(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com) 

TRUMAN BARTMAN | themavericks.ca

As many would have predicted, the Medicine Hat Mavericks and Moose Jaw Miller Express will need a third game to decide who takes their first series of the season. 

On Friday night, it was the Millers who put up a 9-run 6th inning to clinch the first meeting of the three-game slate, while Saturday night saw the Mavericks lock things down thanks to an Evan Morrison grand slam in the 8th. 

Sunday not only provides an opportunity for both clubs to take the series but also a chance to take over second place in the Eastern Division.

Both the Millers and Mavs have seen their starters go deep into games, with Westin Walls pitching a complete game on Friday and both Mavericks starters (Diego Centella & Julian Pokorny) pitching 5 shutout innings.

Names like Jordan Bauer, Hayden Simon, and Nathan Pisio could all be in the mix for the Miller Express this afternoon, with the trio yet to face the Mavericks this year. 

Bauer, in particular, has had an impressive start, logging 4.2 innings, where he only surrendered 3 hits to go with 3 strikeouts. Moose Jaw has always been known for having talent throughout its staff, and it seems like they’ve struck gold again with the acquisition of Bauer.

The same can be said for the Mavericks, who have had a knack for finding reliable starting pitchers.

Derek Archer is the latest name to take over as the Mavs ace, and through two starts, he’s near the top of the WCBL in strikeouts with 11. 

Another pitcher who has shown flashes of brilliance out of the bullpen is Jax Graham. Facing the Millers yesterday, Graham showed his earlier appearances were no fluke. Entering the 6th, the right-hander pitched a two-strikeout gem en route to victory.

Each club hopes that whoever they put on the mound today will offer the same firepower that they’ve seen from several of their arms this weekend. Getting into the strike zone early in the count is what has helped both teams control the game and find a rhythm, especially over the first 3 innings of their two previous meetings.

The pressure to find said rhythm will be at an all-time high as Athletic Park expects to be packed with local Little League baseball players as the Mavs host Little League Day for those who aspire to become future Mavericks. For the first time this summer, the Mavs and Millers get underway at a new time as this afternoon’s match commences at 2:05 PM.