D2 – A vibrant championship.
With 16 teams competing, the national Division 2 championship features a large number of players, both foreign and domestic, where roster flexibility is more pronounced than in its big sister, D1. You can find many emerging talents characterized by power and speed. One can also rejoice in more betting opportunities than in D1. Division 1, unfortunately, is petrified by the hegemony of a single team. Four geographic groups are vying for the title in 2022. A format allowing a more favorable geographic distribution for those who travel.
The Pirates of Béziers, 2021 champions, currently in Group D, have already suffered two defeats against the Auvergnats of Clermont, who lead with 4 wins. The Auvergnats, who have dropped down from the Elite division, are off to a great start in the playoffs. Montpellier (13th in 2021) and Meyzieu (6th) are neck and neck with just one win each.
Above: the Cards of Meyzieu at bat.
In Group A, the PUC (10th in 2021) are struggling against Rouen (9th) and Thiais (runners-up). The Parisian reserve team will have a tough time, as they did last year. Sénart (3rd in 2021) lost to Thiais but avenged their senior team by thrashing Rouen twice.
Group B is led by the Dragons of Ronchin (4th in 2021), who are selling dreams. 4 wins against Valenciennes (8th in 2021) and Montigny (12th), who are struggling to impose their reserve team. Dunkerque (14th in 2021) and Valenciennes, old hands, are holding their own with 2 wins and 2 losses each.
Group C sees the Gambas of Anglet falling for victory. With 3 wins already for the Pyrénées-Atlantiques club, the newcomers (at the expense of Saint Aubin du Médoc, who were 7th in 2021) have every reason to believe in their destiny. Bréal-sous-Montfort (5th last year) is struggling to impose itself with 4 defeats. The second team of the Boucaniers, a young promoted side, is doing a little better with 2 wins and 2 losses but remains dominated by Eysines (11th) and its 3 wins.
Above: the Gambas and La Rochelle drew in Charente-Maritime.
Upcoming matches:
Group A, Rouen (2-2) should struggle against Thiais (4-0). One can hesitate about the future of the two matches Sénart (2-2) – PUC (0-4) as the Parisians, despite their difficulties, came close to a win against Thiais. But Sénart has the best attack in the championship with a .379 batting average!
Group B, Montigny should struggle against Valenciennes, who are batting .308 against .193 for the Cougars. Advantage to Ronchin, very aggressive at the plate with a beautiful .386 AVG against Dunkerque’s .258 AVG.
Group C, In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Anglet (ERA 2.33) should surpass Eysines (ERA 2.25) with a beautiful .339 AVG against .229 for the Raiders. The Boucaniers will face Bréal-sous-Montfort with an offensive average of .209. The Panthers are not much better with .214. Advantage to La Rochelle with an ERA of 3.37 against 5.38 for the Bretons.
Group D, the Pirates must turn things around against the Barracudas with a batting average of .202… the Barracudas certainly have an average attack of .233 AVG, but present an ERA of 3.28 against 2.15 for Béziers! A battle on the mound is brewing. Clermont has « clearly » the advantage over Meyzieu, who will have to counter the .256 AVG of the Auvergnats, but above all their ERA of 1.58, the best mound in all of D2. On the Cards’ side, they present a nice 2.57 ERA but only .229 in AVG. Another pitchers’ duel.
Vincent Picard
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