Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Mavs double the Bulls 4-2

Jul 25, 2018 | 5:37 AM

MEDICINE HAT —  Jumpei Akanuma’s performance on the mound was key in the Medicine Hat Mavericks 34th win this season.

The Japanese ace lasted eight innings in the Medicine Hat Mavericks 4-2 victory over the Lethbridge Bulls at Athletic Park. The Lee University senior allowed six hits and just one walk, and also raked in three strikeouts to collect his sixth victory of 2018.

Ryan Czanstkowski relieved Akanuma in the ninth to seal the victory for the West Division-leading Mavericks.

Timely defence also served a theme for the West Division-leading Mavericks, who improve to 34-7 in 2018. Several key double plays helped award the Mavs their fifth straight win over their Highway 3 rivals.

Lethbridge remains fourth in the West, and could potentially square off against Medicine Hat in the opening round. 

Lethbridge opened the scoring in the second inning — Jaret Semeniuk hit into a double-play with none out, allowing Dylan Borman to scurry his way across home plate.

The Mavericks found their scoring touch in the third inning, throwing a three-spot on the board off three separate bats. Jaxson Hooge went 1/3 at the plate with a run and leadoff hitter David Salgueiro also collected a run while going 1/4.

Nolan Rattai connected on a two-out double to score Colton Wright in the eighth, bringing the Mavericks lead to 4-2.

The Lethbridge Bulls continue their final week of the regular season at home Wednesday night as they host Okotoks at Spitz Stadium.

On Thursday and Friday, the Edmonton Prospects will be in Lethbridge.  The Bulls play their final regular season home game against Medicine Hat on Saturday night, before hitting the road to Okotoks for an afternoon game on Sunday.