Mavericks fall 5-3 Wednesday in Fort McMurray

By James Tubb on June 7, 2023.

A four-run sixth inning cost the Medicine Hat Mavericks on Wednesday.

The Fort McMurray Giants scored four runs in the sixth frame as they held on to beat the Mavericks 5-3. Medicine Hat entered the contest off a complete reverse of a game, having beat Fort Murray 5-3 on Tuesday.

Zac Robinson had the start for Medicine Hat and pitched five innings while only allowing one run (unearned) on eight hits with a walk and a strikeout. Casey Hernandez took over on the mound in the sixth and registered two outs with four runs against on four hits. Dylan Weaver pitched the remaining 2.1 innings with two strikeouts while allowing two hits and a walk.

After Fort McMurray scored in the bottom of the second the Mavericks got on the board in both the fifth and sixth innings for a brief 2-1 lead. Designated hitter Brent Cota drove in a run in the fifth with a RBI single to right field. Medicine Hat’s sixth inning offence came on an error from the Giants shortstop who overthrew first base with two outs, scoring catcher Dominic VanDoorne from second base.

The Giants plated four runs in the bottom of the sixth for the 5-2 lead before Medicine Hat made it interesting the top of the ninth while also registering their first home run of the 2023 WCBL season. Second baseman Brady Bean pulled a ball over the left field fence to bring the Mavericks within 5-3 of the Giants, who eventually held on for the win.

The Mavericks (4-5) are back in action Thursday in Sylvan Lake against the Gulls to wrap up their four-game road trip. Their first game back in Medicine Hat is Friday when they host the Brooks Bombers at Athletic Park for a 7:05 p.m. contest.

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