Bulls Clinch Triple-A National Title With 9-5 Win
Durham clinches 3rd Triple-A National Championship
Rene Pinto
Bulls designated hitter Rene Pinto smashed three hits and drove in four runs, while second baseman Esteban Quiroz and catcher David Freitas both homered as Durham clinched the regular season Triple-A National Championship title with a 9-5 win over the Charlotte Knights on Saturday evening at Truist Field.
The win guarantees the Bulls the best overall regular season record among all 30 Triple-A teams, marking the third time in the franchise’s history they have earned the Triple-A National Championship. Durham’s previous two league titles came in 2009 and 2017. The Bulls clinched the Triple-A East regular season title with a win on Thursday evening after clinching their 15th division crown in 23 seasons at the Triple-A level on Tuesday.
After the Knights jumped ahead with a three-run first frame, Pinto lined a two-run single in the third to narrow the deficit to one. Charlotte would plate a single tally in the fourth prior to Quiroz’s go-ahead three-run homer to right in the sixth, pushing the Bulls ahead 5-4.Freitas would then leave the yard with a two-run shot one inning later before Pinto laced another two-run single in the eighth to make it 9-4. The Knights then made it a four-run contest with another single score in the last of the eighth.
Pinto (3-5, 4 RBI) and RF Josh Lowe (3-5, R) each posted a game-high three hits, with CF Garrett Whitley (2-4, 2 R, 2B, BB) adding a multi-hit effort of his own. Durham starting pitcher Brent Honeywell Jr. (6.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) earned the win, while Charlotte reliever Matt Foster (1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, K) suffered the defeat.
The two teams are set to complete their regular seasons on Sunday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 6:05pm. Durham’s starter has not yet been announced, while RHP Alex McRae is anticipated to get the nod for the Knights.
The Bulls return to Durham for their final homestand of the 2021 campaign on Wednesday, September 22 to start a five-game set versus the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. First pitch of the series opener is set for 6:35pm. Tickets for that game, as well as all remaining Bulls home games are available and can be purchased at DurhamBulls.com.
Bark in the Park, Afforda-Bull Eats, Mini Bat Giveaways, Two Fireworks Shows and Fan Appreciation Highlight Final Bulls Homestand of 2021
Final Five presented by Fifth Third Bank begins on Wednesday, September 22
The Triple-A National Champion Durham Bulls return to Durham Bulls Athletic Park for their final homestand of the 2021 season on Wednesday, September 22 to start a five-game series versus the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The Final Five presented by Fifth Third Bank features Bark in the Park with Afforda-BULL Eats (September 23), two post-game fireworks shows (September 24-25), two mini bat giveaways (September 24-25) and Fan Appreciation Day with Nine Innings of Winnings (September 26), featuring giveaways during each inning of Sunday afternoon’s game.
Wednesday, September 22 vs Gwinnett Stripers (6:35pm) presented by Fifth Third Bank
- Final Five presented by Fifth Third Bank: The Bulls begin their final homestand of the season, a five-game series against the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.***UPDATE: Wednesday evening’s scheduled contest between the Durham Bulls and Gwinnett Stripers has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday evening beginning at 5:35pm. Gates will open at 5:00pm. Find out more HERE.
Thursday, September 23 vs Gwinnett Stripers (6:35pm) presented by Fifth Third Bank
- Bark in the Park presented by Sit Means Sit Apex & Tito’s Vodka: Dogs are welcome to join their owners in Outfield Reserve seating or the Outfield Lawn. Dog owners must purchase a separate ticket for their canines, which includes a donation to our friends at Second Chance Pet Adoptions. For more information on Bark in the Park Nights, please click here: https://www.milb.com/durham/tickets/bark-in-the-park
- Ripken the Bat Dog presented by Sit Means Sit Apex: Ripken the Bat Dog is scheduled to fetch bats for the Bulls for the first several innings.
- Afforda-BULL Eats: Afforda-BULL Eats returns to the DBAP, with a value menu that includes $2 hot dogs, $2 peanuts, $2 popcorn, $3 souvenir soda and more!
- Beats, Brews & Baseball: Oxente Brazilian Drums will be performing outside the Blue Cross NC front gates from 5:30 p.m. until just before first pitch.
Friday, September 24 vs Gwinnett Stripers (6:35pm) presented by Fifth Third Bank
- Mini Bat Giveaway (1st 530 fans) presented by Fifth Third Bank: The first 530 fans to enter the main gate at Durham Bulls Athletic Park will receive a Durham Bulls Mini Bat courtesy of Fifth Third Bank. Gates open at 5:30pm.
- Ripken the Bat Dog presented by Sit Means Sit Apex: Ripken the Bat Dog is scheduled to fetch bats for the Bulls for the first several innings.
- NCCU Night: On the eve of the annual Aggie Eagle Classic, come show your Eagle pride with us as we celebrate the North Carolina Central University.
- Friday Night Fireworks presented by Biomerieux: The skies will ignite with a post-game fireworks show at the DBAP courtesy of Biomerieux.
Saturday, September 25 vs Gwinnett Stripers (6:35pm) presented by Fifth Third Bank
- Mini Bat Giveaway (1st 530 fans) presented by Fifth Third Bank: The first 530 fans to enter the main gate at Durham Bulls Athletic Park will receive a Durham Bulls Mini Bat courtesy of Fifth Third Bank. Gates open at 5:30pm.
- Jonathan Stewart Appearance presented by Fifth Third Bank: Longtime Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart is scheduled to be on hand signing autographs from 5:30pm until 6:30pm in the outfield concourse courtesy of Fifth Third Bank.
- Octoberfest: The Bulls toast to an epic 2021 season with an Octoberfest theme throughout the evening, including themed on-field games, music and more. A themed Octoberfest ticket featuring a Bavarian-Inspired Buffet in the Red Oak Rooftop with the option of adding on a beer flight of fall beers is also available and can be purchased by clicking here: https://offer.fevo.com/gwinnett-stripers-6e3gjgr-3fa80df
- Saturday Night Fireworks presented by Window World: Post-game fireworks shows return following Saturday evening contests at Durham Bulls Athletic Park courtesy of Window World.
Sunday, September 26 vs Gwinnett Stripers (1:05pm) presented by Fifth Third Bank – Special Afternoon Start Time
- Pre-Game Catch on the Field: Fans are welcome to arrive early at the DBAP and play catch on the outfield beginning at 11:30am.
- Fan Appreciation: The Bulls cap an epic 2021 season by saluting the best fans in baseball with pre-game catch on the field and Nine Innings of Winnings.
- Ripken the Bat Dog presented by Sit Means Sit Apex: Ripken the Bat Dog is scheduled to fetch bats for the Bulls for the first several innings.
- Nine Innings of Winnings: As part of Fan Appreciation, the Bulls will have various giveaways during each inning over the course of Sunday’s game, with prizes including a Suite Upgrade, an autographed Jonathan Stewart Football, a 50-inch television, and more!
- Kids Run The Bases presented by Nature’s Twist: Kids will be able to run the bases after the game with Kids Run The Bases presented by Nature’s Twist.
Tickets for the Final Five 2021 Bulls home games are on sale now. Group outings and season tickets or mini plans can also be purchased at durhambulls.com, or by calling the Mako Medical Ticket Office at 919.956.BULL.
Thanks to DBBC’s Andrew Green for this Capcom story & these Capcom graphics.
