BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
Tensions were high just a night ago at Athletic Park as the Mavericks captured their first win of the season, doing so in bizarre fashion. It took a passed ball from Okotoks Dawgs pitcher Trey Mackwood and some confusion on behalf of catcher Jason Arriola to ultimately push the Mavericks over the finish line.
Today’s matchup presents a new set of challenges for this Maverick crew as the Moose Jaw Miller Express are in town for an inter-divisional battle.
After a slow start to their 2024 season, the Miller Express snuck into the playoffs, grabbing the East Division’s 4th seed. Despite having a below .500 record at 26-29, getting to the dance was all the Millers needed to catch fire. They found themselves cruising through the playoffs, knocking off the 1-seed Regina Red Sox before eventually meeting up with the Okotoks Dawgs in the WCBL final. They came so close to capturing it all but fell at the hands of a Connor Crowson walkoff home run.
Despite the rough ending, Miller Express fans enter this season with a lot of optimism. The excitement has only grown with three of their best players from last season’s squad returning. Austin Gurney, Thomas Soto, and Westin Walls are all back in the fold, looking to make one last run at a title. For Gurney, it’s the one accolade missing from his mantle, as he’s been named a WCBL All-Star twice.
The same can be said for the Mavericks’ Tyler Vanneste, who made his first All-Star appearance last season. With one trip to the finals already under his belt, he looks to add a title to his resume. He, along with teammate Johnny Vulcano, both played for the team last time the Mavs reached the WCBL final. Under their guidance, the Mavericks will look to claim the organization’s first title since 2018.
Both teams are projected to be in the playoff hunt once again this season, building up the anticipation for what should be a tight one tonight. The action kicks off from Athletic Park in Medicine Hat, Alberta, at 7:05 pm MT. It’s also Medicine Hat minor softball night at the park, so there will be plenty of young ballplayers in attendance cheering on the Mavericks!