Atlantic Times v2k.2 - Gamblers Roll into First Place

[braveheart]

With 7 wins in 10 games the Atlantic city Gamblers have stormed to a 2 game lead in the Frick League Atlantic Division. The big coup was a 4 game set against Montreal, in which the Blazers didnt win a game. Not only didnt Montreal win, but they lead for 2 innings of the 4 game set - going up 1-0 in the 2nd inning of Game 1, and holding that lead until the 4th. From there the each game would be lead by the Gamblers or tied for the next 30 innings.

The club is putting memories of its slow start behind them. the memory of a 12-15 April is being washed away by a 16-12 May and their 7-3 start to June. The jey to their start seems to be the addition of Jim Cramer. Signed in the offseason, Cramer has given the Gamblers a solid 1-2 punch in the rotation, and his 2-0 record proves it. In 4 games, cramer has a 3.26 ERA with 18 strikeouts and only 2 walks in 26 innings. The club has won all 4 of his starts, and after his misstep in his first start in almost a year, he has pitched 8 innings each time out. That has given the bullpen a chance to recharge and has given the club a huge bolt of confidence.

The offense has been pitching in as well, thanks to the not bat of rookie infielder Pacorro Butieprez. with a 524 BA and 2 homeruns in his past 5 games, Butieprez has improved to 305-364-477 on the year and has collected 5 homeruns. He is well rounded and should develop into a nice compliement in the Gambler offense. So far, he has done just that. The leagues #37 prospect from the offseason has 7 doubles and drove in 23 runs in only 128 atbats. He has also scored 20 times as the Gambler offense is getting hot.

The Gamblers aren't ready to print playoff tickets yet, with 6 more division games coming up, but if they should be able to contend for their second postseason spot in 3 years.