The summer break is fast approaching, much to our regret, as July and August are fantastic months for playing and watching baseball. Another great weekend of baseball and softball, though some matches might be disrupted by storm warnings.
Division 1 Baseball
9th matchday of the championship. The standings after the 8th matchday have slightly opened up. Four teams have more wins than losses (Rouen, Toulouse, Montpellier, and Savigny), while the other four are chasing more victories (La Rochelle, Metz, Sénart, and Montigny).
The top team faces the bottom team as Montigny travels to Rouen. The Cougars managed to secure two home wins against Toulouse, who were the sole leaders last week. They’ve finally snapped a losing streak that was putting them in a tough mental spot. They’ve shown they can fight back.
Editor’s prediction: Split between the two teams
La Rochelle takes on Savigny. The latter are in fine form, sweeping their two matches against Sénart last week. La Rochelle couldn’t counter the well-performing Barracudas in both matches, though they briefly led in the scoring.
Editor’s prediction: Split between the two teams
Toulouse hosts Montpellier. After the disappointment of dropping both matches to Montigny, the Tigers will be eager to bounce back and hold onto their top spot, tied with Rouen.
Editor’s prediction: Split between the two teams
Finally, Sénart hosts Metz. Both teams suffered defeats last week and will be looking to bounce back to stay in the middle of the standings or even climb up.
Editor’s prediction: Split between the teams
If, like last week, four teams win both their matches, it’s likely that this weekend’s fixtures will see more splits, but…
On the broadcasting front, we’re disappointed to learn that a lack of volunteers and cable sabotage will prevent Templiers TV from broadcasting both matches. Otherwise, you can catch the broadcasts in La Rochelle and Rouen on Baseball TV.
Division 2 Baseball
11th matchday. Four teams are battling it out at the top of Pool A, while two lead the way in Pool B. Nice and Béziers are already in a comfortable position with four more wins than the third-placed team (Clermont). In Pool A, PUC and Valenciennes lead, closely followed by Bréal and Rouen, then Ronchin. After that, there’s a huge gap to the remaining three teams.
Valenciennes should have no trouble containing Thiais, who are having a tough season. Bréal and Rouen have the chance to solidify their positions against Sénart and La Guerche, respectively. The big match of the week will be between Ronchin and PUC. The latter are on a hot streak, but Ronchin has shown this year that they can reach great heights.
Division 1 Women’s Softball
9th matchday before the summer break for the softball players.
The big match will be between the Comanches and the Pharaonnes. If the latter can secure two wins against Saint Raphael, they can keep their hopes alive of securing a top spot. Conversely, they could find themselves in a tight race with Clapiers. The latter, by facing the bottom team (Nice), can hope for Evry’s defeats and play for the second spot in September.
