(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
Fresh off of the 2025 All-Star break, the Mavericks return to Athletic Park for a Monday match with the Swift Current 57s. Medicine Hat has ruled the season series, winning all 5 of their battles this summer.
That doesn’t mean that the 57s won’t pack a punch when game time rolls around as they look to snap their losing skid against the Mavs.
For Wilmer Henriquez, Silas Hilton, and Luis Ayala, their off day was filled with more baseball as the trio were all participants in the 2025 WCBL All-Star game. Ayala spent most of the game behind the plate for the East division with plenty of chances to show off his superb defence. Silas Hilton, on the other hand, had just one plate appearance before the game was called because of rain.
Henriquez found himself in the middle of the action more than any of his fellow teammates, as a feature in the home run derby and the actual All-Star Game. Although he came up short in the derby, Wilmer proved that despite playing for a team that has struggled, he is among the league’s best power hitters.
Tyler Vanneste unleashed his underrated power as well, representing the Mavericks in the home run derby. Vanneste came so close to beating Weyburn’s Ian Heck and making the derby finals, but a late push from Heck halted his hopes of making the final round.
Both All-Star pitchers for the Mavericks made appearances, with Luis Diaz throwing a scoreless 3rd and Xander Roberts facing a few batters before the game was officially called. It’s fair to assume that neither arm will be available in this evening’s game due to their involvement in Saturday’s game.
One player who will get a chance to shine on the bump for the Mavericks is Texas native Tyler Spruiell, who is in search of his first win as a Maverick. With a longer rest than usual, Spruiell should be locked and loaded as he prepares to face the 57s for a second time.
As clouds begin to hover over Athletic Park, there’s no telling what kind of weather will be present come first pitch. One thing that can be promised is a high-energy game, as both fans and players alike are eager to resume the regular season as the Mavericks and 57s connect for their 6th meeting.