By Mitch Bach

Mavs find spark in home opener, top Bombers 8-7

May 30, 2019 | 10:50 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A smoky haze in the air did nothing to stop the Medicine Hat Mavericks from finding their spark Wednesday night.

Local product Nolan Rattai batted in the go-ahead run in the eighth, and the defending league champions rallied for a slim 8-7 victory over the Brooks Bombers in their home opener at Athletic Park.

Cameron Pope finished his first Mavericks game going 2-for-3 at the dish with one RBI, and newcomer John Velasco ripped a two-shot dinger in the fifth inning to lead the team’s offence.

After allowing the Bombers to score three in the first, and take a 5-2 lead after four, the Mavericks began to click. After racking up three in the fifth, led by Velasco’s homer, Medicine Hat followed up with singles in the seventh and eighth to secure a 1-0 record.

The Bombers were led by Spencer Rankin, who went 2-for-3 at the dish with two RBI, and Albert Vargas two runs batted in on two hits. The Bombers fall to 1-2 on the early campaign.

Young minds, big ideas: Elementary students learn about urban planning with 'Box City'

5h ago

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

It was the Mavericks first game at Athletic Park since a memorable Game 5 victory over the Regina Red Sox last August to secure the league championship. Eight players from last year’s roster are returning this season.

The Mavericks are now heading to Brooks for the second half of a double-header against the Bombers on Friday. Game time is 7:05 p.m.