Buckle up, the postseason has arrived.

The Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) regular season is complete and the field of 12 teams has been reduced to eight championship contenders.

The Okotoks Dawgs took first place in the league and the West Division, while the Moose Jaw Miller Express claimed the East Division crown.

Also along for the postseason ride are the Sylvan Lake Gulls, Saskatoon Berries, Lethbridge Bulls, Regina Red Sox, Energy City Cactus Rats and the Medicine Hat Mavericks.

Here's a closer look at the opening round matchups, which are set to get underway on Friday, Aug. 7th across Alberta and Saskatchewan.

WEST DIVISION

1. OKOTOKS DAWGS (42-14) vs. 4. ENERGY CITY CACTUS RATS (21-33)

The top-seeded Dawgs play host to the Cactus Rats in the first round, as Okotoks looks to return to the championship form that earned them a three-peat of titles from 2022 through 2024.

The Dawgs had the best run differential in the WCBL this season (plus 229), thanks to the most potent offence in the league, which scored 537 runs. They finished the campaign with an 8-2 record and a four-game winning streak that included a pair of victories over the Cactus Rats.

The top veteran bats in the Okotoks lineup include Nash Crowell (9 HR, 44 RBI, .347 batting average); Connor Crowson (.400 batting average, .539 on-base percentage, 51 runs); Ricardo Sanchez (55 runs, .404 on-base percentage), Jacob Wrubleski (8 HR, .314 batting average ); Landon Kauffman (.376 batting average, 38 RBI, 16 SB); and Eric Machej (.310 batting average), all of whom have collected championship rings with the Dawgs.

Production this year was also bolstered by hard-hitting Jordan Kievman (9 HR, 46 RBI, .394 batting average), speedy outfielder Cal Gates (.407 batting average, 46 runs, 33 SB), catcher Jayden Lusk (.306 batting average, 28 runs, 26 RBI); and the steady play of Ayden Crouse (.324 batting average, 39 runs, 38 RBI, 25 SB). Turner Zdunich, who suited up with the Saskatoon Berries in 2025, could also provide clutch at bats in the postseason.

On the bump, longtime starting pitcher Brody Forno went a perfect 6-0 during the regular season for the Dawgs while recording a 2.62 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 44-plus innings. Fellow righty Evan Lehnert also went undefeated with a 4-0 record, 4.28 ERA and 26 Ks in 27.1 innings. Logan Rumberg, who pitched for the Dawgs in 2022 and 2023, joined the pitching staff in July and could prove useful on the mound as the importance of each game cranks up during August. Brody Burnette led the club with three saves this season. Expect Burnette and Calgarian Wyatt Sadlier (3.91 ERA and 30 Ks in 25.1 innings) to be key bullpen performers for the Dawgs.

Looking to silence the Seaman Stadium crowd will be the Energy City Cactus Rats, the only West Division postseason squad that had a negative run differential (minus 84) in the regular season. The Cactus Rats went 4-6 in their final 10 games of the regular season.

The Cactus Rats were boosted offensively by David Simmons, who led the team in runs (39), hits (56) and doubles (11). Simmons also won the WCBL Home Run Derby during All-Star Weekend in Saskatoon. Steven Fermin was tops in Energy City in RBI (38) and homers (8). Dan Kawanashi (.407 on-base percentage, 31 runs, 15 SB); Hikaru Ikeda (30 runs, 14 SB); and Luke Wilson (.333 batting average, .422 on-base percentage) also provided quality at bats to the Cactus Rats during the regular season.

Hill toppers looking to make a difference for the Cactus Rats include Kingston Besuijen, who went 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA and 23 Ks in 34-plus innings, and lefty Saul Mata, who went 3-5 with 49 strikeouts over 46.1 frames. Four different relievers - Justin Puello, Hudson Kozicki, Brayan Leyva and Aviv Bobrov - picked up saves for the club.

All three games in the best-of-three series will take place at Seaman Stadium in Okotoks, with the first game going at 7:05 pm on Friday, Aug. 7th and the second matchup happening at 7:05 pm on Saturday, Aug. 8th. If necessary, a third and deciding game will start at 7:05 pm on Sunday, Aug. 9th.

2. SYLVAN LAKE GULLS (38-18) vs. 3. LETHBRIDGE BULLS (33-23)

It's a postseason rematch for these two Alberta teams, who battled in 2023 and 2025, with Sylvan Lake sweeping both series.

The Gulls produced the second best run differential in the WCBL (plus 191) with the strength of a pitching staff and defence that allowed the fewest runs against (245) during the regular season. Sylvan Lake also finished strong down the stretch, going 8-2 over their last 10 contests.

Bringing a well-balanced roster to the postseason, the Lake Boys will look for offensive contributions from Johnboy Rittenhouse (.328 batting average, 54 RBI, 44 runs, 10 HR); Coleman Parry (.304 batting average, 35 runs, 31 RBI); Charlie Collins (.372 batting average, .450 on-base percentage, 40 runs, 20 SB); Maddox Shaver (.336 batting average, .464 on-base percentage, 47 runs, 10 HR, 16 SB); and catcher Rece Schuerman (.327 batting average, .405 on-base percentage).

Several veteran sluggers with the Gulls will also be counted on in the clutch, including Elijha Hammill (.349 batting average, 11 HR, 33 RBI, 33 runs); Jaden Flores (.319 batting average, .479 on-base percentage); Cleary Simpson (.316 batting average, .413 on-base percentage); and Michael Quick (.402 on-base percentage, 31 runs, 10 SB).

The Gulls have made a habit of sending a squadron of reliable pitchers to the mound each season. They had 10 pitchers with two or more wins this year and four relievers with at least one save.

George Hobbins went 5-1 with 52 strikeouts and a 3.16 ERA over 37 innings, while Seth Mahler was 5-1 with two saves, 30 Ks and a 2.38 ERA in his 41-plus innings. Other impactful arms this season included Reece Hemmerling (45.1 innings, 4-3 record, 35 Ks, 4.17 ERA); Mason Little (4-2, one save, 31.2 innings, 36 Ks, 3.98 ERA); Noah Bourgeois (29 innings, 3-1, 35 strikeouts, 3.41 ERA); Bryson Leach (48 innings, 3-2, 40 Ks, 4.50 ERA); Kai Rempel (26 innings, 3-2, 25 Ks, 1.73 ERA); and Matthew Mackenzie (33.2 innings, 2-1, 33 strikeouts, 4.54 ERA).

While Mahler and Little showed an ability to close out games, Brayden Stewart was the bullpen ace, picking up five saves and a 1-2 record in his 31 frames on the bump. Stewart racked up 55 strikeouts and posted a 2.32 ERA during the regular season. Braxton Bussing, a southpaw who starred for Gulls Prep at the U19 Road to Okotoks championship tournament, made a pair of one-inning appearances in late July and on the final day of the season. The lefty could see time during the postseason if the Gulls go on a deep run.

The Lethbridge Bulls had a .500 record down the stretch, but will look to get hot quickly during the postseason.

The loss of Carter Claerhout to professional baseball left a big hole in the batting lineup, but others have stepped up in his absence, most notably local product Kalem Haney, who plays all over the field and batted .335 with a .474 on-base percentage, 51 runs, 41 RBI, 45 walks and 20 stolen bases. Supporting Haney this year were Joshua Milton (.325 batting average, 32 RBI); catcher Cardel Dick (.426 on-base percentage, 21 RBI); Jack Wheatley (.400 on-base percentage, 31 runs, 8 SB); and Luke Wheatley (36 runs, 31 hits, 4 HR, 4 SB).

Easton Kitura, a standout for Vauxhall Academy at the Road to Okotoks, was effective in 17 games with the Bulls, registering a .440 on-base percentage, 16 runs, 12 RBI and four stolen bases. Late-season addition Willis Takahashi (.500 batting average in 16 at bats), could also give the offence a jolt in the postseason.

After coming over from the Weyburn Beavers, Ethan Webster has logged big innings as a starting pitcher. In 44-plus frames, Webster went 4-4 with 32 strikeouts. Fellow right-handed starter Adryen Tietz went 1-5 but turned in 41.1 innings and struck out 49 opponents. Shaye McTavish was another innings eater with the Bulls. He went 3-0 with 43 Ks in 40.1 innings pitched. Other notable rotation pieces were Caeden Willaert (39.2 innings, 3-2 record, 39 Ks, 4.99 ERA) and lefty Brett Getz (29.2 innings, 2-2, 24 strikeouts, 5.46 ERA).

Lucas Huynh was brilliant out of the bullpen for Lethbridge, going 2-0 with five saves in 10.1 innings this year, but he won't pitch for the Bulls in the postseason. Instead, watch for southpaw Sheamus Ryan to close things out after notching three saves in three appearances late in the season. The veteran member of the pitching staff has struck out four batters while allowing just two hits, no walks and no runs in three innings. Swingman Graham Thiessen (3-1 record, 27 innings, 38 Ks, 4.67 ERA) is the only other pitcher who registered a save for the Bulls this summer.

This best-of-three series gets going on Friday, Aug. 7th with a 7:05 pm start at Gulls Field in Sylvan Lake. The second game shifts to Spitz Stadium in Lethbridge at 7:05 pm on Saturday, Aug. 8th. If necessary, a third game is set for 7:05 pm on Sunday, Aug. 9th in Sylvan Lake.

EAST DIVISION

1. MOOSE JAW MILLER EXPRESS (41-15) vs. 4. MEDICINE HAT MAVERICKS (22-34)

The Miller Express were a runaway freight train this year, establishing a new franchise record for regular season wins and putting together a 14-game winning streak along the way.

Moose Jaw finished the campaign strong, going 8-2 in their last 10 matchups while a number of their players set individual single-season records in the WCBL.

The batting lineup will give opposing pitchers fits right from the opening pitch. Leadoff hitter and shortstop Thomas Soto set new highs for stolen bases (49) and runs (75) this year, while batting .359 with 47 RBI. From there, Chris Franks (.368 batting average, .471 on-base percentage, 51 runs, 60 RBI, 19 SB); Eduardo Saenz (.361 batting average, .470 on-base percentage, 44 runs, 42 RBI); William Edwards (55 runs, 69 hits, 54 RBI); Ben Waliczek (.474 on-base percentage, 61 runs, 34 SB); Michael Rago (.306 batting average, 39 runs, 22 SB); and Garryn Plummer (.354 batting average, 47 RBI) only offer more headaches.

The rotation of the Miller Express also includes some workhorse pitchers. Ace Westin Walls set a new WCBL single-season record for strikeouts, with 92 Ks in his 82.1 innings of work. The 6-foot-5 Texan went 6-1 with a 4.04 ERA. Behind Walls is southpaw Jacob Glazener, who assembled an 8-2 record while registering 72 strikeouts in 60 frames, and Sean Bavis, who went 5-1 with 45 Ks and a 5.16 ERA in 52-plus innings. Aidan Johnson also went 4-1 with 22 strikeouts in his 29 innings during the regular season.

Moose Jaw's bullpen was also formidable this year. Closer Nathan Pisio went 3-0 with seven saves and 19 strikeouts while putting together a 2.08 ERA. Fellow righty reliever Jacob Quiles went 6-0 with one save, a 3.99 ERA and 40 Ks in 38-plus innings. The Millers also got a save from southpaw R.J. Patrick, who was 2-0 with 10 strikeouts in 12 innings.

The Medicine Hat Mavericks, who backed into the postseason by losing their final three games of the regular season, will have their hands full.

The Mavs - who scored 417 times while allowing 454 runs - will need everything they can get out of 2026 WCBL All-Star Game MVP Carter Roth, who set a new league record for doubles this year with 24. The Ontario product was fantastic for Medicine Hat, picking up 88 hits, 49 runs, 46 RBI, seven home runs and five stolen bases. Johnny Vulcano - the franchise leader in games played (188) and doubles (47) - will also be leaned on after batting .317 with 39 runs. Heavy hitter Frankie Giacalone put up excellent power numbers, jacking 14 homers while batting .313 with 41 runs and 44 RBI. Other key bats in the lineup include local product Evan Morrison (60 hits, 48 runs, 43 RBI, 42 walks, 9 HR) and Blake Dale (52 hits, 46 runs, 41 RBI, 8 SB).

The most dependable starting pitcher for Medicine Hat this year has been Derek Archer, who led the club in innings (63.2) while going 3-4 with 66 strikeouts and a 5.37 ERA. Other members of the rotation that have been called on for mound motivation include Diego Centella (44.2 innings, 2-3 record, 44 Ks, 5.84 ERA); lefthander Cody Myers (2-3, 35 Ks, 38 innings); Julian Pokorny (29 strikeouts, 3-2 record, 37 innings); and Jackson Miles (31.1 innings, 2-2, 20 strikeouts, 3.73 ERA).

Three pitchers nabbed saves during the regular season, led by Tanner Hail, who closed out three games and went 2-1 with a 4.64 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 21-plus innings. Levi Tibbetts (2-0 record, 26 Ks, 18.1 innings) and Jackson Miller (15.2 innings, seven strikeouts) also registered one save each.

The series opener in this best-of-three matchup takes place at 7:05 pm at Ross Wells Park in Moose Jaw on Friday, Aug. 7th, followed by the rematch at Athletic Park in Medicine Hat at 6:45 pm on Saturday, Aug. 8th. If necessary, a third and deciding game is set for 7:05 pm on Sunday, Aug. 9th in Moose Jaw.

2. SASKATOON BERRIES (38-18) vs. 3. REGINA RED SOX (26-30)

After setting a single-season record for wins in a season in 2025, only to lose out in the postseason to the Regina Red Sox in the East Division Final, the Saskatoon Berries will be looking to inflict a little bit of payback on their Saskatchewan neighbours in the south.

While the Berries weren't as dominant in the regular season this year, they did produce the best run differential (plus 187) in the East Division. Their balanced roster gives Saskatoon a high-powered offence and a run-suppressing defence and pitching staff.

Despite the mismatch on paper, both teams turned in a .500 record in their last 10 games of the season and will be looking to crank things up for the postseason.

The Berries will seek scoring chances from a baseball-bashing bunch that includes WCBL batting champ Gael Salinas (.419 batting average, 1.123 OPS, 69 runs, 60 RBI, 6 HR, 6 SB); Swift Current slugger Ethan Murdoch (.358 batting average, .453 on-base percentage, 68 runs, 62 RBI, 14 HR); Brock Laird (.444 on-base percentage, 66 runs, 42 RBI); Josh Henson (11 HR, 64 RBI, 48 runs); catcher Gavin Panks (.367 batting average, .495 on-base percentage, 48 runs, 41 RBI); Nash Nichols (9 HR, 16 SB, 32 RBI); and infielder Nathan Houston (.341 batting average, .420 on-base percentage, 41 runs, 39 RBI, 15 SB).

Standout starting pitcher Michael Sall (5-0 record, 2.45 ERA) left the club in July, but the rotation at NexGen Patch at Cairns Field remains in good hands. Owen Stempel went 4-0 with 47 strikeouts in 44.2 innings, with a 4.03 ERA, while Adam Korte finished with a 4-1 record, 25 Ks and a 4.58 ERA in his 37-plus regular season frames. Meanwhile, Merek Yeager was 3-1 with a 3.68 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 22 innings. Diego Quinonez finished the season as the workhorse of the pitching staff after logging 50.1 innings and going 4-3 with 44 strikeouts.

The bullpen of the Berries also took a hit with the departure of Tanner Hosick (5-2 record, two saves, 1.10 ERA, 27 Ks in 16.1 innings), but eight different pitchers picked up saves over the course of the summer. Southpaw Brooks Jones went 2-1 with a pair of saves, a 1.75 ERA and 33 Ks in 25-plus innings and fellow lefty Brody Wrench had one save and 26 strikeouts in his 17.1 innings. Other relievers called on to close out games included Colin Plain (2-1, two saves, 3.68 ERA, 21 Ks, 22 innings); Muenster product Dallen Rude (two saves, 4.33 ERA, 25 Ks, 27 innings); Tyler Bailey (2-0, one save, 23 strikeouts, 16.1 innings); Reid Beck (one save, 16 Ks, 19 innings); and Aden Quintela (one save, four strikeouts, 5.2 innings).

Standing in the way of the Berries are the Regina Red Sox, the defending WCBL champions.

The Red Sox came out of nowhere to upset their way to a title win over the Sylvan Lake Gulls last year, but it's difficult to catch lightning in a bottle two postseasons in a row. Regina finished the season with a pair of wins and will look to build on that success. They also have a new skipper at the helm after Brayden Cobb replaced field manager Rye Pothakos right before WCBL All-Star Weekend in Saskatoon.

Back to lead the charge at the plate is third baseman Brady Bye, who took home WCBL Postseason MVP honours in 2025. Bye set franchise records in home runs (13) and RBI (67) while scoring 43 runs, stealing 12 bases and producing a .344 batting average. The lefty slugger will have some batters around him who helped deliver the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy last August. Infielder Jalen Meyers (.364 batting average, .484 on-base percentage, 41 runs); outfielder Ian Montz (.327 batting average, .421 on-base percentage, 6 HR); and catcher Daniel Castellanos (.296 batting average, 25 RBI) all helped secure rings for the Red Sox. Lance Anderson, the team's stolen base leader with 21 swiped bags, will also look to make an impact. Anderson batted .304 with 26 runs in 37 WCBL games.

On the mound, ace Kaegan Baker will look to improve on his 6-2 showing from the regular season. The Oklahoma native led the Red Sox in Ks with 62 strikeouts over his 53.2 innings. Daniel Crabtree, who has played for Regina since 2023, led the club in innings pitched (55.1) and went 2-4 with 34 strikeouts and a 6.34 ERA. Lefty Samuel Jackson went 4-1 with 54 strikeouts in 44.2 innings.

When it's time to hand the ball over in the late innings, look for David Gordon to take over. He was the club's go to closer, picking up four saves, three wins and 39 strikeouts in 37-plus innings. Vittorio Iacobucci, a key reliever for the Red Sox since 2024, collected two saves while going 1-1 with 13 Ks and a 4.82 ERA in 18.2 innings this year. Kris Hahn (3-1 record, 33 Ks, 4.08 ERA, 39.2 innings) and Garrett Mullins (1-2 record, 10 Ks, 17.2 innings) also both recorded one save each this summer.

The first game of the best-of-three series starts at 7 pm at NexGen Patch at Cairns Field in Saskatoon on Friday, Aug. 7th. The second installment begins at Regina's Currie Field at 6 pm on Saturday, Aug. 8th. If those two games don't decide a winner, the third game is set for 7 pm in Saskatoon on Sunday, Aug. 9th.

PLAYOFF FORMAT

Postseason play gets underway on Friday, Aug. 7th. All playoff series are best-of-three affairs. 

The opening round – which is scheduled for Aug. 7-9 – sees divisional clashes between the No. 1 seed and the No. 4 seed, along with matchups between the second-place team and the third-place squad. The tops seeds have home-field advantage and will host games one and three (if necessary).

The teams that advance then fight it out for top spot in the East Division and the best in the West Division. That second round is set for Aug. 11-13.

The WCBL’s final series pits the elite team in the East Division versus the finest club in the West Division in a showdown for the Harry Hallis Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the league’s championship winner. That series is set to take place from Aug. 15-17. 

During the trophy presentation, a postseason Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is also given out to the best performer.