(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com) 

Truman Bartman | themavericks.ca

Less than a week ago, before the Medicine Hat Mavericks took the road for two games, they brought life to Athletic Park after a stunning 10-run comeback victory. Now the Mavs turn their attention to the Saskatoon Berries, who come into town with the best record in the Eastern Division.

Propelled by the emergence of Blake Dale’s bat at the plate, the Mavericks enter tonight on the heels of another comeback effort an evening ago. It was Dale’s late home run in Brooks that gave the Mavs their second victory of the year against the Bombers. 

The Saskatoon Berries are a different beast in comparison with their WCBL counterparts, and historically, they have been the Mavericks’ kryptonite since their inception in 2024. But the newest edition of the Berries looks a lot different from the teams they’ve fielded over the past two seasons. The likes of former WCBL MVP Ethan Menard and WCBL Rookie of the Year Carter Beck have both departed after All-Star campaigns in 2025, leaving a big void in the Berries lineup.

Emerging in place of Saskatoon’s departed stars, both Gael Salinas and Gavin Panks have each stepped up to the task in their rookie seasons. 

Salinas, who’s committed to play at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley next season, has become a spark for the Berries, starring in a utility role. Salinas sits second on the Berries in hits and runs only behind former WCBL All-Star Ethan Murdoch.

For Panks, his impact has been felt not only as a hitter but also in his work behind the plate. The first-year catcher has recorded two throwouts already this season and has been a steady presence in the absence of former All-Star catcher Bailyn Sorensen. Panks is also one of the best when it comes to getting on base with a .516 OBP. 

Having to put up with a new cast of Berries hitters is Derek Archer, who is set to take the mound for Medicine Hat. Featured in the Mavs Ace role for a majority of the season, Archer has been lights out in his 24 innings of work. Leading in several statistical categories team-wise, Archer’s numbers have stood out throughout the league as well, qualifying in the top 10 for both strikeouts and ERA amongst his peers. 

After two disappointing starts for both Diego Centella and Julian Pokorny in the Mavs’ last two home games, Archer looks to stop the trend of short outings for starters at Athletic Park.

Making their first appearance in Medicine Hat, the Saskatoon Berries will battle with the Mavericks in the Gas City after winning the pair’s first match earlier this summer at Cairns Field.