(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
Truman Bartman | themavericks.ca
Set to play their fourth consecutive home game, the Medicine Hat Mavericks prepare to face the Swift Current 57s at Athletic Park. Besting the 57s in four out of their five matchups so far, the Mavs look to clinch the season series over Swift Current with a win this evening.
In recent history, the Mavericks have won each of the last two season series versus the 57s, dating back to 2024. With that being said, this year has been different for a team that is a perennial powerhouse, as the Mavs still find themselves 3 games under .500.
Fortunately, the past 6 games have been a new feel for Med Hat, collecting three wins over the Weyburn Beavers and another in their mini-series with the Regina Red Sox. Over that span, the likes of Frankie Giacalone and Nick Hill have led the way for Medicine Hat offensively, elevating an already solid core.
For Hill, his first three starts as a Maverick could not have gone better, as the Mid-America Christian senior has already launched two home runs and smacked in 6 hits in fewer than 13 at-bats. Arguably the hottest hitter in the WCBL over the last week, Hill has also shown off a steady glove over at third base through three games.
The power of friendship is alive and well in Medicine Hat’s locker room, with Hill’s close friend and teammate Frankie Giacalone boosting his play as well. Now sitting in second place in the WCBL in Home Runs, Giacalone has made a strong case to be a candidate for the league’s home run derby later this week with his recent dominance. Regardless of whether he is invited to the derby, Giacalone’s focus remains on helping the Mavericks stay in playoff contention.
There are only two individuals who have better home run numbers than Giacalone, and both are expected to suit up for the 57s tonight. Keegan Knowler and Jake Hiromoto have been intertwined in a friendly home run chase for a majority of the summer, with both recently reaching the 12-home run mark. With each being named to the Eastern Division’s All-Star roster, there’s a good chance that both Knowler and Hiromoto will be asked to compete in the Home Run Derby this Saturday.
It’s not just the long ball that has supported Hiromoto’s quest to stardom, as the infielder finds himself in the top 10 for batting average, hitting .372. Hiromoto’s MVP case seems to strengthen with each of his plate appearances. If Swift Current can creep into the playoffs, Hiromoto could be holding the WCBL’s Most Valuable Player trophy at the end of August.
Less than a week away from the WCBL All-Star game, the Medicine Hat Mavericks and Swift Current 57s take centre stage at Athletic Park as the eastern-based opponents meet at 6:45 pm. Separated by 4 games in the standings, there isn’t much breathing room between Swift Current and Medicine Hat, with the 57s looking to close the gap on the Mavericks this evening.