(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
BY TRUMAN BARTMAN THEMAVERICKS.CA
For the final time in the WCBL regular season, the Medicine Hat Mavericks take centre stage under the Athletic Park lights. Back in town for the 3rd time in the last two weeks are the Swift Current 57s, who are looking for new results after a 24-4 loss in their previous appearance in The Gas City.
The 57s got a taste of the Carter Roth experience as the Mavs’ star infielder notched 9 RBIs throughout his 6 plate appearances on Saturday. Roth’s performance set a season high for runs batted in by a Mavericks player and climbed to 3rd in the WCBL in RBIs. There’s a real argument that Roth is not only the Mavs’ MVP in 2025 but also potentially the WCBL’s.
Along with trying to manage one of the league’s top contact hitters, the 57s will be forced to face All-Star Luis Diaz. The University of Ottawa (Kansas) product has allowed just 5 walks all season and has stuffed opposing hitters with a healthy serving of sliders. If things weren’t hard enough for the 57s already, they have to find an answer to one of the Mavs’ best arms.
With plenty of question marks surrounding who will take the field for the 57s, one player who has remained a vibrant presence in the lineup is outfielder Silas Hilton. The Trinidad State freshman has had a solid rookie season, recording 43 hits and a .267 batting average. As a result of his consistency, Hilton has batted in the 57s leadoff spot for the majority of 2025. Despite the 57s ‘only winning 10 games as a unit, Hilton has managed to post a rather positive stat line.
It wasn’t always this way for Swift Current, who at one point were the kings of the WCBL. Winners of back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017, the 57s became a prized franchise and a dream destination for players. Unfortunately, their reign has ended, and now the 57s are set to miss the postseason for the second straight season.
The same cannot be said for the Mavericks, who look to push their winning streak to 6 games against a 57s team that they have previously beaten six times. If they do pull off said victory, it would lock them into second place in the East division and would set up a first-round series beginning on August 6th at home.
Beyond the diamond, it’s fan appreciation night at Athletic Park as the Mavs celebrate those who have cheered them on all season long! None of what the Mavericks do is possible without the support of their loyal fans.