(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
Truman Bartman | themavericks.ca
On the brink of closing out a three-game home stand at Athletic Park, the Medicine Hat Mavericks prepare for an Eastern Division clash with the Swift Current 57s. Both teams currently sit outside of the East’s playoff picture as the season winds down and need to make up ground on both the Regina Red Sox and Weyburn Beavers if they hope to extend their seasons.
Medicine Hat has a proven track record of making the playoffs dating back to 2009. Many of the Mavs’ current players have been a part of making the franchise’s long playoff streak a reality. Both Blake Dale and Johnny Vulcano have experienced postseason baseball as members of the Mavericks over the past few seasons, with each having valuable roles in helping the Mavs reach the 1st round.
However, in 2026, it won’t be the going-away party that both Dale and Vulcano dreamt of heading into their last seasons with the Mavs.
It’s been a tale of two halves for Blake Dale, who had a stunning start to the summer, being named an All-Star for the first time in his career and claiming the WCBL’s player of the week honours back in June. Since then, it has been a disappointing month for both Dale and his Maverick counterparts, as the team has yet to find consistency.
For Vulcano, his approach at the plate has been much more streamlined compared to his previous seasons in the Gas City. Hitting with an average above the .300 mark while providing stellar defence at shortstop, Vulcano can only hope that his best statistical season to date ends on a high note.
Speaking of career years, Lucas Geisler has stood out in his second season in the WCBL. In 2023, Geisler struggled to receive any playing time with the Regina Red Sox. Since returning to the WCBL, the Balcarres, Saskatchewan, product has been one of the 57s’ top bats, recording 28 hits and scoring 24 runs. Geisler was also one of the three Swift Current hitters who were named to the Eastern Division All-Star team, making his first appearance at the event.
Another first-time All-Star who has shown his value on the mound for Swift Current is Zachary Desylva. Holding the lowest ERA across all qualified Swift Current starters, Desylva’s abilities have helped his group remain alive in the playoff chase deep into the year. The strike-hurling junior has not only found the zone consistently but also limited his walks. Every championship has an ace like Desylva, and the 57s couldn’t be more fortunate to have a player of his calibre down the stretch.
Looking to snap their four-game losing skid, the Medicine Hat Mavericks hope that they can change their fate as they face the Swift Current 57s. Both teams will be aiming to regain their momentum as the 57s and Mavs meet in a pivotal late-season matchup at Athletic Park.