Between COVID cases and rainouts, the championship is navigating a treacherous path. First, the Rochechouart team canceled their trip to Metz due to Corona. Secondly, rain over Normandy prevented the Cougars from facing the Rouen pack. Six games took place on this sixth matchday.
Paris is in the aeronautics capital, at Argoulets, aiming to secure third place in Group A. With 11 hits (4 doubles and a triple) and 10 runs, the Parisians defeated the home team in the first game. One error on each side. Garcia Harvey secured his first win with 8 innings pitched (1W-0L). He allowed 7 hits (all singles), struck out 9, and walked none. Lacombe was the losing pitcher for Toulouse (1W-1L). Relief pitcher Garcia Euri couldn’t change the outcome. Paris U.C. won 3-10.
In the second game, the tables turned. The home team had 11 hits, including a 4-for-4 performance by Mensoza. The Parisians’ 4 hits (including a triple by Habib) weren’t enough to change the game. Two defensive errors, and Rojas Keivy won (1W-2L) in 8 innings pitched. The loss went to PUC’s Ehret Jake (1L-2W). Toulouse won convincingly 10-1. Toulouse is third (5-5), Paris fourth (3-7).
The Arvernes hosted the Templiers. Doubleheader between one of the favorites and the Arvernes, seeking their fourth win. The Auvergnats wanted to distance themselves from Metz and the Cavigals in their group.
In the first game, Priest took the mound against the home team. He wasn’t there to mess around, pitching 9 stellar innings with 18 strikeouts and no walks, securing his fourth win (4W-0L). Offensively, the visitors had 8 hits and only 1 strikeout! Brown went 3-for-4, aided by Mathis Meurant’s 2-for-3, including a double. Meurant scored 3 runs for Sénart. The Arvernes’ 4 hits weren’t enough. Shortstop Rosell had a strong 2-for-3. Montajol took his second loss (0W-2L) in 3 innings pitched. Relief pitcher Cauchy’s 6 innings weren’t enough. The home team lost 0-3, a solid performance against the Templiers.
The second game was much more one-sided, with the Templiers dominating. They had 8 hits, 11 runs, and only 1 strikeout. Meanwhile, the Arvernes managed just 1 hit (Saidi 1-for-1) and 9 strikeouts. Mortensen struck out 7 batters in 6 innings pitched and secured the win (2W-0L). Paula closed it out. Mapakou went 2-for-3, and Meurant had a 2-for-4. The Clermont pitcher took his second loss (0W-2L). Four defensive errors for Clermont sealed their fate. Relief pitchers Montchatre and Akane couldn’t help. Sénart’s second win of the day: 0-11. Mercy rule, 7 innings… Goodnight… Clermont Arvernes are fourth (3-9), Sénart first (8-0).
In Group B, another championship powerhouse, the Barracudas, hosted their « neighbors, » the Cavigals de Nice, this weekend. The visitors are in turmoil, last in the standings. For Montpellier, undefeated, the outlook is much brighter. Ozanich started. 4 innings, 1 hit, no runs, 5 strikeouts, 1 walk. Relieved by Enrione and Esposito. Canelon closed and secured another win (4W-0L). Nice did react with 5 hits. Montas and Rouleau (triple) went 2-for-3. Nice made two errors against one for Montpellier. The home team had 14 hits. Guiraud went 3-for-3, and Zan 2-for-3. Shutout victory for the Barracudas: 17-7.
The second game saw both teams rack up hits. Nice had 10 singles and 1 double (Bamberger) and scored 4 runs. The Hérault players had 15 hits, including 3 doubles and two triples… Cromwell went 4-for-5, including two triples, Esposito 2-for-2, Kovacs 3-for-4, Guiraud 2-for-4… Two errors on each side. Montpellier remained undefeated and won another closely contested game: 9-4. Victory for Casanova (3W-0L). Second save for Pontiac. Jouvan took the loss (0W-1L). Montpellier remains atop their standings with 10 wins. Nice stagnates at 2W for 10L.
The seventh matchday is coming up. We’ll be live from Boucan’s Field against the Arvernes on the baseballTV app!
The Boucaniers, provisionally third in their group (5-3), have every interest in watching out for the Clermontois, who desperately need a win.
Simultaneously, the Cometz will visit their worst nightmare, the Barracudas. Another tough time for the Cavigals, who host the Templiers.
Montigny (2-6) visits Savigny (7-1). Finally, the Toulouse stadium (5-5) crosses the hexagon to challenge the Huskies (5-3), freshly recovered from their European emotions.
See you all on the diamond points!
Vincent Picard.
Photo credits: Alonso Castro and Glenn Gervot
