BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
Fresh off a 3-game road trip, the Mavericks return to Athletic Park with a 10-4 record on the season. Despite a rough start to their trip through Saskatchewan, the Mavs ended their journey on a high, beating Swift Current last night 17-8. Today marks a new challenge against a familiar opponent as the Okotoks Dawgs return to Medicine Hat for likely the final time this summer.
In their first meeting, the Mavs came out victorious in an instant classic that featured an unorthodox walk-off. Leading for a majority of the game, Medicine Hat seemed to have things under control, but a late push from the Dawgs sent the game into a tailspin. A two-run wild pitch walk-off sent the Mavs home happy and put the Dawgs below. 500 for the first time in a long time.
Since then, the Dawgs have recovered and found themselves sitting 2nd in the West Division. That doesn’t mean that today’s game will be a walk in the park. The Mavs play aggressively, especially on the basepath. Managing the Mavericks’ base running attack will be a priority for Okotoks.
Yusei Uzawa and Jeremy Freeman sit atop the WCBL’s stolen base standings with 12 each. Uzawa had 3 stolen bases last time he saw the Dawgs and was also a constant disturbance at the plate.
Freeman’s surge didn’t occur until after playing Okotoks. He’s found his mojo over the last couple of weeks and has put his name in the early MVP conversation, along with fellow teammates Tyler Vanneste and Carter Roth.
On the topic of MVPs, the Dawgs have two former playoff MVPs who could draw into the lineup tonight. Connor Crowson and Ricardo (Rickey) Sanchez have both been around for the Dawgs’ threepeat and have been two of the league’s most feared batters.
One new addition to the Dawgs lineup who is quickly becoming feared is Zane Skansi. With a batting average over .400 and 15 RBIs, Skansi has become an offensive machine that is now more than just a depth option.
It’s Friday night, and there’s no better place to be than at the ballpark! The Mavs and Dawgs go toe-to-toe on a night that could feature a little bit of light rain. Hopefully, things stay dry once the pitch is thrown out at 7:05 pm.