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Last Sunday saw the penultimate round of the first phase for the 16 clubs in D2.
The standings in each pool are taking shape. As a reminder, D2 consists of four pools of four teams each.
Pool A
Thiais (7-3), still leading, split their series with Rouen (6-4), their closest rivals. The Tigers dropped the first game 0-1 but dominated the next seven innings, winning 12-2.
Above: Lucas and Léo Nontanovanh. Tigers Thiais.
The third and fourth-placed teams, Sénart 2 and PUC 2, had their matches postponed to June 12.
Pool B
Ronchin (7-3), the leaders, crushed the Cougars de Montigny reserves (2-8), 12-2 and 11-1. It must have been hot under the cap. Goodnight.
Above: a duel at the plate between the Dragons and the Korvers.
In the North, the Valenciennes Vipers (7-3), in second place, narrowly missed the double against Dunkerque (4-6), losing 11-2 and 17-18.
Above: the swing of Swindling W. Valenciennes Vipers.
Pool C
In the Basque Country, the Gambas (8-2) conceded a game to the Boucaniers (5-5), who challenged Anglet’s supremacy with a 5-15 and 9-6.
Above: the « dugg » of the La Rochelle Boucaniers 2.
Bréal sous Montfort (4-6) secured a double victory against the last-placed Raiders d’Eysines (3-7), who ultimately had a tough trip: 6-4 and 4-3.
Pool D
Béziers (5-5 – 2021 Champions) stole seven innings from the visiting Clermont side (9-1) in a nail-biter, winning the second game 7-6. It’s the Auvergne side’s first defeat in this championship. Earlier, the Arvernes dominated completely with a 10-0 shutout.
Above: Clermont-Ferrand on the mound.
The bitter rivals, Montpellier 2 (3-7) and Meyzieu (3-7), are neck and neck, splitting their series 2-7 and 7-3.
Above: Cards vs Pirates.
The leaders seem to be confirming their status. Thiais are hot on the heels of Rouen, while Ronchin and Valenciennes are locked in a tight battle for the Pool B title. Anglet is pulling away from the chasing pack, and there’s a fierce fight in the middle of the table between La Rochelle and Bréal. Barring an upset, the laurels will go to the Arvernes in Pool D.
Above: the Pirates de Béziers, D2 2021 champions.
Starting from June 18, a three-act crossover battle within each pool will follow, which could seal the fate of the laggards and propel the top two teams from each pool into the final stages, starting on September 11. Next matchdays: June 4 and 5. Mark your calendars!
Vincent Picard
