Offense Falters Again, Sounds Lose to Baby Cakes

Nashville Has Scored Two Runs Over Last 28 Innings

(Casey Gower)

April 8, 2018

The Nashville Sounds' offensive struggles continued in a 4-0 loss to the New Orleans Baby Cakes Sunday afternoon at Shrine on Airline. The Sounds have scored two runs over the last 28 innings of action.
One night after collecting only five hits, the Sounds managed just two against a trio of New Orleans pitchers. Renato Núñez singled in the fourth and Steve Lombardozzi singled in the eighth.
The Baby Cakes were in control from the start with runs in the first three innings. Jon Rodriguez's RBI groundout gave New Orleans a 1-0 lead in the first. Nashville starter Eric Jokisch had a chance to get out of a bases loaded jam in the second but a throwing error by shortstop Sheldon Neuse allowed the inning to continue with a pair of runs scoring.
Scott Van Slyke launched a solo homer in the fourth to give New Orleans a 4-0 lead. The four runs were more than enough for Ben Meyer, Drew Rucinski and Severino González. Meyer threw five shutout innings in his Triple-A debut and yielded only one hit.
The Sounds' offense never got going with only three opportunities with runners in scoring position.
Nashville and New Orleans conclude the five-game series Monday afternoon at Shrine on Airline. Left-hander Brett Anderson starts for the Sounds while the Baby Cakes haven't named a starter. First pitch is scheduled for Noon.
Post-Game Notes

With today's loss, the Sounds fell to 1-3. They are 2.5 games back of the American Southern Division leading Memphis Redbirds.
Relievers Kyle Finnegan and Jeremy Bleich combined to throw 3.0 scoreless innings in relief today. The bullpen ERA on the young season is 0.49 (18.1 IP/1 ER).
INF/OF Renato Nunez had one of the two Sounds hits today. He's batting .333 (4-for-12) on his MLB rehab assignment.

The 2018 season is the Sounds' 41st in franchise history and fourth as the Oakland Athletics' top affiliate. Opening Day at First Tennessee Park is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10 when the Sounds host the Iowa Cubs at 6:35 p.m. Season ticket memberships are available now by calling (615) 690-4487 or by visiting www.nashvillesounds.com.