Moscow: Worst to First?
As the All-Star break approaches, the GBC is buzzing with excitement and (mostly) disbelief. Winning 11 of their last 12 games, the Moscow Thunder Bears have defied all odds and find themselves leading the Eurasia Division by 5 games over Jerusalem and London.
"We know it's early and there is a lot of baseball left to be played, but we are happy with how this team has bounced back from a disappointing season last year and continues to play hard every game," said Manager Brencis Dashevsky.
One of the key factors in Moscow's success has been their pitching staff. Led by Jerry Bourque and EwungaGoiba Ghera (dubbed "The Enigma" by teammates), the duo is a combined 10-6 on the season and 6-0 since 6/14.
The biggest surprise of the pitching staff thus far has to be Juan Guerrero. He is 9-3 with a.319 ERA and 77 K's. Guerrero, who spent time in the Twin Cities organization, was signed by Moscow in the offseason to a 1-year deal.
Where Moscow has really excelled is their Bullpen. Led by Samuel Vankrimpen and Patrick Whitlock, the Bears relievers have combined for 12 wins and 20 saves. LHP Gil "Big Fish" Phillips and Donald Baker are also contributing to Moscow's bullpen success.
Offensively, the Bears have been led by the power-hitting duo of Biao Li and Maximilian Nielsson. The two have a staggering 36 homers and 105 RBI at the midway point of the season.
While there is still a long way to go in the regular season, the Thunder Bears have proven that they are a team to be taken seriously. Whether they can maintain their position at the top remains to be seen, but for now, Moscow is king of the hill.
