An Unprecedented Final

Two teams for a final, two 2024 teams that know each other, two teams with different final experience, two teams with different records. A surprising final: Montpellier had shown weaknesses since the start of the season and had been weakened again by injuries, notably pitchers (Couvreur…) and Metz who pulled themselves out by the strength of hope to avoid relegation in 2023 and who strengthened themselves well during the winter, allowing them to take several matches since the start of the season.

Interview above of the two coaches Shane Priest for Metz and Owen Ozanich for Montpellier.

Let’s compare the numbers since the start of this challenge:

Games played:

• Metz: 3 wins
• Montpellier: 4, including one loss to Metz on the first day

Advantage to Metz

Average points scored:

• Metz: 5.3
• Montpellier: 7.75

Advantage Montpellier

Average points conceded

• Metz: 1.6
• Montpellier: 4

Advantage Metz

Batting average AVG

• Metz: .308
• Montpellier: .140

Advantage Metz

Pitcher ERA

• Metz: 1.67
• Montpellier: 1.75

Advantage Metz

Without going further into the comparison, we quickly realize that the forces in play are quite balanced with a slight advantage to Metz and that each team has the means to win this French championship.

The phenomenon of the pressure of the stakes, of the final, of the “fear” of winning is more on the side of Metz. The phenomenon of the fear of the challenger who has nothing to lose and has already won everything, of beginner’s luck, of a very solid defense in front is more on the side of Montpellier.

In the poll launched yesterday by our editorial team on social networks, Metz comes out at 55% winning.