Mavs snap losing streak with win Wednesday
By James Tubb on July 5, 2023.
The Medicine Hat Mavericks picked up a much needed win in a big way Wednesday night. The Mavs won 11-5 at Regina against the Red Sox to snap a four-game losing streak and head into an off-day Thursday on a winning note. Medicine Hat entered Wednesday’s contest off an 1-0 loss Tuesday at Regina, the first time the Mavs had been shutout this season. Medicine Hat opened the game on a high note, scoring four runs for an early 4-1 lead. Bret Carrell scored on a wild pitch before third baseman Tyler Vanneste, catcher Dominic VanDoorne and second baseman Johnny Vulcano each drove in a run with RBI singles. Regina added a run in the bottom of the frame to get on the scoreboard. The Red Sox added another run in the bottom of the third to cut the Mavs lead to 4-2. Medicine Hat answered back with a solo home run from shortstop Brady Bean in the top of the fifth inning. The Mavs followed that up with a six-run sixth inning, giving them the bloated 11-2 lead. Vulcano scored on a Regina error for the first run of the frame and four itches later, Carrell drove in a run with an RBI single. Centre fielder Brody Gardner drove in a pair on a two RBI double and VanDoorne capped off the inning with a two RBI double of his own. The Mavs split pitching duties Wednesday between five arms with Matt Krall starting the game. He worked three innings with five strikeouts while allowing two runs on four hits and a walk. Bryce Libke came out of the bullpen for the first time this season and picked up the win with his three innings of work. The usual starting pitcher struck out five batters while only allowing four hits. Edrian Rangel entered the game in the seventh inning and after loading the bases with two walks, struck out three Regina batters to keep the Mavs ahead 11-2. Casey Henderson pitched a quick eighth inning, only allowing one hit. Medicine Hat product Jack Suhai took over in the ninth inning and recorded the final three outs while allowing three runs on two hits, two walks and a hit batter. He induced a fly out for the final out to secure the 11-5 Medicine Hat win. The Mavs (16-18) are off Thursday before they head to Swift Current on Friday to face the 57’s. Their next home game is Saturday, the first of a two-game set at Athletic Park against the visiting Sylvan Lake Gulls. 11-10
