[stevem810]

The Sting Rays, a team fighting for the WC and maybe the League championship of Martinique, arrived in Paris trailing Le Diamant by 4 games. They left town trailing them by 5.

Game 1
Julien Henri went 8.1 IP allowing 4 runs (3 earned) but that unearned run cost him the W. After being pulled in the 9th, something the Artists did not want to do because of Julien's impending at bat in the bottom of the inning, he was sent to centerfield. The move paid off when Henri delivered a key hit in the 9th to send it to extra innings.
The Sting Rays pushed across two in the 16th which was just enough as the Artists could only score one run in the bottom of the frame. The Sting Rays win, 6-5. Julien went 2 for 7 with a pair of doubles.

Game 2
Henri got the day off and John Huchet (8.2 IP) was in complete control until he tired in the 9th. He gave up a homer to Clement with two outs and needed some relief help to get the game in the win column. Paris wins, 7-3. Pascal Blanchet hit his 6th round tripper for the Artists. The 24 year old is one of three young outfielders who are beginning to develop.

Game 3
The Artists jumped out to a 2-0 lead but were, again, plagued by errors. Three miscues meant two unearned runs and that was the difference in the 4-2 outcome. 26 year old Coleman Maclean was tough on the mound as he earned his 7th win against 9 losses. Mac's efforts were supported by Walid Michel who had 3 hits including a triple to go with the three ribbies.

So, the Artists lose a series and the Sting Rays have a 3 game lead over the Soleis for the WC berth.