla Jr. ripped a double into left to make it 1–0. Nashville answered immediately. On a major-league rehab assignment Steward Berroa singled to right with one out, setting the stage for Tyler Black, who launched a two-run homer — his first of the season — to put the Sounds ahead 2–1. Nashville grew the lead to 4–1 in the bottom of the third. Black added his second hit of the night with a single to right and Luis Lara followed with a two-out single that set up Brock Wilken for his first Triple-A hit and an RBI. The Knights cut the margin to 4–3 in the fourth when a pair of one-out singles and a run-scoring force play produced two runs, including one plated on a double-steal. The Sounds answered for insurance in the fifth. Lara’s one-out single into center and a walk to Wilken set up Greg Jones, who crushed a two-RBI triple to plate both runners and extend the lead. Jones later scored on Luke Adams’ sacrifice fly, making it 7–3. From there Nashville’s bullpen took over. Right-hander Logan Henderson delivered three scoreless innings in relief, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out five. Left-hander Rob Zastryzny, on a rehab assignment after representing Canada in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, worked a scoreless inning as well — surrendering one hit and recording one strikeout — in his first appearance since suffering a left rhomboid strain during the WBC. The bullpen retired the remaining innings to close out the ballgame and secure the victory. Offensively, Tyler Black finished 2-for-3 with a homer, a walk, two runs scored and two RBIs as he continued an early hot stretch. Steward Berroa, in his first game with the team and first play since September produced a multi-hit night (2-for-5). Luis Lara also had a multi-hit performance and is off to a strong start, while Brock Wilken picked up his first Triple-A RBI and scored a run after starting the season 0-for-8 on the road. Nashville returns to First Horizon Park Wednesday for the second game of the six-game series against Charlotte, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT. RHP Carlos Rodriguez is scheduled to make his first start of the season for the Sounds as the club looks to build on back-to-back wins and keep the momentum rolling in front of its Nashville supporters.