Cats charge to front

Carolina wins 13 of 15 games

Nearly a month ago, at the All-Star break, the Carolina Mudcats were a middle-of-the-pack team in the North Division of the Southern League.

A playoff berth didn't seem likely.

Three weeks after the break, the Mudcats had won 13 of their past 15 games and are leading the division in the second half with a 28-17 record, five games in front.

The Southern League season is divided into two half-seasons. West Tenn won the North in the first half and will play the second-half winner in the playoffs.

Not that anyone from Carolina wants to celebrate just yet.

"It's too early to think it's all going to stay that way. There's still a lot of games left and season left so we're just going to stay on doing what works," Mudcats manager Matt Raleigh said.

The Mudcats swept a five-game series from the Jacksonville Suns last week. Carolina then took four of five from the second-place Tennessee Smokies in a just-completed series, winning the final four games at Smokies Park.

The Cats will try to extend their winning ways tonight when they host the Mobile BayBears at 7:15 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon.

For Carolina, everything is coming together at the right time.

Part of the Mudcats' resurgence has stemmed from the return of key players from injuries. With outfielder Cameron Maybin back from his month-long stay on the disabled list, the team has regained one of its biggest offensive threats.

Meanwhile, first basemen Gaby Sanchez has put on a torrid hitting performance, hitting .337, with 82 RBIs, 16 home runs and 17 stolen bases. He was the Southern League player of the month for July.

Outfielder John Raynor is batting .316, with 42 stolen bases. Second baseman Chris Coghlan is at .306, with 27 stolen bases. And Maybin, despite his stint on the DL, has contributed 13 homers and 18 stolen bases.

Carolina's pitching has also been strong. In Willie Glen's last outing, he went six scoreless innings, giving up only one hit to bring his record to 7-3 with a 2.03 ERA.

Ryan Tucker was called up to the major league Florida Marlins and went 2-3. He has returned to the Mudcats and is 4-2 with a 1.40 ERA. Jeff Gogal is 6-2 out of the Mudcats bullpen.

Closer Chris Mobley has a 4-2 record and 20 saves.

But Raleigh also pointed to the team's chemistry as a key reason the team has blasted through the league recently.

With the Mudcats reaching their full potential, it's hard not to expect the team to be a contender for the playoffs. Raleigh would be upset with anything less.

"I came in wanting to win the championship from day one. I don't play for anything but that," Raleigh said. "Would I be disappointed if we don't win? Yes and no. ... We could go to the playoffs or not go to the playoffs, but regardless, it's going to be a season where you develop the players and staff members and have something to remember. It's not going to be do or die, but you play the game for one reason: to win."