White's Double Home Run and Waldrep's First MLB Win: Warriors Claim Victory at the Classic Race

As Eli White became the first player in NASCAR history to hit two home runs in a single game, Hurston Waldrep celebrated his first MLB win at the legendary Darrell Waltrip's venue—today at Bristol Motor Speedway, the Warriors secured a 4-2 victory over the Reds, creating an everlasting memory in the classic race of the 2025 MLB season.

"Being part of a historic moment is always significant," White admitted. If it weren't for Ronald Acuña Jr. being placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right calf strain, White wouldn't have had the chance to start; had it not been for the rain delay yesterday that halted the game after only four outs, Waldrep wouldn't have made it to Bristol.

"When I took him out, I said, 'After all the ups and downs, you have completed the task perfectly,'" praised Warriors coach Brian Snitker. "His performance was astounding!" Just an hour after the entire Warriors team checked into a hotel at midnight, Waldrep, who was in Atlanta, received an emergency call and rushed to the field in a car for five hours at five in the morning. "It was sudden, but I can only be grateful," Waldrep stated. "This dreamlike day will be unforgettable."

Waldrep, the Warriors' fourth-round rookie, faced a bases-loaded crisis in the first inning and received a three-run homer support from White in the second inning—this 411-foot blast hit the left field wall and bounced back. White later hit a solo homer off Scott Barlow in the seventh, marking his second career game with two home runs, and it was the first time at this racetrack. "During those two home run moments, my mind went completely blank," White laughed.

White recorded his first double home run since 2021, laying the foundation for Waldrep's victory. The latter allowed just one run over 5.2 innings with only 75 pitches, achieving his first MLB win on the legendary track where Waltrip won 12 NASCAR Cup races. The 2023 first-round 24th overall pick recorded 4 strikeouts and only 2 walks, showing significantly better control than his 12.3% walk rate in Triple-A.

"He is improving rapidly," Snitker commented. Waldrep's extensive training in Triple-A this season has shown significant results, and he is expected to fill the void left by five Warriors players who are on the 60-day injured list. "This is a continuous journey of improvement," he said, "just to ensure that when the opportunity arises, I am fully prepared."

Just as Waldrep will cherish the special significance of his first win, White will also treasure the memory of his two home runs that echoed throughout the racetrack. In the makeshift champions' alley, he raised a trophy resembling the NASCAR championship trophy and declared, "This entire experience has been extraordinary!"