Mavericks fall in shortened contest

By James Tubb on July 13, 2022.

The Medicine Hat Mavericks didn’t have a chance to make a comeback Wednesday night.

The Mavericks trailed 10-5 in the fifth inning in Swift Current against the 57’s when lightning suspended and eventually called the game. Swift Current was awarded the 10-5 win.

Medicine Hat struck first offensively with a home run from right fielder David Dell on the first pitch of the game, his second of the season.

Swift Current answered back in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs off starter Garrett Nicholson. The 23-year-old Nicholson pitched 1 and two thirds innings in the loss.

The Mavericks retook the lead in the top of the second inning on a two run home run from catcher Andrew Savage, his first in the WCBL. The lead didn’t last long as Swift Current bumped Nicholson from the game with a five run second inning.

Bryce Libke took over on the mound and worked the final three and a third innings of the game with one strikeout.

Medicine Hat started their comeback attempt in the third inning with a two RBI single from third basemen Tory Nelson to cut Swift Current’s lead to 7-5. The 57’s added three runs in the fourth inning to take their 10-5 lead that was cemented as the final score an inning later by the lightning.

The Mavericks (12-23) are back in action Thursday with their first home contest since July 7, a 6-5 victory over the Regina Red Sox.

Medicine Hat will host the 57’s for a rematch at Athletic Park Thursday at 7:05 p.m.