TRUMAN BARTMAN ON JULY 19TH THEMAVERICKS.CA

The Mavericks have arrived back home for a one-game series against the Weyburn Beavers. Medicine Hat went 1-1 during their short Saskatchewan road trip. 

This will be the final WCBL game before the All-Star game, which takes place tomorrow in Okotoks. The Mavericks are 2.5 games back of first in the East Division as the regular season dwindles.

Keys for Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat lit up the WCBL this July with just four losses over their 14 games played. 

Part of the reason for the Medicine Hat’s success is the level that outfielder Jordan Phillips has reached lately. He has soared up the league RBI standings, placing himself in a tie for first place with Austin Gurney as of this minute. 

Phillips was named an All-Star with five of his teammates and will head to Okotoks tomorrow to participate in the game and home run derby. 

Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a peek at the keys to success for the Mavericks.

Starting pitching has been both a blessing and a curse for the boys, as when they get a strong performance on the mound, they’re able to run away with games. 

When the pitching fluctuates, there is a sense of panic among both the Mavs players as defenders and hitters. Against a team like Weyburn, the Mavericks should be able to outscore some of their problems, but they will still need a dependable arm regardless of who starts. 

Keys for Weyburn

Well, there isn’t a whole lot of promise for the Beavers coming into Friday’s bash. They beat the Mavericks in 2024, which should give them some confidence, even if it is just a teaspoon. 

One name that I have highlighted for Weyburn in the past is Niko Kekatos. There is even more reason to mention his name now, as he sits 3rd in the WCBL in batting average, one spot ahead of the Mavs Tyler Vanneste.

It’s often hard to win off of a one-man show, but Kekatos proved his worth against Medicine Hat earlier in the year when the Beavers flattened the Mavs 11-3. Kekatos had three hits in his four plate appearances and also came in to score twice. 

He will have to have another one of those games and, of course, get a bit of help from his teammates if Weyburn wants to cross the finish line first.

Defensively, the Beavers are competent; the same cannot be said about center fielder Dallas Cummins. He is a big play machine, and it seems as though the ball sticks to his glove like glue every time there is a hit in his direction. 

One thing most teams know when facing Weyburn is to avoid hitting center field at all costs.

Bottom Line

This will be the last time the Beavers visit the gas city in 2024, with their season likely coming to a close earlier than most. Weyburn will look to leave Med Hat with a bang and also pile on a couple more wins before time is up.

Tonight’s temperature projects to be around the mid-30’s and should be a game where finding shade is as much of a priority as cheering on the Mavs.