Giza Gab 2052.3 - Fighting for .500

[taylskid]

We're just past the half-way point of the season, and the Cairo Pharaohs have seen their vigorous start to the season completely iced out as they've struggled to stay afloat at .500 moving towards the end of July. That's not to say there hasn't been any effort from the team; they've recently suffered two excruciating extra-innings losses to Sydney, a 4-1 runaway loss in the 15th-inning followed two days later by a heartbreaking wild-pitch to score the go-ahead run in a 8-7 loss in 16 innings. Both players and the home fans alike were exhausted by the time the 6 hour 17 minute 16-inning loss had concluded.

The heartaches continued in that grueling 16-inning game as third basemen Michael Best sprained his ankle rounding the bases. Coincidentally GM Taylor Skidmore was making some of his first moves behind the scenes to sign free agent Scott Bell, who, although not primarily a third basemen, was able to step and fill the role while Cairo sorts out their lineup. The new sign, Bell, has knocked seven hits in seven games with a double and a homer.

Overall the Cairo offense has been largely unable to provide for a decent starting rotation and a good bullpen. Dmitr Zhivlyuk in particular has been generally able to dominate the competition: he has the most innings pitched in the GBC, thanks partially to pitching two complete games (tied for first in the GBC), both of which leading to shutouts (also tied for the most in the GBC). Zhivlyuk is tied for the most wins; he's second in strikeouts, fourth in Ks per BB, and fourth in WHIP. He's been a stellar pitcher, and he's undoubtedly a fan favorite; when he takes the mound the crowds at home can noticeably perk up.

Not to be completely outdone António Ramírez has been holding his own in the second slot of the rotation, with the second most K/9 in the league. But when Ramírez is off, his control is usually completely out the window, resulting in the most walks in the GBC.

Needless to say, none of this matters if the pitching staff can't get any run support, and it's also safe to say that if the GBC did have an All Star game, it's unlikely there would be any position players from the Pharaohs representing.