CAIRO — The secret sauce behind the Cairo Syrupmakers’ sensational 14-5 start has been the team’s pitching staff. 

Between hurlers Caison Faircloth, Ben Crosby and Christian Maige, the Syrupmakers have sauteed the competition this year. They’ve even surpassed head coach Chad Parkerson’s expectations.

Parkerson lauded the work coach Gary Smith has done with the Syrupmakers pitchers.

“He has done a phenomenal job,” Parkerson said. “It can not be stated how awesome of a job he’s done with our pitchers, just the way he talks to them, just the way he calls the game. He’s a huge part of our success and obviously our pitchers’ success. The credit absolutely does not go to me. It goes to him and our kids.

“He’s a good guy who knows a lot about the game. He knows a lot about how to treat folks and how to talk to kids and get the best out of them. I’m just really, really lucky to have them.”

The Syrupmakers have compiled a 2.13 ERA as a team with 171 strikeouts and 56 walks in 127 2/3 innings. Cairo has a bonafide ace in Faircloth, who leads the team with 46 innings pitched and 70 strikeouts, while posting a microscopic 1.21 ERA. The Middle Georgia commit has displayed the poise and experience that the Syrupmakers were counting on this year.

But the Syrupmakers have shown to be more than just a one-trick pony. Crosby has posted a 2.66 ERA in 21 innings. Maige has struck out 34 in 21 innings. And though it’s a smaller sample size, Will Prince has allowed just two earned runs in 16 innings, posting a 0.88 ERA.

“Caison is (No.) 1. He’s our 1. I don’t even know if I call anybody a 2 or if I call anybody a 3. Our starting rotation is a three-man rotation,” Parkerson said.

Parkerson said in doubleheaders, which Cairo has on Friday against Region 1-AAAA rival Monroe, he prefers to start Maige in the opener so he’s not tired after playing in the field. Crosby typically has been used in the nightcap. But the players’ mindset is to be ready whenever called upon.

“I could change it up at anytime and they wouldn’t bat an eye. Players play,” Parkerson said.