D1
As the Cougars de Montigny and the Boucaniers de La Rochelle conclude their regular season, one final matchday awaits. A crucial round not to be missed for several teams. While we await the conclusion of the initial schedule, let’s take a look at what’s happened so far…
July 2nd & 3rd
Group A
Rouen (avg .337, era 2.20, 10-4) vs Metz (avg .243, era 6.63, 5-9)
Early July saw Rouen derail the Cometz in two games, with a point tally of 25-2. While the Messins cracked six hits, including a double by Hamada and a home run by Rodriguez (it’s magical), the Huskies, stratospheric, struck back with 20 hits, including a double by Gleeson and two home runs by Dagneau, plus another double in the same game! « Bass-tient » holds the pole position in batting average with a stunning .423 over 14 games, 22 hits… Hot stuff… Four other players are even hotter, but haven’t played as many games. Wins for Moscato (1-1) and Gomez (2-0). The Huskies are set to confirm with two more wins against the PUC.
Who wants to take on the Huskies?
A heavyweight clash for Savigny (avg .276, era 2.80, 11-3) who hosted the Cougars (avg .266, era 2.41, 10-6).
Two teams very close in key statistics. One must still win (against Metz), the other has finished. Montigny managed 11 hits against 17 for the Lions. A double for Besoli for the Cougars. A double for Acuna, a triple for Coste, and a home run for Ruiz for Savigny, who won the day in two tight but thrilling games, 3-2 and 8-7. Wins for Coste and Orozco. Montigny finish with a record of 10 W – 6 L.
Above: Ivan « El Terrible » Acuna bats for Savigny.
Group B
A first southern showdown between Toulouse (avg .155, era 5.54, 2-12) and Montpellier (avg .294, era 2.21, 11-3) saw the group leaders take the day without question, with a total score of 10-20 (0-6 and 10-14). The Stade conceded 11 hits in the first game (double by Guiraud, triples by Soriano A. and Zan). While the Toulousains struck out 11 times against « K-nelon » (7th win) and Ozanich, the red and whites put the ball safely away five times, including a fine double by Mendoza (2 for 4), without stealing any bases. Three stolen bases for Montpellier (Pontiac, Sugiura, Kovacs). The second game changed tack with 25 hits between the two teams. For the Stade, Soliveres Montero and Cespedes each produced a double. Five doubles for the Barracudas (Guiraud, Anderson (2), Delogu, and Pontiac enjoyed themselves). Two triples were also produced by Zan and Kovacs. The utility man, Sugiura (1-1), took the win.
Above: The Barracudas are making noise again this season…
Templiers (avg .275, era 2.31, 11-3) vs Boucaniers (avg .277, era 3.22, 10-4)
Another high-stakes encounter took place on the Templiers’ turf at « Lieu Saint ». A high-risk clash for both teams, each dependent in their own way on the outcome of this battle. On points, the Boucaniers took the lead with a total of 16 against the Temple’s 12. But this score gave way to a day shared between the two clubs. In the morning, the visitors produced 16 hits, with Priest on the mound (4ip) followed by Cucek (5ip). In the third inning, Lot produced an « unhittable » « solo shot » against Shane P. (4-2). The only one he’s allowed this season so far. Hanvi (is back!) and Perdomo each hit a double against Nieves (5-1), who took the win (3-11) from the 2021 finalists.
Above: Fred Hanvi, here in the center with the national team, is back in Sénart.
The next nine innings saw Sénart in control throughout. A barrage of hits against Antoine, De La Rosa, and Torres A. Not easy to follow Nieves… The home team improved their stats with 15 hits, including six doubles! For the Rochellais, the powder still spoke with five safe balls, including three triples (two for Torres D – fuego! – and De La Rosa). On stolen bases, six for LR (Crawford 16 for 17 in the season) and three for Sénart! The win went to Eusebio (3-0).
The July 24th matchday will see the final standings. The Huskies and the Lions must go all out against the PUC and the Cometz, respectively.
Will Nice finally forge a link with the feeling of victory against Toulouse? A huge day at the top of the table between the Temple and the Barracudas, which, if it ends in a draw, will leave three teams tied in the win-loss ratio… TQB here I am!
July 9th – 10th
D2 Three matchdays delayed, six games.
In the second division (seven-inning format), it’s also tense for access to the privileged spots.
With a strengthened team, the Boucaniers (11-5) went to take a day without sharing at the home of the former group leaders, the Gambas d’Anglet (11-7). Eight Rochellais hits against Froment (4-5) (one double by Lot and three for three for Ossandon) were enough to defeat the enraged Basques, who produced 13 hits of their own, including six doubles against Ossandon (1-1)! It was notably in the fifth inning that the visitors pulled away without being caught, by just one point, 5-6. The afternoon was one-sided. A score of 1-11 in five innings. Torres victorious (1w, 5ip, 3h, 3bb, 6k, 1 earned run). The Rochellais are first.
Above: In D2, the Boucaniers’ reserve team leaves with two important victories.
It’s « Raide » for Bréal.
The Raiders take two games from the Panthers of Bréal. 12-11 and 12-5. Regrets for Bréal in the first… Krzykawiak takes the first win in eight innings pitched, 11 hits, 6 strikeouts, 4 walks, 3 earned runs. 11 hits for Bréal, including a triple and a double. What a shame… 1 point… 14 hits for Eysines with two doubles. Eysines drives the nail home. The afternoon sees Rochabriosa (1-1) win with three innings of relief work for Defontaine. Home run for Bonno for Bréal despite only three hits for the Panthers…
*The Spleen of Paris…
The Templiers 2 (14-4) hosted the PUC (1-17): 35-3 in two games. The Parisians didn’t have time to pitch more than eight innings. This didn’t prevent the Templiers from hitting 19 safe balls, including six extra-base hits. Six realizations for Paris, including a single by Fanny in the afternoon.
The Raiders of Eysines have a small trip to challenge the Rochellais bats on July 17th for the « Der des ders » before the playoffs. The Boucaniers are no longer at risk, the Raiders can confirm their third place.
Vincent Picard
