Baseball: Europe is heating up, with the Czech Republic at the heart of the action
European cups are coming thick and fast, and the Czech Republic is the privileged stage. Hardly have the last echoes of the U23 European Cup faded than the country is already preparing to host, as of this Thursday, the European Women’s Baseball Cup.
A U23 full of surprises
The U23 European Cup delivered its share of emotions. Against all odds, it was the English — not necessarily the favourites at the start — who snatched the title, pipping at the post the two most anticipated nations: the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.
For France, the start was complicated. Their first match, against the Czechs, was interrupted by rain, resumed the next day, and finally won by the home team, more at ease in these conditions. Also beaten by England, the Blues missed out on the quarter-finals, but hung on until the end, finishing fifth after some solid victories, notably against Germany — an opponent who had caused them problems in the last edition.
This campaign showed just how narrow the margin between victory and defeat is at this level. The French team is progressing, and the day will come when they will know how to reach the final four… and perhaps even challenge for the cup.
While the battle of talents in American universities is raging, the Blues can boast of still having a base formed in France, unlike some nations that field teams almost exclusively from foreign leagues.
Among the standout individuals were Miguel Lopez and Esteaban Briones, who hit above .400 in the tournament. On the mound, the rotation of Mercadier, Esposito and Couvreur showed great resources. The areas for improvement? Less on individual power than in collective strategy and building a real winning mentality.
On to the Women’s European Cup: the Blues in search of a treble
Now it’s the turn of the women! The third edition of the Women’s European Cup kicks off this Thursday, and France arrives with the status of an assumed favourite: they have already won the first two editions.
The level has risen a notch this year, with four nations ready to do battle over three intense days. Due to the lack of real national championships in most countries, playing time remains limited, making each match even more unpredictable.
Historically, these matches have often been played on fragile pitching — unlike softball — but this edition could well change the game.
The Blues’ schedule:
Thursday 14:00: France – Great Britain
Friday 15 August, 14:00: France – Netherlands
Saturday, 18:00: France – Czech Republic
Sunday, 14:00: Final between the top two teams in the standings
All matches will be broadcast live (pay-per-view) via the official competition link. here
The Blues have the chance to make history with a European treble… and given their record, no one doubts they will enter the field with their teeth bared.
