Medicine Hat Mavericks outfielder Jeremy Freeman Jr. swings at a pitch in the first inning of a 6-2 Game 1 loss Wednesday at Athletic Park to the Regina Red Sox.--NEWS PHOTO JAMES TUBB
jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb
The Medicine Hat Mavericks have prided themselves on an ability to bounce back throughout the season. They’ll need to embrace that identity as they try to stretch the summer a little longer.
The Mavs dropped Game 1 of their first-round series with the Regina Red Sox, falling 6-2 on Wednesday at Athletic Park.
They had constants from the season carry into the playoff matchup.
Offensively they had the hits, 12-10, but couldn’t get a knock at the right time, stranding 12 runners. Carter Roth tallied two hits and both RBIs, Tyler Vanneste collected two hits and got on base with two hit by pitches. On the mound, Luis Diaz spun seven innings for a quality start, allowing just three runs on a pair of home runs, a two-run shot in the third and a solo home run in the seventh.
The change from what’s been expected? Unable to cash runners and a bullpen arm in Ryan Harney knocked around for three runs.
The series turned back to Regina on Thursday for Game 2, with the Mavs looking to force a decisive Game 3 on Friday back at Athletic Park. To make that happen, they’ll have to channel the resiliency and rebound ability they’ve showcased in innings and across games, to keep the summer sun shining at Athletic Park.
Head coach Jonathon Thornhill says the pressure is on Regina as the Mavs look to string together two straight wins, something they’ve done 11 times this season.
“They’re going to be amped up to be at home but nonetheless, we get to punch them in the mouth first with the opportunity the top of the first,” Thornhill said. “So our guys just stay true to themselves, keep working hard, keep playing ball the way they’re capable of. That’s what’s carried them to success all summer and I think it’ll be a good day for us (Thursday), and hopefully get a home game here the following day.”
The Mavs’ resiliency isn’t just a buzz word from Thornhill or around the locker rom. Throughout the summer the Mavs have answered a loss with a win 12 times. While they don’t get the benefit of playing from ahead, the Mavs get the opportunity to lay it all on the line for however many more games they get these playoffs.
“No matter what, you’re playing the winning game (Thursday) just like we were today, but it’s even more so of a huge aspect because if you don’t the season is over,” Thornhill said. “But either way, like we talked about, everybody in that locker room has had a part of success for this summer and what we’ve contributed this year, what they’ve contributed to this year.
“So no matter what we throw out there, those guys are going to support each other and it’s going to be a fun day in Regina, and I anticipate a fun bus ride back home.”
Game 2 in Regina was not complete by press time, visit medicinehatnews.com/sports for a full game story. A win Thursday night and the Mavs host Regina for Game 3 Friday at Athletic Park, that game would be a 7:05 p.m. start.
