[stl jason]

While the month of May was disappointing (12-17), Ghost Hill took a small bit of solace in how they ended the month, going 7-1 in the last 8 games to head into June.

As the end of June quickly approches, Ghost Hill considers themselves lucky to be in second place at 42-36, a mere half game behind the division leaders from Nashville.

Clay Buchholz has been the epitome of consistency for the team (5-0, 1.84 ERA in his last 8 starts), racking up a 10-2 record (leading the NC in wins), and a 2.31 ERA (also #1 in the NC); and Chad Green has been in a similar zone on the back end of the staff, leading the league with 23 saves.

On the downside, Nick Pivetta struggled in the rotation, only managing 1 win to go with his 4 losses and ERA over 8. He was sent back down to the reserves and Johnny Cueto was recalled in the hopes his brief stint on the sidelines would be enough to wake him up. In his first start back, he proceeded to give up 11 hits and 4 runs in 5 innings of work (in a 5-3 loss). Management was prepared to send him back down again but decided to give him one more shot. Cueto managed to dig deep in his next start, pitching a solid 8 innings where he gave up just 3 hits and 1 run in a 2-1 victory.

For the batting lineup, Alan Wiggins continued to struggle at the plate, so he was sent down to the reserves and David Freese was called up to take his spot in the DH role. Freese proceeded to go on a 6 game hitting streak with 1 homerun, 9 rbis, and raised his average from .318 to .391.

As the halfway point of the season approaches, the mood in the Ghost Hill clubhouse is cautiously optimistic that they can contend for the NC West crown and make it into the inaugural post season.

12/4 points earned: 1610
12/4 points spent: -1000 (1 pack - no players high enough to make the roster)