Truman Bartman | themavericks.ca
If you’re looking for things that are rare, try the Energy City Cactus Rats appearing at Athletic Park. In fact, Thursday night will be the first time since the Rats were named the Edmonton Prospects that the team will play in Medicine Hat.
A year ago, it was Henry Singer Ballpark that housed the Mavs and Rats for a two-game set north, which the pair split. Since then, lots have changed for both sides, including the addition of several key assets.
Energy City has had a slow start record-wise to 2026; however, the same can’t be said for pitcher Oscar Moy and middle infielder Micah Cervantes, who have both had standout campaigns.
Moy, a product of the University of British Columbia, has taken his role as the Rats’ lead reliever seriously in his first WCBL season, posting a 1.59 ERA over his 5.2 innings thrown. As far as hitting the strike zone goes, Moy is already one of the league’s best: 9 strikeouts and no walks to his name.
For Cervantes, his impact has been felt at the dish, leading all qualified Catcus Rat batters in batting average at .389. Patrolling the middle infield regularly, Cervantes has filled in well for 2-time All-Star Timo Aracena, who departed after last season.
The biggest changes within Medicine Hat’s lineup from last year have been to their pitching staff. The addition of former Brooks Bombers All-Star Julian Pokorny and Badlands Academy alum Jax Graham has already paid dividends for the Mavericks, with both players having positive strikeout-to-walk ratios and sub-2 ERAs.
Another intriguing option for the Mavericks is the new arrival, Cody Myers. Joining a staff full of right-handers, Myers fills a massive void, becoming the only left-hander on Medicine Hat’s roster. After a banner season with East Texas Baptist University, Myers will look to bring his winning ways to Medicine Hat.
Coming off a 6-1 loss to the Saskatoon Berries at Cairns Field, the Mavericks return home looking for a spark against the Energy City Cactus Rats. Although their experience with playing in Medicine Hat may differ, both teams remained focused on returning to the winner’s circle, with each losing in their last outings.