The first major clashes in France’s D1 and D2 championships have taken place, delivering some surprising results. Analysis.
Above, Gédéon Coste and Firmin Hasse, two Lions and international players.
The second matchday is coming up in D1, with three double headers and a clear trend from last weekend: the challengers are in fine form. La Rochelle took a game from the Barracudas in Hérault. The Cougars took a game from the reigning French champions in Normandy. Against the vice-champions, ‘Le Cavigal’ in Île-de-France once again proved they could be dangerous even against stronger opponents.
Above, the Toulouse stadium.
Standings B: The Boucaniers will need to watch out for Montas’ men, who are still traveling well. Despite their first two setbacks (1-4 and 0-7) against Priest and Lods, the Cavigals have shown they could climb the standings in 2022 against two of the Templiers’ best pitchers. Teramura put in a superb performance in Sénart. Notably, in 2021, we remember Lakmeche’s grand slam against the Japanese player, Jonathan Montas’ injury at the plate, the tight battles… Some exciting duels are in store on the Atlantic coast.
Further north, Standings A sees the PUC hosting the Lions. These two teams haven’t played yet. Given the recruitment, it’s hard to predict what might happen in this Parisian matchday, even if the Lions are statistically favored. Will the reinforcements arrive in time? Traveling from one country to another and then on the road can be challenging. Touahri and D. Rodriguez will tackle the problem.
Back to Standings B with the Templiers traveling and trying to maintain their strong start, this time in Occitanie. The Toulouse side struggled last season. The last Templiers vs. Tigers clash dates back to the 2016 format! Four wins for the Temple (7 RBIs to 35…). Six years have passed since then. You can’t help but think that Sénart is the favorite in this story. That said, the Toulouse side will obviously be keen to do better than last year.
In D2, it’s a clean sweep for Dunkerque and Ronchin, who beat Montigny’s reserve side and Valenciennes. Wise lost to Dunkerque’s mound, where Bodet was pitching. Fifteen errors in the day for the Cougars. In the second game, it was Russo who came out on top. Notably for Dunkerque, Flahaut and Russo both went 3-for-3.
Above: Riley Moore of the Béziers Pirates.
Ronchin took the advantage over the Vipères, conceding just one hit in the first game (Gomes)… Very high level of play, pitcher’s duel, just two errors for Valenciennes. Beaurepaire took the win 1-0 with just one strikeout in seven innings pitched and one hit!
The Dragons’ second game of the day ended in a close 11-9 score. 14 hits for the Vipères! 8 for Ronchin. A fine 2-for-2 from Lemaitre (double), 2-for-3 for Beaurepaire (double) and two more doubles (Billau and Jeammot). For the Vipères, three doubles from Gomes, Kerkhoff and Vochelli (2-for-2). The victory went to Jeammot. Just two errors for Valenciennes; four for Ronchin, who still finished the day with two wins.
This Sunday, the Biterrois, French champions, are heading to Meyzieu (broadcast). The Boucaniers’ reserve side is going to Eysines, the PUC to Rouen, Sénart is hosting Thiais (broadcast), Montigny’s reserve side is traveling to Dunkerque, a big trip for the Gambas d’Anglet who are heading to Bréal sous Montfort, the Arvernes (relegated from D1) are paying a visit to Montpellier 2.
Vincent Picard
