By Scott Roblin

Mavericks force extra innings, fall in wild game against Brooks

Jun 4, 2017 | 8:25 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – You won’t find many crazier games in the WMBL this season, as the Medicine Hat Mavericks (0-3) and Brooks Bombers (1-2) traded shot for shot in an extra innings classic on Sunday.

It was a quick start for the Mavs as they tried to pick up their first victory of the season, scoring three runs in the first inning.

That lead didn’t hold however, as the Bombers caught lightning in a bottle in the bottom of the first with five runs to their credit to lead 5-3.

It remained a 5-3 score until the fourth inning, when Lee Thomas stepped up to the plate and drilled home a three-run shot to give Brooks a commanding 8-3 advantage.

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Medicine Hat cut into that lead with a run of their own in the fifth thanks to Caleb Longley, but two Brooks runs in the bottom half of the inning grew the Bombers lead to 10-4.

With the game seemingly out of reach, things began to turn in the Mavericks’ favour in the sixth inning.

Tanner Helms’ sacrifice fly and a missed throw to first base combined for two runs, pulling Medicine Hat withing four runs.

A big eighth inning opened up for the Mavericks, with Louie Canjura, Blake Rowlett, and Longley all driving in runs to make it a slim 10-9 lead for the Bombers.

Down by just one run entering the ninth inning, Medicine Hat pulled the game even thanks to a Tanner Helms single, despite being thrown out trying for second base.

In the bottom half of the ninth with two men on base and no outs, the Bombers looked poised to potentially walk the game off.

But incredibly, a line drive towards Canjura was caught and turned into a rare triple-play to send this game into extra innings tied 10-10.

No runs were scored in the 10th, but in the top of the 11th an Andrew Carter double brought in Canjura to give the Mavericks the lead once again.

With the bases loaded, Drew Duncan of the Bombers was plunked by a pitch to tie the game at 11, before his teammate Matt Zanutto lined a single to finally give Brooks the victory 12-11.

Mavericks starter Michael Kashou lasted less than four innings, allowing seven earned runs on four hits. Carter, who usually plays right field, was credited with the loss on the mound for Medicine Hat.

Despite the loss, it was a big day at the dish for many Mavericks with Canjura, Carter, Rowlett, Longley, Helms, and Rock Jordan all picking up RBIs.

Still looking for their first win of the season, Medicine Hat returns to Athletic Park on Monday night for their home opener against the Lethbridge Bulls (4-0).

First pitch from Medicine Hat is set for 7:05 pm.