Welcome to our rundown of Middle Tennessee Sports.
Monday, October 18, 2021
Here’s everything you need to impress your friends with your knowledge of sports!
Predators Kick off Their 24th Season with Thursday Night Home Opener
The Nashville Predators opened their season on Thursday night among a full house at Bridgestone Arena for the first time since March 2020. Thursday’s visiting team was the Seattle Kraken, playing in only their 2nd game ever, as the National Hockey League’s new expansion team. Despite a late push, the Predators fell 4-3 to the Kraken.
The Preds then hosted the Carolina Hurricanes, who ousted them from the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, on Saturday night at Bridgestone. Despite an improved effort from their first game, the Preds let in 2 crucial goals in the third period and never regained the lead. They fell to the Canes 3-2.
On Tuesday night, Nashville will host the LA Kings for their third matchup of this homestand. Thursday night’s game at Bridgestone vs. the New York Rangers will be the final game of this homestand for the Predators before they hit the road for 2 games.
MLB World Series Race Tightens
The 2021 World Series race is intensifying as only 4 teams remain; The Atlanta Braves vs. LA Dodgers in the NLCS, and the Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros in the ALCS. All four of the remaining franchises have been postseason regulars throughout the last few seasons, which has undoubtedly created some tense storylines between these teams. As these divisional championships run their courses, we will find out if familiarity really does breed contempt.
After two very close games over the weekend, the National League series is currently led 2-0 by the Braves, with Game 3 taking place tomorrow, 10/19 at 6pm. The Dodgers are the reigning World Series Champions from a shortened 2020 season. However, being a team that has made playoffs every year since 2013 and making two back-to-back World Series appearances(‘17,’18), it was only a matter of time before they earned that title.
The Braves have been grinding towards a World Series appearance for a few years as well. Although they have had their postseason journey ended by the Dodgers for three consecutive seasons prior to this year, last year was the first time the team had a real chance to defeat the west coast powerhouse. The Dodgers came out victorious after defeating the Braves in this same series in Game 7 of the 2020 NLCS.
On the other side of the MLB playoff race we have the tied 1-1 American League series, where the Red Sox will face the Astros at home tonight for Game 3. Last night’s game 2 went on for over 4 hours, with the Red Sox pulling off a road win after having two grand slams in the game. The series will head back to Fenway Park for the next 3 games, and we can expect the Boston faithful to deliver a tough environment for a visiting team win.
An early prediction, but I believe the winner of the NLCS will be the likely World Series Champions this year.
See the Full Standings at MLB.com
Titans to Host Bills for Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is back in Music City. The Titans will kickoff against the Buffalo Bills at 7:05 pm at Nissan Stadium for the last game of Week 6 in the NFL season. With the Bills favored to win after a 5 game streak, and both teams coming off of week 5 victories, expect a good fight from both squads tonight. Tennessee is looking to pull off the upset at home, and doing so would certainly shake up the AFC conference standings. The Bill’s defense is coming off a dominant win over Patrick Mahomes and his offense, but the Titans have an offensive weapon in Derrick Henry. In the last four games, Henry has had 125 carries for 582 yards and seven scores. It will be interesting to see the strategies each team brings into tonight’s matchup. To watch the game on TV, tune into ESPN.
Former UT WBB star Candace Parker Wins Second WNBA Championship with Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky defeated the Phoenix Mercury to win their first ever WNBA title on Sunday night in a close 80-74 Game 4. Basketball legend Candance Parker, a native of suburban Chicago, was visibly emotional- having joined the franchise earlier this year to try to win the hardware for her hometown.
Parker was the No.1 draft pick, Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2008 out of Tennessee, where she won 2 NCAA titles under legendary coach Pat Summit. She paid tribute to her late coach in Sunday night’s contest, with the tongue of her shoes reading “For Pat.” Parker went on to have 16 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists last night. For more details on the Sky’s first Championship Title, check out WNBA Game 4
5 More Updates From the Sports World
- The Tennessee Volunteers hosted the Ole Miss Rebels on Saturday in what ended as a close and controversial loss to the visitors, 31-26. They face the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa on Saturday 10/23.
- NASCAR Kyle Larson wins Texas to qualify for NASCAR Cup Series final
- The Memphis Grizzlies host the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday night – 7pm tip-off
- Nashville SC is set to host the Columbus Crew on Wednesday. Game starts at 7:30pm at Nissan Stadium
- The Nashville Sounds have released their 2022 schedule – tickets are now available
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