Two matches pitted four teams qualified for the semi-finals following the round-robin stages held yesterday and the day before.
This morning, the Boucaniers de La Rochelle took on the Cometz de Metz. A first-time matchup for a Challenge de France semi-final. On paper, La Rochelle appeared as the favorite, with Clément Esteban, a key player all season, starting on the mound. But he was hit hard, and his defense made three errors. The Cometz capitalized on these weaknesses and scored quickly. Notably, when the coach brought in Franklin de la Rosa, a non-JFL player, only four JFL players were left on the field. Even if La Rochelle had won on points, they would have lost on a technicality.
The second semi-final featured two clubs accustomed to this level of competition and who have won this challenge in the past. Quickly, the Sénart bats found a weakness, and the Barracudas found an even bigger one. This gap led to a lopsided score for Montpellier. A one-sided match showing that Sénart needs reinforcements, set to arrive soon from the USA, to regain their strength.
On Sunday, May 12th, the Challenge final at 2 PM will see the Barracudas de Montpellier face the Cometz de Metz. Anything can happen in one game, but Montpellier, more accustomed to such encounters, starts with a significant advantage. However, the Cometz have surprised us so much this 2024 season that nothing is impossible for them.
