Mavericks win ninth straight

The Medicine Hat Mavericks moved one game away from another doubledigit winning streak with a 7-4 victory over the Yorkton Cardinals on Friday at Jubilee Park.

While a series of rain delays prolonged the game, the Mavericks refused to let it hamper their offence. After falling into a 1-0 hole through the first inning, Medicine Hat put up four in the fourth before breaking open a 4-4 tie in the sixth and marching to the win.

Mavericks first baseman Sal Rodriguez drove in three to lead the offence with a 2 RBI single and an RBI error in a 1-for-5 outing at the plate.

Hatter Nolan Rattai was the lone Maverick to record two hits — going 2-for-3 with a pair of walks — while David Vilches drove in a pair on an RBI single in the fourth.

Jordan Dray knocked in the only other RBI for Medicine Hat with a single in the sixth.

Barry Caine picked up the victory to improve to 4-0 on the season after entering in relief of starter Connor Green in the fourth and holding Yorkton to a single hit over 1 and 1/3 innings. Medicine Hat improved to 19-3 with the win.

Green left the mound after allowing four runs on five hits and a walk through 3 and 2/3 innings while fanning three batters.

The Cardinals pressured for a window back into the game by loading up the bases in the seventh inning, but Mavs reliever Julien Ly danced out of danger to preserve the lead before leaving in favour of Hat product Nathan Stark to start the eighth.

Stark closed out the game with a pair of shutout frames, logging four strikeouts and two walks without allowing a hit.

Cardinals leadoff hitter Griffey Halle led Yorkton’s push with 2 RBI while going 3-for-5 at the dish. Jared McDonald and Ryne Niemi knocked in Yorkton’s other two runs. McDonald was 2for-5.

Cards starter Owen Steele was handed the loss after allowing five runs — three earned — on six hits and three walks while striking out seven.

Reliever Parker Hubbard allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in the seventh inning.

The loss leaves Yorkton at 4-17 on the Western Major Baseball League season.

The Mavericks return home to Athletic Park Sunday to host the Swift Current 57s in their special Canada Day uniforms. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.