Mavs fall in 13th inning thriller Friday

By James Tubb on July 21, 2023.

The 13th inning proved unlucky for the Medicine Hat Mavericks Friday at Swift Current.

The Mavs traded extra inning runs before ultimately losing 10-9 in a 13 inning thriller against the 57’s. Friday’s contest marked the second straight night the Mavs played extra frames, they won 7-6 in the 11th inning Thursday at Brooks against the Bombers.

The Mavs opened the scoring with a two-run first inning. Centre fielder Brody Gardner scored on an error from the Swift Current catcher before left fielder Ryan Dousett scored on a sacrifice fly. The 57’s matched the offence and tied the game at 2-2.

Medicine Hat again took the lead, scoring a run in the top of the 2nd. Second basemanTory Nelson drove in a run with an RBI single to put the Mavs ahead 3-2.

Swift Current jumped ahead by scoring three runs in the bottom of the third before adding a solo run in the fifth to lead 6-3.

The Mavs chipped away at the 57’s lead with a run in the top of the sixth on a RBI single from right fielder Brady Bean. They tied the game up at 6-6 as Dousett and Bean both scored on separate wild pitches.

Neither team scored in the ninth inning as the game was sent to what would be a lengthy amount of extra innings that started with a runner on second each frame.

The Mavs scored in the 10th and jumped ahead 7-6 on an RBI single from Tyler Vanneste. Swift Current answered back to tie the game. Both teams had bases loaded opportunities in the 11th but neither could capitalize, forcing a 12th inning.

Max Valdez scored in the 12th inning to give the Mavs an 8-7 lead that was quickly matched by the 57’s in the bottom of the frame.

Medicine Hat continued their offence in the 13th, grabbing a 9-8 lead on a RBI single from Bean. Swift Current scores with the bases loaded to tie the game before again capitalizing on an infield single for the 10-9 walk-off win.

Matt Krall was on the mound for the Mavs in the extra innings, working 3.1 frames, striking out two batters while allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits and four walks.

Zac Robinson worked 3.2 innings before Krall, striking out two batters while allowing only one hit. Bryce Libke started the contest and pitched 5.1 innings. He struck out two batters while allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits.

The Mavs (21-23) are back at Swift Current for a rematch on Saturday.

14
-13