Mavs win 7-3 Friday at Lethbridge

By James Tubb on July 28, 2023.

The Medicine Hat Mavericks got back in the win column Friday night at Lethbridge.

The Mavs beat their Highway 3 rivals, winning 7-3 against the Bulls. Medicine Hat entered the contest following an off day Thursday and a 5-1 loss Wednesday at Athletic Park against the Fort McMurray Giants.

After two scoreless innings to start the game, the Mavericks opened the scoring in the third inning. Ryan Dousett drove in a run with a sacrifice fly for the first of three RBIs for the left fielder on the night. The Mavs added to their lead in the fourth inning of an RBI single from catcher Dominic VanDoorne.

Lethbridge scored a run in the bottom of the fourth and the bottom of the sixth to tie up the game at 2-2.

The Mavs opened the offensive flood gates and scored five runs in the top of the ninth for a 7-2 lead. Second baseman Tory Nelson drove in two runs with a single to kick off the frame. Dousett registered RBIs two and three with a single that drove in a pair.

Pitcher Bryce Libke stepped up to the plate in the ninth inning, taking over for third baseman Nathan Tarver who was hit by a pitch in the sixth inning. Libke drew a walk to lead off the frame before being thrown out at home with the bases loaded. HI’s second plate appearance came with the bases loaded and he again drew a walk, seeing six pitched to walk in a run and pick up his first RBI on the season.

Libke started the game and worked into the ninth inning before being lifted after allowing leadoff single. He finished his night picking up the win with four strikeouts while allowing two earned runs on six hits. Krall recored the final three outs of the game, walking a batter in the process.

The Mavs (24-25) are back in action Saturday at Athletic Park for the first of a two-game set against the Weyburn Beavers.