Two doubleheaders, one ahead and one behind
Rouen – Montpellier: Power Shift in Veyrassi
The Barracudas made a statement. After sweeping the Huskies at Veyrassi for the first time since the 2011 finals, they claimed the top spot in the standings and showed their teeth for the stretch run.
You could argue that beating Rouen these days isn’t exactly a statement, but after their disappointing Challenge performance, we expected the Huskies to at least fight for a split in Languedoc. No such luck. They were dispatched quickly in Game 1, with a six-run second inning off Thibault Mercadier. Game 2 was tighter, with Montpellier’s aggressive offense overpowering a disappointing Bellina, while Rouen’s lineup couldn’t solve Ben Couvreur. The Huskies did retake the lead in the eighth, but Esteban Prioul’s bullpen was no match for Montpellier’s top of the order—Brossier, Rodriguez, and Kovacs—who set the tone all weekend, from the first inning of Game 1 (three singles to start) to the final inning of Game 2 (three singles to finish).
The Huskies are a concern, no doubt about it. With the European Cup just 10 days away (and Montpellier likely eyeing a deep run), they seem to be in freefall with no clear end in sight. Rouen’s margin for error is shrinking, and if they keep this up, they might even miss the playoffs entirely. Their next test: a road trip to Béziers, who just swept them in the Challenge. Between that tough matchup and the European Cup, the next two weeks will define the Huskies’ season.
Montpellier has fewer questions to answer. The Barracudas did stumble out of the gate, dropping two in La Rochelle to start the season, but they’ve been in another gear ever since, especially at home. What’s interesting is how unstable they look on paper: they’ve used the most players and made the most defensive changes of any team—six at first base, seven at third, four at shortstop, and 11 in left field. But it’s working. Coach Smith has masterfully managed his pitching staff, from the long relief of veteran Andrades to the versatile Ozanich, Polit, and Couvreur, not to mention the solid work of Vera. Offensively, the Brossier-Rodriguez-Kovacs trio has been outstanding, dragging the whole lineup up with them, while Flores has added balance until Walters finds his footing. If their defense can tighten up—one late-game error Sunday nearly cost them—the Barracudas are a legitimate title contender.
La Rochelle – Toulouse: A Split to Keep the Pace
Meanwhile, La Rochelle and Toulouse split the series, which either helps everyone (keeping a cushion on the chasing pack) or no one (winning two would’ve been better).
Kudos to Euri Garcia-Martinez, who’s single-handedly turning around the Stade’s season. After holding Montpellier’s offense in check, he went eight strong innings against Toulouse. He’s now won two starts, pitching 15.2 innings with just four earned runs. He can be a bit wild at times, but he always finds a way. Hats off to the veteran. La Rochelle left a lot of runners on base (26 total in the two games) and had the bases loaded with one out in the ninth of Game 2, but Nathan Laot slammed the door. In Game 1, the Boucaniers dominated early (six runs in the first) but nearly let it slip away thanks to shaky defense. Fortunately, Nieves’ bullpen came through. Without A. Soriano, Toulouse leaned on Mendoza and Delogu (9-for-18 with six RBI) and welcomed Navarro, who was effective in Game 1.
Next Up: More Drama
We’re already looking ahead to next weekend’s four must-watch matchups. First up, a fiery La Rochelle-Montpellier showdown, with the Boucaniers having all the tools to disrupt the leaders’ momentum. Then, a Paris derby between Savigny and Sénart to see if the Lions have put their slow start behind them. After the Challenge, Béziers-Rouen could be a powder keg, but it’s also a must-win for both teams (can Béziers climb back into the top four? Is Rouen still in trouble?). Finally, Toulouse-Metz will tell us a lot about the Lorrainers’ ability to bounce back. Sure, the league’s level can feel limited at times, but the drama? That’s always there.
François Colombier
Photo Credit: RS Clubs
