Another thrilling matchday packed with drama, surprises, walk-offs, and everything that makes baseball so exciting to watch. The standings are starting to take shape, though the remaining fixtures (the top four teams face each other, as do the bottom four) could still deliver plenty of suspense.
The big winners of the day, the only team to sweep both games, were La Rochelle. The Buccaneers showed no mercy to the struggling Templiers, who have lost 7 of their last 8 and 9 of their last 12 games. They managed just 6 hits and committed 11 errors, a clear sign that things aren’t going well for Sénart. The Buccaneers only wobbled in the first inning of the first game, giving up four runs. But a very effective relief effort from Perrois shut the door, and the offense kicked into gear, led as always by a sharp-hitting Pena (4 for 7) and capped by Mattéo Pierre’s grand slam in the first inning of game two. Suddenly, the Buccaneers are just one win behind the Lions in the race for fourth place. With four games left against Metz and Béziers, La Rochelle could still snatch fourth from Savigny, who will have to face Toulouse and Rouen (though the Lions have a tiebreaker advantage if they finish level). What a turnaround for a team that was in freefall not long ago, losing seven straight!
The grand slam by Mathéo Pierre
There was one big winner, but there were also a few losers. It’s tough to put Savigny in that category, as the Lions once again put on a show. Nobody expected a matchup between the league’s two best pitchers, Vera and Pena, to turn into a slugfest with 22 runs and 27 hits. Few could have predicted Montpellier losing either, especially after taking a 3-0 lead in their first at-bat. But Savigny showed incredible resilience, led by the Nunez-Acuna duo (9 for 20 and 5 RBI over the weekend), plus heroes like Lilian Amoros, whose two-run homer cut short Montpellier’s comeback after they had tied it 10-10 in the sixth. We also saw Désir’s clutch triple with two outs in the first inning, putting the Lions ahead for good. If we’re talking about losers, it’s because Savigny will regret not holding on in game two after another late rally. But the Lions thrive in these situations, and if they make the playoffs, nobody will want to face them.
Another loser was Metz, who fought tooth and nail, winning their sixth game of the season in extra innings. But that leaves them with little hope—unless they beat Montpellier in their postponed game next weekend and then sweep Sénart and La Rochelle, while hoping Sénart also loses twice to Béziers. It’s not impossible, but the odds are slim, and it’s likely the Cometz will say goodbye to D1 unless the D2 champions decline promotion.
Béziers can also be considered a loser in the playoff race, though their main goal—survival—is practically assured. But the Pirates had a shot at a top-four finish, and this 11th-inning loss to Metz could prove costly. Still, anything’s possible, and if they win their last four, they could still crack the top four, which would be a remarkable achievement after a season that, no matter what happens, has already been a resounding success.
Montpellier, meanwhile, are neither winners nor losers. The Barracudas will almost certainly finish top of the regular season, and their doubleheader against Savigny was both worrying and reassuring. Worrying because Vera was pulled early in two of their last three games, and the bullpen has struggled. Worrying, too, because of their error-prone defense—five in game one. But Montpellier also showed they’re ready for a fight, coming back from 3-0 down to 3-9. The Barracudas are mentally tough, proving it by rallying in game two, which could easily have slipped away. Danger can come from anywhere: Bouniol and Monks (7 for 9) in game one, Brossier and Flores (7 for 8) in game two. The Barracudas remain the favorites for the title—no doubt about it.
Among the winners, you could include the Huskies, who secured their playoff spot but still struggle to score runs, hold leads, and stay composed in tight spots. After all, Rouen‘s last four losses all came on walk-offs after taking the lead late. On May 18 in Montpellier, they led 5-4 before giving up two runs in the ninth on four hits and a walk. On June 21 in La Rochelle, it was 4-4 in the ninth before an error and two singles decided it. The next day in the same place, they led 5-3 before a defensive collapse—four errors, including a dropped strikeout and a wild throw to first. And on Saturday in Toulouse, it was 2-2 before Delogu crushed a deep fly to right with Soriano and Mendoza on base. The Huskies showed resilience by winning the next day, but they don’t look like a team brimming with confidence.
Toulouse also moved closer to the playoffs with that strong win in game one, where Saumande once again excelled on the mound. The young outfielder’s unexpected pitching performances have been crucial in the Stade’s likely third straight semifinal appearance. They still have to face Savigny and Montpellier, which won’t be easy, but Toulouse is more than capable of securing a top-four spot. Two wins will do it, and even one might suffice. The Stade can rely on their veteran hitters, who delivered again, but let’s not forget Feliu’s triple off Bellina, proving everyone can contribute.
The next two matchdays should provide plenty of drama in the playoff race. The 2025 schedule maker deserves credit.
Francois Colombier
Credits Photos : Julien BARRIO
IG: Jujub_64 – Rs Clubs
