European Champions Cup 2018: Rouen Huskies reaches semi-finals

After stunning L&D Amsterdam Pirates yesterday, the Rouen Huskies proved to be no fluke today as they beat the Heidenheim Heideköpfe 6-2 to clinch a spot in the semi-finals of the European Champions Cup.

No big inning but a regular victory as the Huskies scraped up their runs in the first, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the eighth inning to get six runs in total. Their pitching stood strong as Yoann Vaugelade lasted 8.1 innings in which he gave up only two runs on nine hits and three walks and struck out four. Eventually, after he gave up two consecutive singles in the ninth, he was replaced by Kender Villegas. Vaugelade needed 110 pitches to work his way through 8.1 innings.

The Heidenheim Heideköpfe, who pulled a stunt by beating A.S.D. Rimini Pirates yesterday, scored twice in the sixth inning on a single by Philip Schulz, who drove in Shawn Larry and Ludwig Glaser from third and second.

In the ninth inning, Heidenheim pushed once more with one out as Philip Schulz and Sacha Lutz singled and Jay Pecci drew a walk to load the bases but Kender Villegas retired the next two batters for the save and Rouen’s win.  Yoann Vaugelade earned the win.

Best hitter for the Rouen Huskies was Miguel Mendez, who went 3 for 4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored.

With this win, the club clinches a spot in the semis but it is still depending on today’s second game of group A whether the Huskies will finish in first place or in second.  If A.S.D. Rimini Pirates will beat L&D Amsterdam Pirates, Rouen will finish second. If L&D Amsterdam advances, Rouen will finish first. But no matter in which place the Huskies will finish, they will face a tough Curaçao Neptunus team or a tough Fortitudo Bologna team. Nevertheless, reaching the semi-finals is an admirable achievement by the French champion.