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Photo / Jim Dillon - Tennessee Tech Athletics ST. CHARLES, MO - A spectacular start on the hill and a clutch performance at the plate carried the Tennessee Tech baseball team to a 4-3 victory over Lindenwood on Mother’s Day, salvaging the Ohio Valley Conference finale Sunday afternoon at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles. For the third straight contest of the weekend, the Golden Eagles (Tech) came out swinging early, striking for a run in the opening frame. Landon Smelser led off with a base hit to right-center field—his third straight game with a lead-off knock. Two batters later, Owen Lee powered a two-run home run to right field, clearing the wall to put Tech in front 2-0. Tennessee Tech then added to the advantage in the fourth inning by stringing together the type of small-ball execution that proved decisive. Catcher Manny Garza doubled to left field to open the frame, then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Connor Crowson. Garza’s brother and fellow Golden Eagle, Eddie Lee, drove him in on the next pitch, delivering a sacrifice fly to center field and extending the lead to 3-0. The Tech offense’s early momentum matched the pitching work on the mound as sophomore starter Braxton Lewis secured his second win of the season. Making just the third start of his career, Lewis turned in a career-high 7.0 innings, allowing three hits and one walk while giving up only one earned run and striking out three Lion batters. Lindenwood finally broke through in the sixth, using a Tech error to set up a sac fly and an unearned run, cutting the deficit to 3-1. In response, Lee answered immediately in the eighth, leading off with his second home run of the day—a blast to right field that pushed Tech back ahead 4-1. Lewis began the eighth but departed after a lead-off single, and Lindenwood managed to scratch across a run before the Tech bullpen closed the inning without further damage. The Lions made a late push in the ninth, fueled by a one-out solo home run that pulled Lindenwood to within 4-3. With the tying run on and the game on the line, Lindenwood singled again, prompting head coach Matt Bragga to turn to veteran reliever Drew Mattox. The junior right-hander needed just one pitch to seal the victory, recording an ending 5-4-3 double play to finish the game and secure Tech’s win. The Golden Eagles will now close their final regular season as members of the OVC next weekend with a three-game series against long-time league rival Morehead State at home. The set starts with a 6:00 p.m.

LOUISVILLE, KY — The Nashville Sounds’ pitching staff combined for an 8-0 shutout Sunday afternoon at Louisville Slugger Field, helping the Sounds split the series with the Louisville Bats. Right-hander Garrett Stallings delivered his first quality start of the season, tossing six scoreless innings and allowing three hits while striking out four to power the shutout victory. Nashville scored early and often, taking a 2-0 lead in the first and extending the advantage to 3-0 in the second before breaking it open further in the fifth and eighth. In the opening frame, Jett Williams led off with a single and Cooper Pratt reached on a fielder’s choice. Luis Lara followed with a bloop single to right to move runners into scoring position, and after a wild pitch advanced them again, Jeferson Quero drove in two with a two-run single to left. The Sounds added another run in the second after Jordyn Adams and Jacob Hurtubise recorded consecutive one-out singles. Williams then lifted a sacrifice fly to plate Adams, pushing Nashville ahead 3-0. Nashville increased the cushion in the fifth. Eddys Leonard drew a leadoff walk and Ethan Murray followed with a one-out walk. Hurtubise then delivered an RBI single to center to score Leonard, and Williams capped the inning with an RBI double to bring home Murray—making it 5-0. Stallings continued to roll through his start, including two perfect early innings, and after a clean seventh from Craig Yoho, Nashville’s offense put the game away in the eighth. Williams walked, Pratt reached on an error by Edwin Arroyo, Leonard scored on a throwing error, and Murray capped the inning with an RBI single after Ramón Rodríguez extended the rally with a base hit. The bullpen finished strong. Peter Strzelecki pitched a perfect eighth, and Blake Holub worked the ninth, inducing a game-ending flyout to Lara after issuing a two-out walk. Postgame Notes: Quero’s RBI streak continues: Catcher Jeferson Quero extended his RBI streak to three straight games, including a two-run single Sunday. Leonard’s double run: Outfielder Eddys Leonard stretched his streak of doubles to four consecutive games. Stallings delivers again: Stallings posted the team’s third quality start of the season and improved to six career quality starts with Nashville. Second combined shutout of the year: Nashville earned its second team shutout of the season, previously blanking Charlotte on April 2. Adams gets going: Jordyn Adams recorded his first multi-hit game with the Sounds, going 2-for-4. Hurtubise stays productive: Jacob Hurtubise notched his third multi-hit game of the year, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Up Next: After an off-day Monday, the Sounds return to First Horizon Park to start a six-game series against the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Photo / Gregory Ruff - Trevecca Athletics OXFORD, AL - A magical stretch at the 2026 Gulf South Conference Championships came to a heartbreaking end for the Trevecca Nazarene University softball team on Saturday. After entering the tournament as the final team to make the field, the Trojans—coached by Ben Tyree—kept finding ways to survive and advance through the first three days, earning themselves a chance to keep their season alive. But in the GSC title game, the clock struck midnight on the Cinderella story. Trevecca finished 22-19, falling to West Alabama in the championship, 5-3, as the Tigers (now 43-12-1) claimed the conference crown. A Title Game That Started Rough, Then Tightened Late Bottom of the 1st: Trevecca began strong with Addy Grace Summers reaching on a single, but a fielder’s choice ended the threat. The Tigers answered with a RBI sequence—highlighted by a sacrifice fly that pushed the lead to 2-0—and followed with more damage to make it 3-0. Bottom of the 2nd: West Alabama added three more runs with two outs, using well-placed hits to extend the advantage to 5-0. Top of the 4th: The Trojans found their footing against UWA starter Megan Roe. Shay Hollingsworth led off with a single, and after a key double by Sarah Kinderdine, Annalise Mecklenberg delivered a two-run hit to pull Trevecca within 5-2. Top of the 5th: Kyleigh Burgett doubled and later scored on an error, shrinking the gap to 5-3. Top of the 6th: Trevecca loaded the base paths with two walks and got the tying runs aboard—but couldn’t drive them across, ending the biggest opportunity of the game. All-Tournament Honors for Trevecca Despite the title-game setback, Trevecca earned recognition across the tournament: All-Tournament Team: Annabelle Ellis, Brianna Asmondy, Sarah Nicholson, and Bailey Goad Ellis, Asmondy, and Nicholson each logged strong tournament production, while Goad stood out with a dominant run in the circle (including 19 strikeouts). The loss ends Trevecca’s 2026 season and closes the careers of five seniors: Kylie Chetakian, Sarah Kinderdine, Sarah Nicholson, Kyleigh Burgett, and Brianna Asmondy. For head coach Ben Tyree, the season ends just two wins shy of 600 for his career.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Eastern Conference leading Nashville Soccer Club turned a near-certain defeat into a dramatic late comeback, earning a 2-2 draw with D.C. United on Saturday night at GEODIS Park. Trailing 2-0 for nearly three-quarters of the match, the Boys in Gold extended their MLS unbeaten run to five matches and stayed undefeated at home in league play. For 75 minutes, Nashville looked like a team still absorbing the sting of its recent CONCACAF Champions Cup exit. But a turning point arrived when D.C. right back Silvan Hefti was shown a second yellow card, forcing the visitors to play the final stretch down a man. The shift in momentum sparked a surge from Nashville, which had gone long stretches without finding the net. Warren Madrigal delivered the breakthrough for the club, scoring his first career MLS brace with two goals in 13 minutes—finding the equalizer in the 76th minute and then completing the turnaround in the 89th. The Costa Rican forward’s first strike came after he tapped in a rebound off a Matthew Corcoran shot. His second goal, a volley in front of goal, capped a relentless push and earned Nashville a point despite the early hole it dug. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake helped preserve the late rally with five saves. The draw also kept Nashville’s home league dominance in focus: the club is one of only three MLS teams still unbeaten at home this season, boasting a 4W-0L-1D record. Nashville midfielder Alex Muyl also marked a milestone, becoming the 77th player in MLS history to reach at least 300 career regular-season appearances. With forward Sam Surridge, and midfielders Eddi Tagseth and Patrick Yazbek all missing the match due to injury, Nashville now turns its attention to a quick turnaround, traveling to face the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

LOUISVILLE, KY — The Nashville Sounds left Louisville Slugger Field with more than a split series prize. They took a clean doubleheader sweep, tightening their grip on the week and making their message clear early: when they get on base, the damage comes. Nashville won the opener 3-1, then turned momentum into a full-on statement in the nightcap, using a four-run fifth inning to pull away for a 9-6 victory over the Louisville Bats. Game 1: Crow Stays Steady as Sounds Claim 3-1 Coleman Crow was the stabilizer for Nashville from the jump, following up a strong doubleheader start with another performance built on command. After a rough beginning that included baserunners reaching early, Crow limited Louisville to a single run and settled into a rhythm that looked nearly effortless by comparison. Nashville finally broke through in the top of the fourth with pressure built from patience and openings on the base paths. Back-to-back walks set the table, and Brock Wilken delivered the key swing—an RBI single that leveled the game. The Sounds added the next punch in the fifth, turning their chances into runs again as Brock Wilken kept the line moving. Then, in the seventh, the offense added a final layer of insurance—Jordyn Adams came through with a two-out triple, and Blake Perkins added a base hit that extended the lead and helped lock things down. By the time the last outs were required, Crow had already done the heavy lifting—then relief followed through to finish the job, sealing the 3-1 win and giving Nashville the sweep advantage headed into game two. Game 2: Four-Run Fifth Flips the Night, Sounds Hold On for 9-6 If game one was about composure, game two was about flipping the switch. Thomas Pannone ran into early trouble, with Louisville jumping out to a lead thanks to three straight singles and a cluster of opportunities. But even when the start wobbled, Pannone battled through and worked out of several jams, keeping the Sounds from letting the early deficit snowball. Once Kaleb Bowman took the mound, Nashville’s bats began to answer. Luis Matos evened things up with a two-run homer in the fourth, tying the game at 2-2. Louisville responded quickly—another home run, another jolt of momentum—but Nashville stayed patient and made their own move when it mattered most. The turning point arrived in the top of the fifth. Jett Williams began the rally with a leadoff single, and once the bases filled, Nashville’s approach became relentless—back-to-back walks put the Sounds in front. From there, Brock Wilken and Eddys Leonard combined to widen the gap: Leonard ripped a two-RBI double into the right-center gap, pushing the score to 6-3 and putting Nashville firmly in control. Even with Louisville charging back—Arroyo kept coming alive with extra-base damage—Nashville refused to let the game fully reset. Another key scoring burst followed in the sixth, when Wilken’s RBI single and a bases-loaded walk again stretched the lead, turning what could have been a momentum swing into separation. To close it out, the Sounds didn’t stop at “winning”—they tried to bury the comeback chances. Ethan Murray launched a home run to begin the seventh, giving Nashville their largest lead of the night. Then, with the tying run looming, Drew Rom finished the job the way you want a closer to finish: strikeouts, control, and no drama. When the final out came, Nashville had the sweep, winning 9-6 and taking control of the series with authority. POSTGAME NOTES Perkins Delivers in First Nashville Game Blake Perkins made his first game with Nashville this season count immediately, producing two hits and an RBI in the opener. It marked his return since last July, and his multi-hit night served as a reminder that when he’s dialed in, he can change a ballgame with timely contact. Wilken Extends On-Base Streak to 25 Brock Wilken put together another productive doubleheader, finishing 2-for-6 with three RBI, two walks, and two runs. Most importantly, he extended his on-base streak to 25 straight games dating back to April 10—an eye-opening stretch that continues to make Nashville harder to defend every night. Matos Makes His Move Luis Matos recorded a hit in both games and delivered his first home run of the season—his first since late August of last year. The multi-game impact carried over as Nashville leaned on him to manufacture extra-base scoring and extend rallies. Jett Williams Builds Momentum Jett Williams added a multi-hit game in the nightcap after being held hitless in the opener, continuing a strong May stretch. His ability to get on base and keep rallies alive has made him a consistent trigger for Nashville’s mid-inning scoring runs. Crow’s Recent Form Stays Elite Coleman Crow earned the win in game one after another strong outing. Over his last two starts, Crow has been nearly unhittable, posting dominant numbers that show why he’s become one of the Sounds’ most trusted arms when they need innings and leverage. Next game: Tonight vs. Louisville @ 6:15 pm

Photo / MLB NASHVILLE, TN — Major League Baseball will host a free MLB Umpire Camp in Nashville at First Horizon Park on Saturday, June 27, according to camp information provided by MLB Umpiring. The one-day clinic is scheduled to begin with check-in at 7 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 12 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). MLB says the camp will run rain or shine. Umpiring in baseball has undergone a long transformation—from local, often unpaid volunteers in the 1800s to a professionalized, unionized workforce. In early years, a single umpire typically oversaw games, and as the sport evolved, officiating responsibilities shifted toward more structured crews: two-man systems emerged in the early 1900s, followed by the standard four-man crew by 1952. Today, the path to the majors requires extensive training at designated umpire schools, followed by years of working up through various levels of the minor leagues, starting from rookie leagues up to Triple-A. Once they reach the majors they are assigned into 19 four-person crews with a crew chief. They also now incorporate video assistance to review select calls. Nashville will host one of five camps that will occur around the country to find the next batch of professional umpires. The camp is designed to introduce prospective umpires to professional instruction from MLB Umpire Supervisory Staff. MLB Umpire Camps are described as nationwide and free for anyone to attend. At the conclusion of the one-day camps, MLB states that finalists will continue through a vetting process. If selected, those finalists are invited to the MLB Umpire Prospect Development Camp at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida. MLB describes that invitation-only program as all-expenses paid and lasting four weeks, with the camp convening in January. MLB also outlined expectations and participation details for attendees. The camp requires participants to sign a standard liability waiver upon arrival, and MLB notes that if a participant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign. Attendees are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing for umpiring drills and to use flat-bottom shoes only, with no cleats. MLB also suggests participants bring a mask for umpiring if they have one. MLB Umpire Camps are described as opportunities for people of all umpiring experience levels, and the organization says no previous umpiring experience is required to attend a free one-day clinic.

LOUISVILLE, KY - The Nashville Sounds’ late push came up just short in the opener of their latest series against the Louisville Bats, with the Bats winning 6–4 at Louisville Slugger Field on Wednesday, May 6. It was a storyline shaped early by weather and momentum. Tuesday’s opening game of the series was postponed due to rain giving the Sounds an extra day of rest. Unfortunately, even when the Sounds struck first, Louisville answered every time—then took control late. Home Runs Set the Early Tone Nashville grabbed a 2–0 lead in the top of the second inning, sparked by Jett Williams’ one-out single. The Sounds quickly made it hurt for Louisville as Jeferson Quero launched a two-run homer—a first-pitch blast that was clocked at 107.7 MPH—to put Nashville ahead. But the Bats weren’t deterred. Louisville leveled things in the bottom of the frame, tying the game 2–2 on a burst of offense that included a triple from Michael Toglia that plated two runs. Bullpen Takes Over, Louisville Finally Gets the Advantage After Robert Gasser started and had a solid outing, pitching four innings with three strike outs on two earned runs. The Bats took a one-run edge in the middle innings going up 3–2, helped by a two-out RBI single. Nashville responded in the top of the sixth, when Luis Lara continued his power surge—cracking a solo home run to tie the game 3–3. Lara now leads Nashville with seven homers on the season and a .333 batting average. That tie didn’t last. In the later innings, Louisville struck with the kind of execution that swings late games—drawing walks, loading the bases, and turning that pressure into a decisive surge. The Ninth-Inning Threat Comes Up One Out Short The Sounds made it interesting in the top of the ninth, led by Freddy Zamora, who opened the inning with his fourth double of the season. After Quero reached on a single and Zamora advanced to third, Nashville loaded the bases—but Louisville held firm when Cooper Pratt hit a grounder that resulted in the final out at third. Louisville took the series opener 6–4, despite a strong all-around performance from the Sounds’ core. Key Takeaways Quero’s 4th homer: Finished 3-for-4 with two RBI. Wilken’s streak lives on: Brock Wilken extended his on-base streak to 23 straight games. Lara keeps mashing: His homer tied the game and marked another big moment in a season full of long balls. What’s Next: Doubleheader on Thursday Nashville continues the week with a doubleheader on Thursday, May 7 starting at 3:35 p.m.

Harter and Want named All - CUSA Photo / MTSU Athletics MURFREESBORO, TN – Two Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders were recognized with Conference USA All-Conference Team selections, the league announced on Tuesday, May 5. Macie Harter earned Second Team All-CUSA honors after delivering a standout sophomore season from the leadoff spot in the Blue Raiders’ lineup. Harter paced Middle Tennessee in multiple offensive categories, finishing with a .346 batting average, 41 runs scored, 26 extra-base hits, .677 slugging percentage, 37 walks, a .486 on-base percentage, and 19 stolen bases. The left fielder produced a powerful blend of patience and production, recording 12 multi-hit games and six multi-RBI games across 46 starts. Harter’s ability to get on base at an elite level defined her year. She held a 24-game streak reaching base, along with a nine-game hitting streak, and ranked among Conference USA’s best in key offensive metrics. Her on-base percentage placed fourth in the league, her OPS was fifth, and she finished fifth in runs scored. She also ranked high across extra-base production, sitting fifth in doubles, second in triples, and third in walks, while finishing fourth in stolen bases. Offensively, Harter’s impact was matched by her defensive presence in the outfield. She logged 110 putouts and nine assists on 122 chances and helped turn two double plays during the season. Among her biggest moments, Harter powered a memorable three-home run weekend at Jax State, including a two-for-two performance with two home runs and three RBI in the opening game against Jacksonville State. She also delivered a major spark against FIU, going three-for-four in game one with two doubles and her fifth home run of the season, all within a single stretch. Jana Want also earned Second Team All-CUSA recognition after being named the 2025 Conference USA Freshman of the Year and continuing her momentum into her sophomore campaign. Want turned in another productive season, batting .309 with a .497 slugging percentage and a .432 on-base percentage. She led Middle Tennessee in hits with 46, while adding 13 doubles, five home runs, and 27 RBI. Want contributed consistently throughout the year, producing 12 multi-hit games and five multi-RBI games across 51 starts. With plate discipline and power coming together, Want drew 28 walks while striking out in fewer than 10% of her at-bats—an approach that made her a difficult out. She also delivered at key moments, including a three-for-four performance against LA Tech featuring three runs, four RBI, and two home runs. She followed that with back-to-back multi-hit games against FIU, recording a double in each contest. Defensively, Want anchored the Blue Raiders’ infield, starting every game at shortstop. She recorded 71 putouts and 82 assists and was credited with turning six double plays during the season.

COOKEVILLE, TN - Tennessee Tech student-athletes continued to demonstrate excellence in the classroom, as reflected in the NCAA’s latest Academic Progress Rate (APR) report—covering the 2021-25 academic years. The multiyear APR is a key NCAA metric that measures academic achievement, eligibility, and retention. Programs scoring 930 or higher meet the benchmark for postseason eligibility, and Tennessee Tech’s teams once again exceeded that standard across the board. Programs Earn Near-Perfect and Perfect APR Scores Tennessee Tech posted multiple programs with near-perfect or perfect multiyear APR marks, including several teams achieving a 1,000 rating. Women’s programs leading the way: Women’s Volleyball: 1,000 Women’s Soccer: 995 Women’s Golf: 993 Women’s Track: 993 Women’s Cross Country: 989 Women’s Beach Volleyball does not have a multiyear APR rate due to being in its third year of existence. Men’s top performers include: Baseball: 985 Men’s Cross Country: 980 Men’s Tennis: 979 Larger roster sports also remained strong, with Football (968) and Men’s Basketball (967) both comfortably above the NCAA benchmark—showing steady academic progress. “Raising the Standard” in the Classroom and on the Field “Our student-athletes continue to raise the standard for what it means to succeed at Tennessee Tech,” said Director of Athletics Casey Fox. “These APR scores reflect the commitment, discipline, and support system that our programs have built. We are proud of the work our student-athletes put in every day in the classroom, and this achievement is a direct result of their dedication to excellence.” Division I APR Trends Show Continued Growth Nationwide Division I student-athlete academics remain a priority nationally as well. The national four-year APR for Division I teams rose by 2 points to 986, marking an uptick from the prior four consecutive years of a steady rate. Sport averages for the four years ending in 2024-25 also increased, including: Men’s Basketball: +3 (971) Women’s Basketball: +3 (984) Football Bowl Subdivision: +2 (971) Baseball: +1 (980) Football Championship Subdivision: +1 (959) Former Student-Athletes Return to Finish Their Degrees The Academic Performance Program highlights how many former student-athletes return to complete their degrees after exhausting athletics eligibility. In the past 22 years, more than 22,400 former student-athletes have returned to earn degrees and APR points for their teams—often not reflected in federal graduation rate or Graduation Success Rate calculations. How APR Is Calculated Each academic year, Division I team APR is calculated using a consistent formula. Scholarship student-athletes can earn 1 point for staying on track for their degree and 1 point for retention (or graduation) at the end of each academic term. Teams’ total points are divided by points possible and multiplied by 1,000. Non-scholarship recruited student-athletes are tracked as well. Tennessee Tech Continues to Lead Beyond Athletics Tennessee Tech is also recognized as a top national university by U.S. News & World Report (2026)—ranked #198 among national universities and among the top two public universities in Tennessee—valued for strong return on investment, including the highest starting salary and lowest debt for graduates among public universities in the state.

Photo / Cumberland Athletics LEBANON, TN — Cumberland University flag football standout Marley Hyde has been named a First Team NAIA All-American, earning one of the highest honors available following the sport’s inaugural NAIA Women’s Flag Football season. A sophomore from White House, Tennessee, Hyde (listed at 6 ft. 0 in.) emerged as one of the nation’s most productive offensive playmakers in Cumberland’s breakthrough campaign. Her performance helped cement her place among the top student-athletes recognized on the newly released NAIA Women’s Flag Football All-America Teams. Dominating on Offense Hyde finished third nationally with 1,571 receiving yards and ranked third in receptions with 147, averaging 71.4 yards per game. She also led the scoring impact through the air, posting 23 receiving touchdowns—the fifth-most in the NAIA—while totaling 27 touchdowns overall. In addition to her production as a receiver, Hyde contributed in other ways, including a rushing touchdown, and threw for three more. Historic Recognition for Cumberland The NAIA recognized 35 student-athletes across two All-America teams, representing 14 institutions as part of the sport’s inaugural season. Hyde becomes the first All-American in Cumberland flag football history, a milestone that underscores both her individual impact and the program’s rising status. Hyde’s First Team selection places her alongside the nation’s elite performers and sets a new standard for the Phoenix moving forward.

NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Sounds kept the series moving into Sunday’s slate after a tough Saturday night loss at First Horizon Park, that left Nashville searching for consistency—but buoyed by one standout who continues to look more and more like the team’s offensive catalyst. Saturday: Tides 5, Sounds 2 — Lara Goes Deep, Leonard Strikes Again Nashville fell 5-2 on Saturday, May 2, dropping their second straight to the Norfolk Tides and managing just one run over a seven-inning stretch after taking an early lead on the power bat of Luis Lara. Lara delivered his sixth home run of the season, driving a slider from the left side down and clanking it off the right-field foul pole in the bottom of the first. Eddys Leonard answered with a big night at the plate, recording three hits—the second time this season he has had a three-hit game. Still, the Sounds’ opportunities didn’t translate into enough runs. Despite getting multiple baserunners on base, Nashville stranded 10 and went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position in the loss. Match-up wise, Nashville had moments late, but Norfolk tightened things up with timely hitting—including a push that grew the lead to 4-1 in the middle innings and put the game out of reach in the end. Sunday: Sounds Aimed to Turn Momentum with a 5 - 1 Win After Saturday’s setback, the Nashville Sounds responded on Sunday with a more efficient, more decisive performance at First Horizon Park, finishing with a 5–1 win to keep the momentum moving and answer the frustration from the previous night's loss. While both clubs exchanged chances early, Nashville’s offense found its rhythm—led by the kind of consistent production at the plate that’s been a hallmark of Luis Lara’s breakout season. The Sounds got on base and cashed in at key moments, combining timely hits, pressure with runners on, and inning-to-inning execution to put the game away. Big Weekend Story Still Belongs to Lara 6 home runs 39 hits 12 stolen bases An on-base and hit streak currently extended to three games And he leads the Sounds in home runs and hits Heading into the next games, it’s not just that Lara is producing—it’s that he’s producing in multiple ways: power, speed, and run creation. What’s Next Nashville is set to move on to its next slate, with a six-game series in Louisville against the Bats beginning on Tuesday, May 5.

Photo / Trevecca Athletics On the middle day of the 2025 Gulf South Conference men’s and women’s outdoor track and field championships in Montevallo, Alabama, the air seemed to crackle with both fatigue and possibility. Athletes traded strained smiles between heats and field circles, chasing points the way others chase time—one fraction, one toss, one step at a time. For Trevecca Nazarene University, the noise grew strongest around Campbell Johnson, a senior finally racing and throwing on Alabama soil one last time. In the women’s heptathlon, she didn’t just compete—she detonated the program record. Johnson scorched past the previous best by more than 400 points, finishing with a staggering 3,627. That mark didn’t simply break a number; it shattered a benchmark that had stood for years, set back in April 2023. She powered that success with a series of decisive performances. Her javelin throw—34.53 meters—was the best of anyone in the heptathlon, and in the shot put she added authority with a 10.20-meter toss. Then, when the heptathlon’s final test arrived, she ran the 800 meters in 2:30.96, turning speed into placement and placement into points—landing Trevecca an eighth-place finish with a point gained that felt like a victory in itself. Across the day, Hadar Biger kept momentum alive in the 5,000 meters, crossing sixth in 17:38.83. Meanwhile, on the men’s side, Zion Griffin qualified for the 100-meter final with 10.89 in the prelims, while McCaden Selby and Anthony Kosinski pushed the 5,000-meter standard higher—both posting new personal bests that lifted Trevecca’s total to nine personal records and even a program record through the first two days.

Photo / Mid-South Conference By David Oglesby Cumberland punched its ticket to the Mid-South Conference Baseball Tournament Championship game with a dramatic, extra-innings 10–8 win over Bethel at Bowling Green Ballpark. For five scoreless innings, it was mostly silence that looked like it might last forever. Then Bethel struck in the third. Three straight hits turned into a RBI single from Adriel Vega and an RBI double from Juan Diego Ramos, and suddenly the Wildcats were up 2–0. Bethel made it hurt worse in the fifth, turning Cumberland’s mistakes into momentum: miscues, a run-scoring single from Cade Pilkinton, and a 4–0 lead that felt like a door closing. Cumberland didn’t slam it back open. It pushed, step by step, until the sixth. LaRue doubled to start the frame, and Caleb Royer—designated hitter, but carrying a pitcher’s authority—launched a two-run home run to right. It was 4–2 now, and the Phoenix finally had air. Bethel added a run in the bottom half, setting the score at 5–2. But the seventh inning was where the story turned. Yuito Suzuki and Camden Williamson reached base. LaRue drove in a run with a groundout. McDonald answered with an RBI single to pull Cumberland within one. Then an intentional walk brought Wilser Then to the plate, and Royer took one more swing—three-run power to right-center that capped a five-run inning and gave Cumberland a 7–5 lead. Bethel came roaring back in the ninth, tying the game with three runs—first a two-run double from Pilkinton, then a sacrifice fly from Garrett Taylor. Extras arrived, and so did courage. Suzuki sparked it again with a leadoff walk, Williamson moved him along, the bases filled, and Then delivered: a two-run single to right that scored Suzuki and Hurt. Cumberland led 10–8. Kyle Nyblod struck out the side, and when it was over, Cumberland didn’t just win. It punched its ticket—heading to the Mid-South Conference Championship game at noon on Saturday.

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.

NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Sounds closed out a thrilling walk-off win over the Norfolk Tides on Wednesday night at First Horizon Park, scoring three in the bottom of the ninth to claim a 7-4 victory. Jett Williams powered the finish with an opposite-field three-run home run, while Jeferson Quero delivered a major spark with two doubles and two RBI as the Sounds (15-13) improved past Charlotte Knights?—correcting: defeating Norfolk—after nearly surrendering the lead late. Norfolk struck first, using two walks and a single to load the bases in the opening frame. A sacrifice fly by Creed Willems made it 1-0, and the Tides kept things quiet for two innings before Nashville answered in the third. Major league rehabber Jackson Chourio drew a walk to start the inning and scored on Quero’s loud double to left to even the game at 1-1. On the mound, left-hander Thomas Pannone worked 2.1 innings, allowing a run on two hits while striking out one. After Craig Yoho took over, Nashville added another momentum shift when Carlos Rodriguez returned to the lineup and the Sounds posted three scoreless innings on two hits, striking out two. The Sounds took their first lead in the sixth on a one-out double by Cooper Pratt and a soft single from Eddys Leonard, then extended it further in the seventh with Jacob Hurtubise’s seventh walk and Brock Wilken’s sixth double. But the Tides rallied in the ninth. Easton McGee entered and surrendered a one-out, two-run homer, giving Norfolk a 4-3 advantage. Nashville tied it when Jordyn Adams struck out then Hurtubise beat out an infield single, Quero followed with a go-ahead?—instead: an RBI double?—correcting: another RBI single?—Quero drove in the tying run with a bullet to left, then Williams capped the comeback with his walk-off shot. NEXT: Nashville returns to action Tonight, April 30 for a doubleheader starting at 5:35 p.m.

Photo / Trevecca Athletics MONTEVALLO, AL.—The 2025 outdoor track and field season for Trevecca Nazarene University reached its final regularly scheduled stop on Wednesday, when the Trojans opened competition at the 2025 Gulf South Conference Championships in Montevallo, Alabama alongside six other team. The meet marked the start of a busy championship slate featuring a mix of track races, field events, and the first day of multi-events. Trevecca placed 19 athletes into action during the opening day. On the women’s side, Margaret Chauncy sparked the Trojans’ scoring in the pole vault, while Campbell Johnson made a major mark in the 100-meter hurdles by breaking the school record as heptathlon competition began. Chauncy cleared 2.95 meters to finish sixth, good for three team points. In men’s action, Joshua Novotny provided Trevecca’s lone top-10 event finish of the day, placing 10th in the 10,000-meter run in 32:41.33. Wednesday’s meet also featured a standout day of growth for the Trojans, highlighted by six personal best performances and two additional season-best efforts. In the women’s heptathlon, Johnson and Nina Willoughby both produced personal-record breakthroughs in the 100-meter hurdles, clocking 16.58 and 18.08, respectively. Other PRs included Leighton Varden in the men’s 200-meter prelims (21.90), Brooklyn Rader in the hammer (24.51m), and PR marks in the men’s 10,000 from Joel White (34:19.08) and John Dalton (34:54.24). Grant Allen posted a season-best 22.58 in the men’s 200-meter prelims, and Ashley Alsvig ran her fastest 2,000-meter steeplechase of the season at 12:34.82. Johnson and Willoughby are Trevecca’s only heptathletes. After four events, Johnson sits eighth with 2221 points, while Willoughby is ninth with 1749 points. Thursday will bring the completion of the heptathlon, featuring the 800 meters, long jump, and javelin, along with additional track and field championship events.