Mavericks pitchers settling in

Flynn Ridley (Burnaby, B.C.) has been solid out of the bullpen for the Western Canadian Baseball League’s Medicine Hat Mavericks. Photo: Medicine Hat Mavericks/Twitter

June 6, 2019

By Ryder McKay

Medicine Hat Mavericks

After a less than desirable series with Lethbridge, The Mavericks appear to be back in last year’s form after posting not one but two convincing wins against Edmonton and both in different fashions. On Tuesday the team trumped the Edmonton Prospects 14-3 and then followed up with a 3-1 win the following evening to complete the sweep.

From offence the first night and steady work from Juinor Pimentel to defence the second, the red and white appear to be off and running. For those who enjoy pitching duals Wednesdays game was one you didn't wanna miss. To say Kansas University native Brandon Ponticelli earned his first win would be a huge understatement. The 6’2 right-hander allowed just one hit and one run over five innings of hard work throwing five strikeouts in the process.

Mavericks relievers Flynn Ridley, Hunter Cooper, and John Rains all fed off each other on the mound with a combined three hits allowed and six strikeouts over the final four innings to secure the win and build confidence with their new teammates and coaches.

For former Maverick pitching star turned new assistant coach Jared Libke, the coaching staff at this point in the year is still working on things like the rotation, lineups and more. Libke says, “It's Important, This early in the season is a feeling out process for us coaches to see who fits in what role and who thrives in what situation.”

After a 2-0 start to the season’s longest road trip, The Mavericks pitchers and entire squad will look to build off of the sweep when they head into Fort McMurrary to begin their series with the Giants.

A reminder that the team returns home Tuesday (June 11) where they will wrap up game 5 of 5 with the Giants. The opening pitch goes at 7:05 pm.