Seven-run eighth inning costs Mavs in loss Friday

By James Tubb on June 14, 2024.

A bloated inning by the Regina Red Sox was the downfall of the Medicine Hat Mavericks on Friday.

The Mavs surrendered seven runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to fall 9-2 to the East division leading Red Sox.

Medicine Hat came into the contest off a 6-4 win Thursday at Saskatoon over the Berries.

The Mavs opened the scoring with a run in the second inning.

Jordan Phillips led off the inning with a single that was followed up with a single from Nick Thibodeau. A batter later, Landon Mokris knocked a single into right field to score Phillips for the Mavs 1-0 lead.

They made it 2-0 with a score in the fifth.

Johnny Vulcano got on base with a one-out double and moved to third base on a singe from Michael Quick and scored on a single from Marshall Burke.

Regina tied the game up in the bottom of the sixth. They got on the board with a lead off, solo home run and tied the contest up at 2-2 on a double to centre field.

The sixth inning was the last for Mavs’ starter Chris Shaffer who only allowed the two runs on five hits with two walks while striking out six batters.

Cesar Rodriguez took over to start the seventh and was relieved in the eighth after Regina blew open the game. They loaded the bases on a questionable call at third base, Rodriguez appeared to record an out on the bunt but the runner was called safe. The Red Sox then piled on runs with a collection of singles and a combination of three errors by the Mavs.

Rodriguez was charged with six runs (five earned) against, allowing four hits and recording a strikeout. Evan Gant took over and allowed an unearned run on two hits with a strikeout.

Medicine Hat wasn’t able to complete the comeback in the ninth, falling 9-2.

The Mavs (9-6) are back at Athletic Park for a two-game set against the Moose Jaw Miller Express on Saturday and Sunday.