Game 1; International League Championship

Although little noted by local media, which is a bit odd since a local media mogul owns the Bulls, the Durham Bulls are in Norfolk, Virginia playing the Norfolk Tides for the International League Championship. Although this is far from the first time the Bulls have been playing for a championship, this will be the first time in the new IL Triple-A format.

IL Matchup

The Bulls have played the Tides 21 times this year, and have not done well. They’ve lost 15 games and won only 6. On their last visit to Harbor Park, August 22-27, they won 2 of 6. So history isn’t on the Bulls’ side. Plus, the Rays are not leaving the Bulls alone. They’ve called up outfielder Raimel Tapia and pitchers Calvin Foucher and Chris Devenski. 

The Bulls are 6-4 in their last 10 games, but lost their last 2.

The Tides have been, mostly, left alone by the Orioles. The only recent big transaction was back on the 20th. They were on the road in Buffalo last week. They are 5-5 in their last 10. 

On paper, the Bulls have a slight edge, but ...

Matchup: Bulls vs Tides, September 26, 2023
As of September 24	W-L	Rk	RDiff	OPS	ERA	WHIP	uERA
Durham Bulls (Rays)	48-27	1	129	.828	4.56	1.425	.588
Norfolk Tides (Orioles)	42-33	5	46	.821	4.62	1.465	.432
RDiff-Run differential;  Rk - Rank in International League; WHIP - Walks/Hits per Inning; uERA-unearned runs per 9 innings

Each year as the Bulls go into the playoffs (and that’s most years) what I get to say is that it’s all about the managing and coaching. The Bulls have been blessed with excellent managing and coaching crews over the years and, after a tough opening month, that’s been the case this year. But playoff success is, in my opinion,  about moment-to-moment decisions. For that, we simply don’t know. 

PCL Matchup

Meanwhile, out in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Dodgers (LA Dodgers) are playing the Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers)  for the PCL championship. 

Matchup: Express vs Dodgers, September 26, 2023
As of September 24	W-L	Rk	RDiff	OPS	ERA	WHIP	uERA
Round Rock Express (Rangers)	45-30	1	87	.825	4.72	1.48	.507
Oklahoma City Dodgers (LA)	40-35	5	50	.814	4.58	1.42	.603
RDiff-Run differential;  Rk - Rank in International League; WHIP - Walks/Hits per Inning; uERA-unearned runs per 9 innings