D2 – 4th Round Review
Two matchdays remain in this first half of the season. A championship offering a good balance between level of play and schedule density, sometimes admittedly complicated to manage. It’s a battle in each group. The D2, for the record, consists of sixteen teams divided into four geographical blocks.
This is followed by a second period (June 18 – July 10) where the teams meet again in foursomes. This time, the two leaders face each other and the third-placed teams face the fourth-placed teams. A third round will be dedicated to the final stage of the internal ranking in each pool, crossing the two leaders against the last two. All « à l’américaine » to refine the standings.
The final phase of the championship will consist of the final phases and play-downs (September 11 – October 2). The final phases are reserved for the top two teams in each group, with the other eight teams relegated to the play-downs. The final standings will be known in early October. With the grand finale on October 2.
Despite the two seven-inning games scheduled, the French second division remains attractive, a fine goal for many regional clubs.
Unlike the D1, which geographically follows a rather « historical » pattern in terms of distribution, the D2 extends generously across the entire territory. Note that clubs also fielding a team playing in a higher division have the advantage of being substantially supported by some players from their flagship team…
Group A
The southern Parisian region represented by Thiais and Sénart, the Parisian PUC, and the capital of green Normandy, Rouen.
Fighting like cats and dogs
The Tigers (6-2) are leading the way and have just taken two games from the Templiers’ reserve team. Thiais has only lost to their closest rival, the Huskies’ reserve team. They’re hitting hard and often in Thiais with a .287 batting average, led by Léo Nontanovahn (.440). On the mound, another Nontanovahn (Lucas) leads the defense with a 3.60 ERA (4.75 for the team). It’s a tight race between Rouen (5-3) and Sénart (4-4). The Templiers have a solid .322 batting average (third in D2) and a 4.26 ERA. The Huskies have three losses, falling twice to their rivals from the Temple. However, they’re a notch below for the French champions’ reserve team with a .257 batting average and an 8.61 ERA. In this group, the PUC (.236 batting average, 11.60 ERA) brings up the rear (1-7). You can imagine their joy when they defeated Rouen in Paris for their only win. Up next: a crucial showdown between Thiais and Rouen.
Group B
The northeast, with Ronchin (Lille), Valenciennes, Dunkerque, and the reserve team of Montigny (southwest Parisian).
The little queen and the Dragon
Above, a Dragon behind the plate.
Traditionally very established in the second division and a cycling stronghold, the North is witnessing a beautiful breakaway by Valenciennes (6-2), followed closely by Ronchin (5-3). Valenciennes baseball is riding the wind at their backs, crushing Dunkerque and Montigny 2. Only the Dragons of Ronchin have managed to set the fire alight, taking two victories from the Vipers of W. Williamson on the opening day (1-0 and 11-9). But the comeback was brutal for Ronchin in Valenciennes with a day that ended in two stinging defeats, 10-0 and 11-2. A no-hitter as a bonus in the first match wrapped up in 5 innings by Vochelli (13 K, 2 BB). Brace yourselves, prepare your sealant… High batting average for the Vipers: .411! Starting with Swindling (.731 batting average – but what is he eating?), Grosjean (.500), Kerkhoff (.423), Lamour (.421), Vochelli (.409)… The mound stands at a 2.44 ERA (67 K, 22 BB). The Valenciennes team is clearly the favorite of the group and is expected to win the title… Ronchin logically remains in second place with a .269 batting average and 5.40 earned runs per game. Dunkerque (3-5) and the reserve team of Montigny (2-6) are underwhelming, surpassed by the two leaders. Up next: Ronchin vs Mont 2 and Valenciennes vs Dunkerque. No surprises expected for the Reptiles.
Group C
The « grand west », with Anglet (Bayonne), La Rochelle 2, Eysines (Bordeaux), and Bréal-sous-Montfort (Rennes).
A « muzzled » group?
The Gambas of Anglet (7-1) are smitten with victory. ERA 4.25, .356 batting average (second-best in D2). The Basques are riding the wave of the championship, relaxed by the Atlantic. Del Rio is batting .632! Foucaud is hitting a succulent .593 and Sarion .542… This explains why the Gambas are assured of finishing first in the first phase of the championship. The Boucaniers 2 (2021 D3 champions), strengthened by the occasional presence of players from the first team, are managing a second place with four wins and as many losses. The Rochellais have a slightly low overall batting average of .248 with 4.17 earned runs per game. Watch out for Eysines (3-5) and pitcher Pontes, former Boucanier, who are hot on the heels of second place and can overtake the Rochellais. The Raiders are moving this weekend in Brittany to face the Panthers of Bréal (2-6, last in the pool), and the Boucaniers are facing the Gambas, the leaders, in the Basque Country. The Boucaniers can count on their excellent stolen base ratio: (.944 34/36) – (.844 for the entire D2). Bréal-sous-Montfort is lagging behind, with a global batting average of .309 (Quequiner .565) but an ERA that is too high at 9.62. Their only victory? Against the reserve team of the Boucaniers.
Group D
Above, a friendly warm-up match between the Arvernes and the Cards.
The southeast with Meyzieu (Lyon), Béziers, Clermont-Ferrand, and Montpellier 2.
« Victores Arverni? »
More favorites for the D2 title: Clermont, with a solid core, already winners of their group with 8 wins and no losses, have a batting average of .252… but an ERA of 1.71 (the best in D2) with 74 K, 41 BB, and only 11 earned runs (the best in D2). Hot on their heels are the Pirates of Béziers (4-4), the 2021 D2 champions. The Arvernes are sweeping everything in their path, as if to « avenge » their relegation. A correct but not spectacular offense… but an uncompromising mound. At the plate, Rainho-Monteiro and Demazy combine power and consistency. Veterans like Grimeau or Lorienne are still there, a guarantee of experience. Less easy for the Cards of Meyzieu (2-6; .217 batting average, 4.47 ERA) who nevertheless took a game from the Biterrois (4-5). Complicated for the reserve team of Montpellier (2-6) who nearly snatched a « game » from the Auvergnats (lost 6-5).
Upcoming clash: return matches Béziers (.200 batting average – last!, ERA 4.02) vs Clermont (it’s not rugby) between two dominant teams. One, the reigning champion, the other just relegated and favorite! The first match ended with two defeats for the Biterrois at Cézeaux, in the shadow of the Puy de Dôme: (1-0 and 5-0). Stats predict an Auvergnat avalanche.
Vincent Picard
