(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com) 

Truman Bartman | themavericks.ca

Athletic Park will be a busy place this week as the Medicine Hat Mavericks return home to begin a three-game homestand. Each of the Mavs’ next three opponents reside in the Eastern Division, beginning with the Moose Jaw Miller Express making an appearance on Monday.

Controlling the series through six games, the Miller Express has not only played well against Medicine Hat but also the rest of the league. Outside of their series with the Mavs, the Miller Express are currently in the midst of a 10-game win streak, which has helped them claim first place in the Eastern Division. Built on their unique ability to create chaos with speed and slap hits, the Miller Express are a nightmare for opposing defences.

The return of veteran Eduardo Saenz has only given the Millers’ offence more pop in recent weeks, as the Texas A&M International product already has the fourth most RBIs on the team. Saenz is also one of three qualified hitters with an OPS over 1000 and one of six hitters with a batting average above .300.

It’s no secret that Moose Jaw’s depth has improved tremendously since 2025, and the ability to have reliable veterans and new flourishing faces has turned them into arguably the WCBL’s best team.

There’s no lack of talent on the Millers lineup card, and Medicine Hat is well aware of that. But what may work in the Mavs’ favour is that, all things considered, the All-Star break couldn’t have come at a better time. For those not participating in the festivities in Saskatoon, the weekend provided some time away from the diamond. As for the few Mavericks who were selected to play in Saskatoon, the results were mostly positive. 

Carter Roth had an outstanding day at the plate, going two for three with a pair of RBIs and a home run. Roth’s play was good enough to earn him the All-Star Game MVP award, becoming the first player in Mavericks history to accomplish the feat. 

Alongside Roth, both Nate King and Blake Dale were named starters for the game while also starring in the skills competition the night before. The trio of Mavs hitters look to translate their All-Star Game success into the final half of the regular season.

Everything has been smooth for the Moose Jaw Miller Express as they look to lengthen their first-place lead over the rest of the Eastern Division. Medicine Hat is still in the running for a playoff spot, and a win over Moose Jaw would only help in their push.