By Mitch Bach

Mavericks blowout Bombers to earn first victory of 2017

Jun 6, 2017 | 10:16 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Following their fourth straight loss to open the season on Monday, Mavericks manager Mike Thompson said confidently it was “a matter of time” before the team broke into the win column.

His inclination was correct.

The home team ripped open Tuesday night’s contest at Athletic Park with eight runs in the second inning, on route to defeating the Brooks Bombers 12-2 to capture their first victory of the season.

The last time the Mavs scored at least 12 runs in a game came July 10, 2016, when they demolished the Fort Mac Giants 14-3. That’s a stretch of 30 games including last year’s playoffs.

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Connor Deeds Mavericks debut was on point, allowing just six hits and no runs with four strikeouts to earn the victory. Cameron Kremers took the loss for Brooks, allowing all eight runs in the second inning on six hits.

Medicine Hat’s offense was lead by Caleb Longley, who snagged a pair of hits with two RBI’s. Blake Rowlett also chipped in with one hit and two RBI’s. Worth noting, Medicine Hat native Zack Kunkel finished the game going three for three at the plate with two runs.

It took the Bombers until the ninth inning with two out to finally score. Mason Swegarden chopped a low single through centre with bases loaded. Medicine Hat thought they tapped the winning out with a throw to second, but the runner was called safe. Two runners made their way over home plate on the play.

This was a rematch of a wild extra-innings affair on Sunday in Brooks. Medicine Hat forced extras thanks to a triple play with two on in the bottom of the ninth, but ultimately fell after a walk-off single from Matt Zanutto.

Medicine Hat gets a day off on Wednesday before hitting the road to Lethbridge to take on the Bulls on Thursday. The Mavs next home game is Friday — a rematch of last year’s division final against the Edmonton Prospects. Both games start at 7:05 p.m.