[stevem810]

Le Diamant came to France without the usual hype of being the bully on the block. We've witnessed an erosion of talent over the past 3 years in part because of the defections of Mercier and Michel who migrated to Paris by way of free agency. But, any time Henri and and Delage go up against the Le Diamant team it garners attention.

Paris had Julien Henri on the hill for the final game of the set. As it turned out the teams had each one a game apiece so Julien's start would decide who took the series.

Henri started out a bit rough striking out in his first AB, allowing a solo shot to SS Habib Vial in the second inning, and then banging into a twin killing in the 4th to stymie a rally. However, after Lamy walked Delage dialed long distance with a 2 run blast and the Artists were on their way.

Credit Herve with jump starting a team that was starting to look lifeless. His homer ignited the offense and lit a fire under Julien Henri. So much so, that Henri didn't allow another hit until the 8th inning.

With the win today, and the loss for the Orchids, Nice and Paris are still tied for the best record in the FBL.