Mavericks buoyed by return to Athletic Park in 9-3 win over Moose Jaw

“Lots of hugs with people I haven’t seen in a couple of years,” said Morrison. “But, it was almost like we just picked up where we left off. It was great to see some of our season ticket holders, fans, new fans, some kids that a couple years ago were too young to know what they were watching and we’re seeing them at the games now. It was just a pleasure to be able to have a great game today.”

According to Morrison, it was the largest home opener crowd in the history of the franchise and provided an energy that he hopes will span the remainder of the 2022 season.

“I am emotional because we’ve missed this for two years,” said longtime Mavericks supporter Michelle Crabtree. “It’s been two years too long. I had butterflies this morning, I was so excited about coming.”

The Crabtree’s history with Medicine Hat baseball dates back to the days of the Medicine Hat Blue Jays, with this break between games being their longest stretch away from the ball park.

“It’s just another thing to do in the community, get people together and celebrate Medicine Hat really,” said John Crabtree.

The Mavericks came out swinging against Moose Jaw with the record-breaking crowd behind them, getting out to a 4-0 lead after the first inning with Kellan Williamson, Hunter Cooper and Braden Desonia driving in runs.

“There was definitely a buzz in the ball park and it was cool to see us jump ahead early and fans started getting into it,” said Desonia.

Desonia led the team with a pair of RBIs, while Williamson went 4-for-4 at the plate and came through with a trio of runs.

On the mound, Ethan Bromley got the home opening start and threw five innings with two earned runs allowed and a pair of strikeouts.

“There was definitely a buzz in the ball park and it was cool to see us jump ahead early and fans started getting into it,” said Desonia.

Bromley also had the honour of throwing out the first pitch at Athletic Park in close to three years and admitted it was one of the biggest stages of his collegiate career.

“Yeah euphoric,” said Bromley. “I had to take a moment to take it all in and kind of look around to see how many people there really are. Medicine Hat is a great town for it and obviously, amazing fans.”

With Sunday’s victory, the Mavericks swept their season-opening series against the Miller Express and sit first in the East Division with a 3-0 record.

While there are still plenty more home dates remaining for Medicine Hat this summer, Sunday’s return will be one that will be fondly remembered for those in the stands and in the organization.

“I took that time to listen to the anthem, see that first pitch and just see that pop of that first mitt,” said Morrison. “Having Guy up there saying ‘welcome back’ it was just a great thing for everybody, myself included.”

The Mavericks will put their perfect record to the test on Tuesday night, as they welcome the Okotoks Dawgs to town with a 7:05 pm opening pitch.

by Scott Roblin

Mavericks buoyed by return to Athletic Park in 9-3 win over Moose Jaw

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