RICHMOND, Va. - Forget the Governors Cup. It will stay in Richmond.Cancel this morning’s flight to Oklahoma City. The Durham Bulls won’t be going there, either.
Needing one more victory to win the International League championship, the Bulls instead bowed twice Saturday to Richmond, which clinched the best-of-five series three games to two with 6-2 and 7-2 triumphs.
When former N.C. State ace and Braves closer Joey Devine retired Durham’s Jason Pridie on a fly to right for the final out, the Bulls stood in stunned silence and watched Richmond’s players dogpile in celebration.
“We had a good season, but a tough day,” said manager Charlie Montoyo, succinctly summing it up.
The final was an opportunity lost for Durham, which was seeking its third Cup in six years and a chance to play at the nationally televised Bricktown Showdown Tuesday in Oklahoma City against the Pacific Coast League winners.
The Bulls came to The Diamond with a 2-1 series lead but leaden with heavy hearts. Star closer Shawn Camp left the team early Saturday after receiving news that his mother had died.
The team responded by wearing black armbands in both games.
“Our hearts went out to Shawn and his family,” said Justin Ruggiano, who refused to make an excuse. “We [just] didn’t hit, and they played better than us.”
Exactly where the Bulls’ momentum began to erode is unclear. Maybe it was Friday night’s rainout. Or maybe it was in the seventh inning of Game 4, when Richmond scored three to break a 1-1 tie.
Full Story:News & Observer
Leave a Comment