NASHVILLE, TN - Tyson Hardin delivered yet another dominant start and Luis Lara’s big swing powered a series-defining shutout as the Nashville Sounds defeated the Gwinnett Stripers 2-0 on Thursday night at Greer Stadium. The win extended Nashville’s control of the matchup with a third shutout victory of the season and capped a rare, efficient night offensively: the teams combined for just eight hits in a sub-two-hour, nine-inning game. Both starting pitchers turned in quality outings, but it was Nashville’s late scoring and Lara’s impact at the plate that ultimately decided it. Hardin, Brewers’ No. 17 prospect, worked 6.0 innings and limited Gwinnett to two hits while striking out five and walking one—earning his second Triple-A quality start in three outings with the Sounds. After weathering early trouble, he finished strong and left with the game scoreless, with Nashville in position to strike late. That’s exactly what happened. Through six innings, the Sounds were held in check by Elieser Hernandez, managing only two hits before breaking through in the seventh. Akil Baddoo and Luis Lara had gone quiet for stretches, but Lara answered when it mattered most: with the inning started by Cooper Pratt’s single, Lara drove a RBI triple to right field that rattled around the bullpen corner, finally cracking the scoreboard and giving Nashville a 1-0 lead. Luis Matos followed with a double and extended his hitting streak to nine games, making it 2-0 and ending Hernandez’s night. Reiss Knehr kept the shutout intact with two scoreless innings in relief, then Craig Yoho sealed it in the ninth by striking out the side for his third save. The Sounds and Stripers meet again Friday night at 6:35 p.m. CT.

NASHVILLE, TN - After rallying for three runs in the late innings and getting the tying run to the plate in the ninth, the Nashville Sounds fell 5-3 to the Gwinnett Stripers on Wednesday night at First Horizon Park. Nashville was held scoreless through the first six innings, but pushed back with a two-out surge that left the outcome in reach. The Stripers’ pitching shut the door after the Sounds’ late strike, holding on as Gwinnett evened the series. Brewers top prospects helped shape the offense. Jeferson Quero delivered two hits and crushed his sixth home run of the season, a two-run shot that cut the deficit to 5-2 in the bottom of the seventh. The Brewers No. 7-rated prospect’s homer came after a small rally began with an earlier Nashville single and walk, giving the Sounds renewed life. On the mound, right-hander Quinn Priester’s rehab start was cut short in the first inning after 38 pitches, as Gwinnett scored three times. Nashville’s relief corps kept Gwinnett off the board for extended stretches, including clean innings from Blake Holub and additional late work from relievers in the middle frames. Cooper Pratt also extended his streak, maintaining a 17-game on-base run, while the Sounds’ final bid against Jacob Waguespack ultimately fell one step short. The series continues Thursday night at 6:35 p.m. CT with Tyson Hardin set to start.

Photo / Tennessee Tech Athletics COOKEVILLE, TN - Connie Inman, a former Tennessee Tech men’s basketball and tennis coach known for building competitive teams and mentoring players long after the final buzzer, died Wednesday at age 91. Inman coached the Golden Eagles’ men’s basketball program for seven seasons, from 1969 to 1976, producing a 79-94 record and a highlight run in 1975-76 when Tech finished third in the Ohio Valley Conference. His tenure also included three fourth-place OVC finishes in 1971-72, 1972-73, and 1974-75. Beyond wins and standings, Inman helped shape careers and futures. Two of the standout players he coached—Wayne Pack and Frank Jones—later reached the professional ranks and were inducted into the Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Pack, a standout from 1970-73, was drafted by the American Basketball Association’s San Diego Conquistadors in 1973, later playing with the Indiana Pacers and overseas. Jones, who played from 1972-76, was drafted by the NBA’s Buffalo Braves in 1976. Inman also oversaw tennis at Tech in 1966 and 1967, guiding athletes during a period that included the development of future head coach and administrator Randy Smith. For many former players, Inman’s influence extended far beyond X’s and O’s. As reflected in Tech alumni tributes, former Golden Eagles credited his guidance with lessons in leadership, teamwork, and trust. Funeral arrangements will be handled through Hooper, Huddleston & Horner, though details have not been finalized.

NASHVILLE, TN - The Nashville Sounds opened their home series Tuesday night with a 5-4 victory over the Gwinnett Stripers at First Horizon Park. Nashville finished strong as Craig Yoho earned his second save of the season and Brian Fitzpatrick picked up the win. The Sounds jumped on top early, scoring twice in the bottom of the first inning. Jett Williams and Cooper Pratt drew back-to-back walks, then Luis Lara’s sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position. Luis Matos followed with a two-run single to center field, and Nashville added another run shortly after on consecutive hits from Pratt and Lara, setting a 3-0 advantage. Gwinnett responded in the fourth, using a string of hits to tie the game 3-3. Garrett Stallings started for Nashville, working 3.2 innings and allowing three runs on one hit while striking out two. Fitzpatrick relieved in the fourth and limited further damage, as the Sounds regained the lead in the bottom half with Williams drawing a walk and later scoring on an RBI single by Pratt. Nashville extended the margin in the fifth with another run-scoring opportunity, and Fitzpatrick worked 1.1 innings while striking out a batter. Rob Zastryzny then pitched a scoreless sixth. The Stripers cut the lead to 5-4 in the seventh, but Yoho sealed the win in the ninth by retiring the side in order. Series play continues Wednesday, May 27, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT.

Photo / Trevecca Athletics NASHVILLE — Five Trevecca Nazarene University softball student-athletes have been selected to the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Softball Team, an honor recognizing standout performance in both academics and athletics. The CSC Academic All-District team spans NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III and the NAIA. To qualify, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50, and contribute on the field as a starter or key reserve who has appeared in a significant portion of the team’s games. For Trevecca, the five honorees reflect a commitment to excellence in the classroom while making an impact throughout the season. In the infield, junior Annabelle Ellis earned recognition after pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies Elementary Education K-5 with an ESL endorsement. Ellis, a 5-foot-7 infielder from Dickson, Tennessee, has balanced her academic pathway with important on-field contributions. Also recognized is junior outfielder Addy Grace Summers, a 5-foot-7 nursing student from Nashville and a graduate of Christ Presbyterian Academy. Senior outfielders Sarah Nicholson and Sarah Kinderdine join the list, both studying Business Administration Marketing and Nursing, respectively, and hailing from Springfield and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Rounding out the group is senior Kyleigh Burgett, a 5-foot-10 infielder from Franklin, Tennessee, who competes while working toward a Business Administration Marketing degree. With the selections highlighting discipline, leadership, and sustained performance, Trevecca’s 2026 Academic All-District recipients add another milestone to the program’s tradition of student-athlete success.

Photo / Cumberland Athletics LEBANON, TN - Cumberland Esports captured the NECC Apex Fall National Championship as the Phoenix trio of Joshua Lubitz, Riley Alden, and Charlie Buckner II battled through seven maps to secure the program’s latest national title. The championship format demanded a unique two-step path to glory: teams had to reach a 70-point threshold during the early stages of the competition and then secure a first-place finish in a subsequent match to clinch the tournament crown. After multiple lead swings and pressure-packed elimination rounds, Cumberland emerged when it mattered most—delivering under the weight of a national championship on the line. Cumberland set the tone early, opening the championship with a commanding performance on Storm Point. In map one, the Phoenix earned a first-place finish while compiling 25 points, giving the team an immediate advantage and forcing opponents to chase them from the start. In map two on Olympus, Cumberland continued to build momentum. The Phoenix posted a seventh-place finish and added to their total, reaching 36 points as the leaderboard began to tighten. Still, the event quickly turned competitive as the University of Southern Mississippi surged ahead after a map victory pushed the Golden Eagles past Cumberland entering the next contest. That shift proved temporary—though Cumberland faced real adversity in map three on World’s Edge. The Phoenix finished ninth, dropping to third overall heading into map four. But in the most critical moment of the early phase, Cumberland responded with an emphatic turnaround on E-District. On E-District, the Phoenix earned first place and poured on 28 points, vaulting their total to 68 points—just two shy of the championship threshold. With the race to 70 points intensifying, Cumberland entered map five needing a strong result. The Phoenix delivered, posting a fifth-place finish that raised their total to the required 70 points, setting up championship point conditions heading into the pivotal game six. At championship point, the pressure became shared across the top of the field. Cumberland, Fisher College, and Southern Mississippi each reached the 70-point threshold, making the next stage a true test of clutch performance and composure. However, the scenario changed when Kennesaw State delivered a victory that forced the competition into a decisive seventh and final map. With everything settled by one final game, Cumberland tightened its play and capitalized on endgame opportunities. Southern Mississippi was eliminated during the closing rounds, leaving Cumberland and Fisher College to fight for the title in the final circle. When the dust cleared, Cumberland secured the decisive finish and claimed the NECC Apex National Championship. “This team earned every second of this moment,” head coach Spencer Claypool said. The victory also adds another milestone to an already impressive rise for Cumberland Esports. The title marks the seventh national championship for Cumberland Esports since the program’s inception in 2021.

DURHAM, NC - The Nashville Sounds fell to the Durham Bulls 2–0 in the series finale on Sunday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, suffering a shutout for the second time in this week’s matchup against their North Carolina rivals. It was a tough ending to a hard-fought slate, as both clubs continued to find ways to keep runners at bay early, before Durham capitalized on a late slice of misfortune and momentum. After a scoreless early stretch that featured efficient innings from both sides, Durham broke through in the bottom of the third. Homer Bush Jr. plated the first run of the game on a throwing error by Freddy Zamora that allowed Brock Wilken to come off the bag, turning what should have been the final out of the inning into the opening Durham needed. Thomas Pannone delivered another steady start, working four innings and limiting the damage while striking out four. Junior Fernández later kept Nashville quiet, allowing just a single hit in the sixth. Nashville’s offense threatened but could not convert. Despite getting to first in the seventh, with Jeferson Quero leading off with the club’s fifth hit, the Sounds left the base runners stranded again. The decisive insurance run came in the bottom of the eighth when two singles and a second Nashville error helped extend the lead to two. Craig Yoho may have been tagged for that unearned run, but he continued his remarkable run of control—nine straight games without an earned run—highlighting the pitching story even in a 2–0 outcome. With Monday off, the Sounds return home to open a six-game series against the Gwinnett Stripers on Tuesday, May 26. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m.

NASHVILLE, TN - Nashville Soccer Club kept rolling, extending its MLS unbeaten run to eight matches and preserving its spotless regular-season record at GEODIS Park with a 2-1 victory over New York City FC on Saturday night. The Boys in Gold entered the match unbeaten in six wins and two draws in league play (6W-0L-2D), while also remaining undefeated at home in the regular season (6W-0L-1D). With the win, Nashville moves into the league’s World Cup schedule pause positioned atop the Supporters’ Shield standings. Jeisson Palacios gave Nashville the lead in the 17th minute, heading in a corner delivered by Cristian Espinoza, whose team-leading eighth assist set up the breakthrough. NYCFC responded later in the first half to level the score, but Nashville found the decisive moment shortly after halftime. In the 49th minute, defender Maxwell Woledzi scored his first career MLS goal—and first for Nashville SC—putting the home side back in front. Bryan Acosta earned his first MLS assist on the play, helping create the opening that Woledzi converted. Nashville’s league-leading momentum was underlined by the standings: the club is guaranteed to remain first through the break, holding 10 wins and 33 points. Sam Surridge returned to the lineup for the first time since injuring his back on April 25 vs. Charlotte FC, logging 18 minutes off the bench. Nashville will not play again until Friday, July 17, when it hosts Atlanta United FC at GEODIS Park at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Photo / Tennessee Tech Athletics COOKEVILLE, TN - As spring fades into summer, Tennessee Tech keeps stacking its 2026 soccer future—adding two more incoming players to the Golden Eagles’ Purple and Gold roster. TTU head coach Corey Boyd and staff announced the signings of incoming freshman Nanna Lilja Guðfinnsdóttir and transfer sophomore Elena Lizarralde Arano, who are set to make their Tennessee Tech debuts in the fall of 2026. Fresh off an impressive season that included an OVC regular-season and tournament title and an NCAA Tournament appearance, Tennessee Tech is continuing to build momentum into next year’s campaign—adding both international experience and dynamic attacking upside to the squad. Nanna Lilja Guðfinnsdóttir: Two-Footed Defender with Set-Piece Presence Guðfinnsdóttir arrives from Alftanes, Iceland, where she developed within the competitive club system of Starjnan—one of the country’s top organizations. During her time there, she saw action across league matches, cup competitions, and youth tournament play, while also earning national recognition. The newest Golden Eagle has been selected six times for the Iceland U16 national team and has served as captain for her club team. “She is a two-footed fullback/center-back who likes to get forward,” Boyd said. “She is quick in recovery and in support, and has a very good left footed service. She can whip in crosses or play entry balls into the forward’s feet. She takes set pieces and being captain for her club team shows her leadership capability.” Elena Lizarralde Arano: Quick Attacker with 1v1 Skill Lizarralde Arano joins Tennessee Tech from Georgia State, where she was part of the Panthers during the 2025 season. Before college, the incoming sophomore helped lead her high school team, Zumaiena, to both the Basque League title and the Basque Championship in the 2024-25 campaign, scoring close to 25 goals over her time with the program. Boyd believes Elena’s game is a natural fit for Tech’s style. “Elena is a very quick winger/attacking midfielder combo,” Boyd said. “She is very technical, likes to go 1v1 and combines well. She has good service into the box and fits our style of play. Elena is a player we tried to recruit previously, so we are familiar with her. Now that she is adapted to the US college system, it will be an added bonus for us. We are excited to add Elena to our team.” On the international stage, Lizarralde Arano competed with the U17 and U15 Basque national teams.

Knehr improves to 3-0; Fernández records first save of season DURHAM, N.C. — The Nashville Sounds withstood a late-game surge from the Durham Bulls to earn a 6-5 victory Friday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Nashville broke open the contest with a four-run burst in the top of the third inning and then held on as Durham tried to rally late. After a scoreless start that stretched Nashville’s drought to seven straight innings, the Sounds finally got things moving in the third. Jeferson Quero’s two-run single off the left-field wall capped the inning, sending home two runs and giving Nashville a 4-0 cushion. The Bulls responded with a solo homer from Tony Santa Maria to pull within 4-1 through four. In the top of the fifth, Nashville pushed the lead back to four. Brock Wilken delivered an RBI double, and Luis Lara, who worked a leadoff walk, came around to score. Two innings later, a bloop single by Luis Matos scored Wilken, extending the advantage to 6-1. Durham then chipped away again with three straight runs in the fifth and two more in the seventh, setting up a dramatic finish. Reiss Knehr entered in a high-leverage spot and ultimately stranded runners to keep the Bulls at bay. Junior Fernández sealed the win in the ninth, tossing a 1-2-3 frame to record his first save of the season. Nashville continues its road series Saturday, May 23, with first pitch scheduled for 5:45 p.m. CT.

DURHAM, NC - The Nashville Sounds saw their nine-game winning streak come to an abrupt end in a rain-shortened game at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, where the Bulls completed a 6-0 shutout after five innings. The loss marked just the second time in 48 games this season Nashville has been blanked, with both shutout defeats arriving on the road. Durham wasted little time, scoring five runs in the first three innings off Major League Rehabber Quinn Priester. The Bulls built the early cushion with a pair of singles, two doubles and two walks in the opening stretch. Greg Jones helped limit further damage with key outfield assists, including a throwing-out play at the plate after a Balke Sabol fly out, followed by another strong throw when Tony Santa Maria singled. The Bulls added to the margin in the bottom of the fourth, pushing across a run on a fielder’s choice involving Tyler Black that allowed Sabol to score, extending Durham’s lead to 6-0. Rain then continued through the mid-game stretch, and the contest ended early in the fifth. Despite the setback, Cooper Pratt continued his hot stretch by extending his on-base streak to 13 straight games, reaching base again after being hit by a pitch in the top of the fifth. Nashville returns to action in its road series at Durham, with first pitch scheduled for 5:45 p.m. CT Thursday, May 21.

By David Oglesby Photo / Nissan Stadium ORLANDO, FL - On Tuesday, the National Football League announced that Nashville will host Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 at the new Nissan Stadium, setting the stage for a weekslong influx of visitors, business for hospitality operators, and a potential long-term boost to the city’s national brand. The announcement came at the NFL Spring League Meeting in Orlando following an assessment by the league’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by full ownership. For Nashville—home to the Tennessee Titans and long marketed as a premier destination for live entertainment—the Super Bowl represents the first time the city will host the event. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell framed the decision as the next chapter in a local track record of hosting major fan events, citing how the 2019 NFL Draft brought unusually large crowds to Music City. “The 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville was one of the great fan events in our history,” Goodell said in a statement. “Super Bowl LXIV at the new stadium is the next step in this remarkable football journey.” In the same remarks, he credited the Titans’ new stadium vision and Nashville’s partnership network, including the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The league also indicated the Super Bowl week will feature a slate of events beyond the game itself, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience, Super Bowl Opening Night, and community initiatives such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program for local and underrepresented businesses. Immediate economic upside: hotels, dining, and event staffing The economic impact of a Super Bowl typically comes in a concentrated burst around event weekend, often driven by hotel occupancy, restaurant and bar spending, rideshare and transportation activity, and demand for temporary labor. Host cities also frequently see spillover benefits in areas such as sponsorship activations, corporate hospitality, and retail sales tied to fan arrivals and televised media. While economists caution against treating headline projections as purely “new” money—arguing that some spending may shift from other discretionary activities rather than represent additional economic activity—the short-term demand associated with a Super Bowl is still widely viewed as meaningful. In general, host cities benefit across multiple lanes: tourism and hotel occupancy, food and beverage, transportation and rideshare, and temporary jobs linked to event staffing. The NFL’s week-of programming also tends to expand the footprint beyond the stadium, adding business for downtown restaurants and entertainment venues and increasing utilization of local event services. Nashville’s own prior experience suggests the city can draw large crowds for NFL-related events. When Nashville hosted the 2019 NFL Draft, officials estimated 600,000 fans attended over the weekend and generated $224 million in economic impact. That performance appears to be central to how NFL officials evaluate Nashville’s readiness. In addition to the 2019 metrics, the NFL cited Nashville’s history of hosting premium events as a signal that the city can operationally handle the scale of the Super Bowl. A new stadium—and a new ceiling for Nashville’s event economy The Super Bowl arrives in 2030, but its economic planning is already tied to the 2027 opening of the new Nissan Stadium. The Titans’ construction timeline matters because stadium capability—capacity, design, and readiness for world-class events—can determine the scale of ticketing, hospitality suites, premium experiences, and logistics. The new stadium will open in 2027 and is designed to be enclosed, with a capacity of 60,000, which would make it the smallest-capacity stadium in the NFL. Even with the relatively smaller seating footprint, NFL officials and local leaders argue the venue’s modern design and multi-event capability will enable a full Super Bowl experience. During construction, the Titans have described the stadium as capable of hosting world-class events such as Super Bowls, Final Fours, College Football Playoffs, Wrestlemania, and more. The Titans say the project broke ground in 2024 and is valued at $2.1 billion. The economic logic is that the stadium and surrounding infrastructure will not only host the game, but also support high-volume events that generate repeat visitation and long-term convention activity. Officials in Nashville and Tennessee repeatedly describe Super Bowl LXIV not just as a tourism event, but as a branding moment that can catalyze future investment. Tourism and national media exposure: the broader multiplier Beyond hotel nights and restaurant receipts, Super Bowls are also viewed as national and international exposure machines. The combination of broadcast coverage and large-scale fan travel typically increases awareness of host-city attractions, which can support future demand for conventions, travel packages, and high-profile entertainment bookings. Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp president and CEO Deana Ivey positioned the Super Bowl as an opportunity to showcase the city’s cultural identity to a global audience. “Hosting the Super Bowl is a defining moment for Nashville and Tennessee and reflects years of work to build Music City into a globally recognized destination for music, entertainment, and live events,” Ivey said. She added that Nashville intends to deliver a Super Bowl experience that reflects the city’s mix of sports, culture, and hospitality. The NFL’s event slate will also affect how economic benefits are distributed over the week. With additional programming such as NFL Honors and fan-facing experiences, spending is less likely to be confined to game day alone. That matters for local businesses because demand from fans can extend to multiple days—sustaining restaurant lines, ticketing and attractions, and event-adjacent retail. Community and procurement: keeping more dollars local For local economies, the question is not only how many visitors arrive but how much of the event spend remains in the region. Nashville’s organizers and the Titans are expected to play roles in operational planning, partnerships, and procurement. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp will serve as lead event organizer and coordinate operational planning with the city and state, while the Titans organization will act as the Host Club providing stadium resources and operational support. In addition, NFL Source—described by the league as a procurement program for local and underrepresented businesses—signals an intentional mechanism to route some spending into the local vendor ecosystem. If implemented at scale, such programs can support small businesses that would otherwise struggle to access major event contracting. The caution economists always raise—and why it still matters Although Super Bowl estimates can reach high figures in marketing materials—often ranging from roughly $300 million to well over $1 billion depending on methodology—economists frequently stress that projected impact is not always fully “new.” Host cities can experience displacement, where residents and workers shift spending rather than create additional economic output. Some of the spending may also be offset by public costs, including security, transportation adjustments, and event staffing needs. Even so, Nashville’s existing evidence suggests it can convert NFL attention into measurable demand. The 2019 NFL Draft—frequently cited by NFL officials as a “game changer” and as proof Nashville can stage a mega-event—produced an estimated $224 million economic impact and drew 600,000 fans. The implication is that Nashville has both operational capacity and a tourism base receptive to large-scale sports events. What comes next With NFL owners voting unanimously for the bid, Super Bowl LXIV is locked into the NFL’s schedule for February 2030. Nashville will join a line-up of recent and upcoming hosts: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood for 2027, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for 2028, and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for 2029. The 2030 game will be the first time Nashville, the Titans, and the new Nissan Stadium host the Super Bowl. Looking ahead, local officials are already emphasizing a dual payoff: short-term revenue from visitors and a longer-term brand engine that can support conventions, tourism, and investment. Governor Bill Lee called the selection a “proud moment,” citing the new stadium’s role in driving tourism and economic growth. Mayor Freddie O’Connell added that Nashville aims to ensure local residents and businesses benefit as much as possible from hosting “the world’s biggest stage.” For Nashville, the Super Bowl in 2030 will likely be judged in two ways: what businesses earn during the week of the game—and what the city can build afterward by turning global attention into sustained demand for travel, major events, and long-term tourism growth.

Photo / Dylan Brown, Midway - Cumberland Athletics YPSILANTI, MI—After a washout on the first day, the Phoenix turned in a solid rebound in round one of the NAIA National Championship, firing a 314 to move into 12th place overall. Despite challenging conditions, Matilda Lind and Crystal Zamzow paced the charge for Ypsilanti, both landing inside the Top 10 of the individual standings after shooting three-over par. The Phoenix, for the most part, played the full opening round, finishing two strokes ahead of the cut line. Dalton State grabbed the early lead after posting a 301. Truett McConnell sits just two strokes behind in second. British Columbia and Southeastern are tied for third at 305, while Keiser and SCAD-Savannah are knotted for fifth after firing 310. Lind recorded a 75, mixing steady scoring with late momentum. She started strong with a 40 on the front, then added key birdies on No. 12 and No. 18 after bogeys and pars earlier in the round. Zamzow also delivered a balanced performance, posting a 40 on the front and finishing one-under on the back with birdies on No. 10 and No. 15. Elsewhere for the Phoenix, Alba McCorquodale shot an 81 and is tied for 82nd, while Lucy Labdon carded an 83 and is tied for 110th. Franziska Mramor shot an 89, tied for 145th. The Phoenix will tee off tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. eastern time, with round two action continuing the race to the Top 15 teams and top individuals from non-advancing squads.

DURHAM, NC - The Nashville Sounds are rolling again—extending a win streak to eight straight games after pulling off a dramatic 6-5 comeback victory over the Durham Bulls on Tuesday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Durham jumped out early, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 4-1 advantage and then pushing the lead further with an additional run in the sixth, building a 5-1 cushion. Through the middle innings, the game had the feel of a grind. Nashville’s Thomas Pannone held the Bulls scoreless for three and a half innings, limiting damage as the Sounds struggled to climb back. The turning point came in the ninth. Facing their last chance, Nashville started to string together opportunities, highlighted by Brock Wilken’s walk and a wild pitch that moved him into scoring position. Eddys Leonard then provided a spark with his 12th double of the season, scoring Wilken and trimming the deficit to 5-2. After Leonard advanced and Greg Jones was hit by pitch, Freddy Zamora delivered the signature blow—clubbed his first home run of the season with a three-run no-doubter that tied the game at five. Zamora’s blast set the stage for Luis Lara, who added an RBI single and later capitalized again to put Nashville ahead 6-5. Reiss Knehr closed the door in the bottom of the ninth, stranding runners and sealing his second save of the season. The Sounds will look to keep the momentum going Wednesday, May 20, with first pitch scheduled for 5:45 p.m. CT.

Photo / Cumberland Athletics LEBANON, TN - Cumberland University Athletics will welcome its 2026 class into the Cumberland University Sports Hall of Fame, honoring standout former student-athletes and the historic 2010 championship team for their achievements and lasting impact on Phoenix athletics. The 2026 Hall of Fame class features Sam Lind (baseball), Nathan Jernigan (football), Jessica Roper (softball), Nate Croley (wrestling), and Kyle Delaune (wrestling), along with the 2010 Cumberland Baseball National Championship team. Athletics Vice President Ron Pavan said the class represents the highest standards of Phoenix athletics. “I am incredibly excited about the 2026 Cumberland University Sports Hall of Fame class and the opportunity to celebrate these outstanding individuals and the historic 2010 Baseball National Championship team on October 2,” Pavan said. “This class represents the very best of Cumberland Athletics and serves as a testament to what dedication, perseverance, grit, and exceptional talent can accomplish.” Lind, a key figure in Cumberland Baseball’s 2014 NAIA National Championship run, earned World Series MVP honors and put together one of the nation’s most dominant offensive seasons. Jernigan anchored the Phoenix defense in football, earning Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year recognition twice and compiling 374 tackles across 44 games. Roper helped lead Cumberland softball success as a powerful catcher and middle-of-the-order threat, earning NAIA All-America recognition in 2014. Croley and Delaune each left their mark in wrestling, combining high-level national competition with academic achievement and program growth. For the team honor, the 2010 Phoenix captured the NAIA National Championship under legendary head coach Woody Hunt, finishing 58-9 and collecting numerous individual and team awards along the way. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for October 2 at the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena, with honorees also recognized the next day at Cumberland Football as part of Homecoming festivities.

NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Sounds didn’t just beat the Iowa Cubs on Sunday afternoon at First Horizon Park—they finished the job with style, completing a series sweep on a walk-off win powered by a dramatic three-run bottom of the ninth. Nashville entered the final frame needing a spark, and it arrived quickly. After Iowa pushed the game into the late innings, the Sounds loaded the bases with two walks and a single off the bat of Luis Lara to put the tying runs in prime position. Brock Wilken drove in an RBI with a fourth-walk sequence to trim Iowa’s lead, and the pressure intensified when a sac fly from Chas McCormick allowed Jett Williams to score easily, tying the game at 3-3 as other runners advanced. From there, Eddys Leonard delivered the knockout blow—lacing a walk-off RBI single up the middle to complete Nashville’s second walk-off victory of the series and extend the club’s winning streak to seven games. The win also marked a return of the “brooms,” with the Sounds securing their first six-game sweep since 2023 after outlasting Iowa in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire Sunday finale. The game featured a notable performance from Tyson Hardin, the Brewers’ top prospect making his Triple-A debut. Hardin struck out batters early and settled into a steady rhythm, working his way through key moments and giving the Sounds a chance to grind back late. But even with Iowa grabbing leads at various points, Nashville refused to fade—especially after Jett Williams kept showing up with the clutch swing. Williams, a familiar presence in the Sounds lineup, delivered his power again by tying the game with a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth—one swing after going deep the previous night. His timely blast helped steady the momentum and set the stage for the late-inning surge. With the sweep complete, the Sounds (26-19) continue to sit third atop the Triple-A International League West standings, just one game out of first place. Next up, Nashville heads to a road series against the Durham Bulls beginning Tuesday, May 19.