Truman Bartman | themavericks.ca
Amidst the hottest stretch of their season, the Medicine Hat Mavericks return home to face their divisional rivals in the Moose Jaw Miller Express. After sweeping the Weyburn Beavers in their three-game series, the Mavericks have moved into third place in the East, looking to gain ground on the Miller Express, who sit five and a half games ahead.
Moose Jaw’s veterans have been quintessential again this year in helping them move up the East Division standings early on. All-Stars Thomas Soto, William Edwards, and Westin Walls have all lived up to expectations, with all three being named to the WCBL’s All-Star list for the second consecutive season.
Along with their veteran core, the addition of outfielder Chris Franks has helped to bolster the top of the Millers’ batting order. Franks has done it all in his first WCBL season, securing a batting average above .300, a team-leading 3 triples, and 31 RBIs. The Ashland University product was also named to the 2026 All-Star team, joining Jacob Glazener as one of the Millers’ two first-time All-Stars.
The Mavericks had five of their players named to the Eastern Division All-Star team as well, with Carter Roth headlining the bunch, being selected for the second straight year. Derek Archer, Tanner Hail, Blake Dale, and Nate King will all be newcomers at this year’s event in Saskatoon in late July.
Nate King’s run to being chosen for his first All-Star team comes during his third WCBL season, where the Mavs’ catcher has found new life in his bat. The righty has put together solid numbers this summer with a WCBL career best. 329 average, 27 hits, and a top-tier defensive game.
King’s rise has solidified the Mavs’ catching room as one of the league’s best. Add in the return of Jamel Chabot to Medicine Hat’s lineup, and there’s really never an easy night for opposing pitchers when facing the Mavs backstoppers.
There’s always a little bit of added motivation for both sides when the Mavericks and Miller Express go to battle. Not only are the two fierce divisional opponents, but their history of tight-knit games and playoff meetings has carried over from summer to summer. Regardless of who may be on the field for either side, the intensity that this matchup provides is always top-notch.
A rivalry is renewed at Athletic Park as the Miller Express and Medicine Hat Mavericks look to put on a show this evening at 6:45 pm. The two remain active in the playoff hunt as they continue to joust for positioning in the Eastern Division.