BY TRUMAN BARTMAN ON AUGUST 3RD, 2024. THE MAVERICKS.CA

As the great Maxine Nightingale once said, “We gotta get right back to where we started from,” and that’s exactly what the Berries and Mavericks will do from Athletic Park tonight. The two met at the beginning of 2024 for the Mavericks home opener. 

During that time the Mavericks bullied the Berries and have continued to do so throughout the rest of their matchups as the Mavs lead the season series 5-1.

But the Berries are a different team than when they last played the Mavericks, as they have climbed from the depths of dead last into the third seed. They should not be taken lightly, but in the same breath, they have to prove they can consistently compete with a frontrunner like the Mavs. 

Keys for Medicine Hat

The Mavericks lost their 5-game win streak with a 7-2 loss a night ago against the Regina Red Sox. They also lost their opportunity to stay in the chase for the East’s first seed. So their seeding fate has been sealed, and they now know that second place is where they will finish. 

The Mavericks will treat these next two games as a chance to study their opponent and scout out some things before the steaks get higher. There will be some chess between both squads in this series as each team will look to hide some of their tactics for Wednesday’s game.

One player who does not need a scouting report or an introduction is Brody Gardner. The two-way veteran has turned his play up since the All-Star break, taking his snub to heart. His batting average has moved up to .338 and he had a 6-game hit streak going that was finally broken last night. 

Against Regina on July 24th, Gardner had a legacy game, popping in 4 hits, 2 RBIs, scoring 3 times, and stealing 2 bases. The Mavericks seem to win when Gardner is at his best, and he will look to keep his play on an upward trajectory going into the playoffs.

Keys for Saskatoon

It’s been a tale of two seasons for the Berries, as it took some time for the WCBL’s newest franchise to get its feet set. But boy have they looked like a team to be reckoned with in the back half of 2024. 

Led by golden arm Wyatt Wiatrek, who currently sits with the league-best ERA, and Carter Beck, who is one of the best power hitters in the game, the Berries have had all players follow their star’s pace of play. 

That has turned their season around and helped them file out wins left and right. They have 5 players batting over .300, including base-stealing bandit Nolan Sparks, who has snatched up 13 bags on the year. 

The Berries can beat you in more than one way, which makes them an intriguing team. They have a few power bats but can also barrell the ball east to west. They don’t rely on their speed, but they also have guys who can cause a distraction on the basepath. 

There is no telling what the Berries will do to their advantage against the Mavericks, but Medicine Hat will have to be aware that they’re ultra-versatile. 

Bottom Line

The last regular season series takes place in Medicine Hat at the usual 7:05 pm. There is potential for rain later in tonight’s game, but until then we will plan on playing ball. Also, the playoffs begin this Wednesday at Athletic Park, so make sure to get your tickets online at https://themavericks.ca/ or from our ticket office between 10:00 and 2:00 on non-game days.