BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
Make that 5! The Mavericks took care of the Brooks Bombers on Friday, extending their home winning streak. An 8-run tally certainly didn’t hurt the Mavs, but it was Xander Roberts on the mound who proved to be the Mavs’ X-factor. His day consisted of 6.2 innings pitched and 7 Ks en route to his first win of the season. Ryan Dexter and Diego Centella fed off of Roberts’ success by shutting down the Bombers’ offence down the stretch.
But a new day presents a new challenge for Medicine Hat as they take on the Weyburn Beavers in a two-game series starting tonight.
The Beavers have found themselves in a similar predicament as in past years, getting off to yet another slow start. During their previous four-game home stand, they went winless with losses to Fort McMurray and Moose Jaw. A change in scenery should help freshen up the Beavers’ lineup and hopefully be a catalyst for turning their season around.
What their recent slide does not show is the number of stars they have on hand. Weyburn consists of 5 former WCBL All-Stars, headlined by two-way star Ian Heck and 2x All-Star Ryan Dauphinee. The addition of the Edmonton Prospects’ 2024 All-Star, Noah Brooks, suggests a return to the playoffs could be in the cards. A pair of divisional wins this weekend would go a long way in helping them reach the postseason in 2025.
Medicine Hat has other plans, and keeping up with the Saskatoon Berries remains near the top of that list. The two sit tied for 1st in the East, with the Berries being a heavy favourite. The Mavs have to take advantage of the opportunity to pass Saskatoon while they still have a chance.
Danny Retzlaff will take on the Beavers in his second start of the summer as he looks for his first career WCBL victory. The freshman lefty will have his hands full with a veteran-heavy Weyburn squad hungry for a win.
Aside from competing against each other, both teams will be facing off against a stiff breeze. Wind gusts are expected to reach 64 km/h, adding an element of unpredictability to this game. Regardless, the Mavs have the wind in their sails thus far and will look to grab their 6th straight victory at home.