Nashville Sounds Fall 6-4 to Norfolk in Rain-Shortened 2026 Season Opener

Brewers top prospects Gasser and Lara shine, but Sounds bullpen struggles in loss

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:13am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Nashville Sounds dropped their 2026 season opener 6-4 to the Norfolk Tides in a rain-shortened game at Harbor Park. Brewers top pitching prospect Robert Gasser had an impressive start, striking out 11 over 5.2 scoreless innings, but the Sounds bullpen surrendered six runs in the seventh inning to give Norfolk the lead before heavy rain forced the game to be called.

Why it matters

The Sounds are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and make a push for the playoffs in 2026. This early loss to a division rival is a setback, but the team showed promise with standout performances from their top minor league talents.

The details

The Sounds jumped out to a 3-0 lead through the first three innings, with RBIs from Luis Lara, Cooper Pratt, and Greg Jones backing Gasser's dominant outing on the mound. However, the Tides rallied for six runs in the seventh inning, capped by a two-RBI double that tied the game at 4-4. Norfolk then took the lead on a wild pitch before adding another run to make it 6-4 before the rain delay ended the game.

  • The game started on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • Gasser struck out 11 batters through 5.2 innings.
  • The Sounds led 4-0 going into the bottom of the seventh inning.
  • The Tides scored six runs in the seventh to take a 6-4 lead.
  • The game was called after a 32-minute rain delay.

The players

Robert Gasser

Brewers' no. 17-rated prospect, struck out 11 over 5.2 scoreless innings.

Luis Lara

Brewers' no. 12-rated prospect, had a two-RBI night including a solo home run.

Cooper Pratt

Triple-A newcomer, drove in a run with a single in the second inning.

Greg Jones

Delivered an RBI single in the third inning to make it 3-0 Sounds.

Sammy Peralta

Reliever who gave up four runs in the seventh inning to blow the Sounds' lead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Robert Gasser was spectacular on the mound as the Brewers no. 17-rated prospect racked up 11 strikeouts over 5.2 IP without allowing a run but did not receive a decision.”

— News Staff

What’s next

The Sounds will look to bounce back on Saturday night when they send RHP Coleman Crow, the Brewers' no. 27-rated prospect, to the mound against the Tides.

The takeaway

Despite the disappointing loss, the Sounds showed promise with strong performances from their top minor league talent. However, the bullpen struggles in the seventh inning highlight an area the team will need to address if they want to make a playoff push in 2026.