(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com)
Truman Bartman | themavericks.ca
Two days away from the WCBL’s mid-summer classic, the Saskatoon Berries arrive in Medicine Hat for a two-game set with the Mavericks. So far, it has been the Berries who have taken all three games over the Mavs in convincing fashion.
Despite a promising start to 2026, the Berries have run into a bit of turmoil over the last week, losing two of their top arms. Starter Michael Sall, who was the frontrunner for WCBL pitcher of the year, and multiple-time all-star Tanner Hosick both left the Berries to rejoin their college team early. Prior to his departure, Hosick was making an early case to be the WCBL’s reliever of the year in 2026 with a 1.10 ERA, while Sall held the league’s best ERA among starters.
Luckily for Saskatoon, the likes of Adam Korte, Colin Plain, and Carter Kopp are still around for the foreseeable future. Korte hasn’t been as productive as he was in 2025, but the former All-Star has still had his moments during his first season away from Swift Current. For Kopp and Plain, their journeys have spanned back to the team’s inaugural season in 2023. In what could be the final ride wearing Saskatoon purple for both relievers, Kopp and Plain will be asked to carry the load as the Berries are well on their way to the playoffs.
Things have not been as smooth for the Medicine Hat Mavericks in their quest for a spot in the postseason in 2026. Currently sitting in 3rd place, the Mavericks are just 2 games ahead of the field in the Eastern Division.
The Mavericks’ record may have them slotted in 3rd place, but their offence has shown that the team’s ceiling is higher than their record suggests. Part of the Mavs’ success at the plate lies in the improvement of veteran Johnny Vulcano.
In his best season to date, Vulcano has watched his numbers climb to new heights, maintaining a .316 batting average and depositing 43 hits. Vulcano has also become much more comfortable at shortstop after spending a majority of his collegiate season playing in the outfield. If Vulcano’s rise is a permanent fixture for Medicine Hat, their dreams of reaching another WCBL championship aren’t far-fetched.
There has to be a hint of optimism in the Mavericks locker room, even with their recent slump. A chance to play the Berries without their two best arms is a luxury, and the Mavs have a real shot at playing spoiler to an undermanned Saskatoon squad.
Before the Saskatoon Berries and Medicine Hat Mavericks join forces for All-Star weekend, they will have to go through each other. Athletic Park will play host to the duo on Thursday and Friday, officially wrapping up the first half of the WCBL season.