Four matchups took place yesterday, Sunday, June 11, 2023. Two games were broadcasted.
In Pool A, Montigny hosted a showdown against Toulouse. This was the big surprise of the weekend. It feels like, heading into the France Challenge, one team woke up (Montigny) while the other dozed off (Toulouse). Montigny’s double victory yesterday, including a walk-off in the second game, shows that the Cougars’ fighting spirit outmatched Toulouse’s steady strength. The Toulouse side keeps its Pool A supremacy by holding onto first place despite two losses, but with the next round postponed and the reserve day possibly costing them, they might lose their spot before facing Montigny again at home on July 2nd.
Montpellier, meanwhile, swept both games against Metz. The latter still can’t secure wins against top-tier teams. The scores are decisive; the Barracudas dominate their baseball.
Sénart also crushed the Cavigals de Nice, with the scores being lopsided and leaving no room for Nice to even dream. The line-ups are stretched on one side and tight on the other. The hitting makes the difference, especially against young pitchers.
A bit less one-sided but in the same vein, the Boucaniers de la Rochelle dominated the PUC. There was more resistance, with a few PUC players standing out and delivering great moments, including a spectacular defensive play in right field in the first game’s third inning—a leaping catch. A ball catapulted by Rochelle’s Daniel Rossel, snatched by the right fielder over the home run fence—you don’t see that often in the French championship!
Nice and the PUC are now in an unenviable position and can’t hope for much. Montpellier and Sénart are neck and neck in Pool B, and Savigny is set to stir things up. Toulouse’s loss reopens opportunities for Montigny and Rouen in Pool A. Finally, La Rochelle and Metz will likely remain in the middle of the standings, barring any surprises.
Next up, the 11th round this Sunday, June 18, featuring the showdown between Montigny and Rouen.
Photo credit: Thomas Savoja
