(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
BY TRUMAN BARTMAN. THEMAVERICKS.CA
It was a long trip home for the Medicine Hat Mavericks, who closed out a two-game series in Weyburn. The Mavs split the series with the Beavers, ending things off on a high note, winning 7-3 on Wednesday.
Another Saskatchewan opponent rolls into Medicine Hat for the first time this summer. The Regina Red Sox are once again a contender with a few familiar faces returning to their lineup. 2024 Pitcher of the Year Colton Anderson, All-Star outfielder Jackson Syring, and 2023 All-Star Justin Simard are all back looking to capture success beyond the regular season.
Since the pandemic, the Red Sox have struggled mightily in the postseason, losing out in the first round in all of the last three seasons. In that time period the Mavericks have had the Sox’s number, beating them in both the 2022 and 2023 playoffs.
It looks like the tides are beginning to turn this season, as the Red Sox are 3-1 versus the Mavericks. With both teams being neck and neck in the standings, these next two games are pivotal for future seeding.
Medicine Hat has a steady lead on the Red Sox as of now, with a 4-game cushion separating the two. A big reason for that is the strides that the Mavericks rotation has made over the last few weeks. The addition of Jensen Cockrell has proved to be a solid one, as he didn’t allow any runs in his only relief appearance.
Diego Centella and Luis Diaz have also kept up their elite play and are both making all-star cases. Regardless of who the Mavericks call on tonight, their staff should feel confident because of their recent success.
It’s a crucial spot in the season for the Mavericks as they invite the Regina Red Sox to town today and tomorrow. Once the Red Sox exit, it won’t get any easier as they see the Saskatoon Berries for the second week in a row as they look to even the season series. The Mavericks will be out to prove that they can hang with the East’s top teams in a rigorous 4-game stretch.
The weather is looking up again in the Gas City as temperatures are expected to roam around 27 degrees. The wind will also be a factor, as 40 km/h gusts are expected to be around for a majority of this evening’s game. As always, the action takes place at 7:05 pm from Athletic Park.