(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
In a bizarre twist, the Medicine Hat Mavericks return to Athletic Park with not one but two games on their plate. The Regina Red Sox roll into town on a 5-game losing streak, losing ground on the Mavs in the East Division standings. This game couldn’t come at a more pivotal time for both squads as they continue to battle for playoff positioning.
The Mavs haven’t played in many doubleheaders over the years. Funny enough, one of the last doubleheaders the Mavericks played in was against the Red Sox at their barn exactly three years ago.
There weren’t any players from the Mavs’ current group that were a part of that team, but what has remained is the game format. Both games will be 7 innings and will be played within 20 minutes of one another. With less time to regroup than during a usual game, both sides will be tasked with getting off to hot starts.
Last night in Moose Jaw, it was the hot bat of Aaron Vulcano that helped the Mavs in nabbing an early lead, after he launched a 2-run home run during his first plate appearance. He would build off of his early bomb by adding 4 more hits, recording a perfect night at the plate.
Beyond the Vulcano’s dream night, his teammates followed suit, with all 10 batters recording a hit. Danny Retzlaff also had an outstanding night on the mound, tossing 8 strikeouts and limiting the Miller Express to just 2 runs.
Regina hasn’t seen that sort of dominance since earlier in the year when Jackson Syring and Jalen Seward were still members of the Sox roster. It has been a slow downward spiral ever since, and with the playoffs right around the corner, the Red Sox will look to buckle down in order to keep their championship hopes alive.
The additions of Daniel Castellanos and Zayd Brannigan could be massive, as both have already proved to be everyday players for the Red Sox. Castellanos is batting .364 through 3 games, which may not last, but if he can stay in that range, Regina will be thankful.
It will be a marathon for both the Red Sox and Mavericks as they embark on a long 14-inning journey from Athletic Park, with the action kicking off at 5:00. Game 2 will begin right after Game 1 comes to a close, so make sure you’re ready for a quick turnaround.