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Pre Game Report: Medicine Hat Mavericks vs Moose Jaw Miller Express 06/06/26

(Photo by Colton McKee, coltonmckeephotography.com) 

TRUMAN BARTMAN | themavericks.ca

Chapter one of the Medicine Hat Mavericks’ and Moose Jaw Miller Express’s three-game set is in the books after the Millers took last night’s game by 10 runs. However, there’s still a lot of baseball to play, and Saturday brings another opportunity for both teams to shine.

A night ago, it was a tale of two halves for Medicine Hat, who controlled play during the first 5 innings in yesterday’s match. Starter Diego Centella pitched 5 shutout innings. On the other hand, it was Blake Dale who ignited the Mavs’ offence with a two-run homer to right field. 

The 6th was when things turned in Moose Jaw’s favour, with the Millers depositing 9 runs all with 2 outs in the inning. Michael Rago had a breakout performance, barreling 3 hits, one of which was a go-ahead 3-run home run to straightaway centre. 

Backed by an 8-inning complete game from ace Westin Walls, the Millers cruised to a 12-2 mercy win, their first over the Mavericks in 2026.

Saturday’s game now has new meaning for both parties as the Millers look to keep pace with the Saskatoon Berries, who occupy 1st place in the Eastern division, while the Mavs look to remain within arm’s reach of the Millers, who leapfrogged them in the standings last night. 

Medicine Hat will see a new face on top of their mound tonight as Texas native and former WCBL All-Star Julian Pokorny is set to make his home debut. In his one relief appearance this summer, Pokorny pitched a shutout inning, totaling 1 strikeout in the process. Pokorny’s WCBL resume speaks for itself; the question now becomes how he will adjust to playing for a new club.

Another Texas product to watch out for is Mavs leadoff hitter Thomas Schnabel. It’s clear that speed is an essential part of Schnabel’s game, and he continues to boast in game after game. Schnabel, who had limited reps coming into the season, has made the most of his opportunity to contribute on a more consistent basis.

Speaking of consistency, there are many players in the WCBL who have shown it more than shortstop Thomas Soto. A two-time All-Star in his own right, Soto’s swift defence and steady approach at the plate have helped him become a household name in Moose Jaw. In what may be his final season with the Miller Express, Soto is one guy who pitchers will always have to keep an eye on, especially when he has a chance to steal.

As Alberta’s rainy weather returns to Medicine Hat, the Miller Express and Mavericks do as well. The Millers are looking to take and win their first road series of the season, while Medicine Hat hopes to bring home their first win at Athletic Park this season.

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