BY TRUMAN BARTMAN ON JUNE 2, 2024. THE MAVERICKS.CA

After a day’s rest for the Mavericks, they are back at home looking to continue to be perfect! The team is 3-0 playing at Athletic Park this season as they prepare to take on the Fort McMurray Giants this afternoon. 

The Giants slugged out an extended game last night losing in the 11th inning to the Moose Jaw Miller Express 12-11. They sit just above .500 at 4-3 and sit two games back of first place in the West division. 

The Mavericks are on a 4 game heater where they have been tested in all facets of the game and they have responded with fireworks. In their last game against the Swift Current 57s, they faced one of the league’s best pitchers Kenny Jinks. 

They found a way to sneak 3 runs past him and claimed a 4-0 win. It was their lowest-scoring game of the season and also one of the fastest in their team’s history.

Keys for Fort McMurray

The Giants pitching core has been one of the best in the WCBL so far, with the third-best team ERA of 3.58. Bryn Biemiller is a large reason for that average being so low as he currently carries a 1.80 ERA while also recording a complete game against Swift Current. 

The Giants’ batting has been consistent as well with new players like Jaden Wiley and Manny Alberto leading the way. They have 5 players batting above .300 and a majority of their lineup is above the Mendoza line (.200). 

The Giants are a great all-round squad, they will need to capitalize with runners in scoring position against a stout Mavs defence. Hit the ball where the Mavs aren’t will be the biggest key for the boys in orange.

Keys for Medicine Hat

The Mavericks have had a picture-perfect start to this year with no glaring weaknesses to pick out. After a thrilling win on Friday, in a game where the Maverick’s bats were a tad off, they were able to capitalize on The 57s’ few mistakes, such as driving in Brody Gardner after he was walked in the 1st. 

Jacob Petersheim and Braedon Davis were spectacular from start to finish.  Petersheim brought a claim methodical approach to the mound while Davis threw fire and had ice in his veins. 

Without diving down a rabbit hole of scenarios, the Mavericks are in an excellent groove. Their attention to detail on the field and ability to slow down the game have stood out like a sore thumb. It’s simple for Medicine Hat, just keep following the same system because, at this point, it’s working.

Bottom Line

With Fort McMurray still looking to find consistency in the win column, today will be a major test for them. Not sure if this is to be considered a “trap game” for Medicine Hat, but the Giants set themselves up nicely to play spoiler to the Maverick’s commanding start.