Schumann fans 14; D-East thumps Coatesville

LIONVILLE >> The Downingtown East softball team put together about as complete a game as you could ask for Wednesday afternoon against visiting Coatesville. The Cougars got offensive contributions throughout the order, played sparkling defense, and pitcher Rachael Schumann recorded a season-high 14 strikeouts to add up to a 9-3 Ches-Mont League National Division victory. 

“All season long, we’ve been able to count on everyone in the lineup,” said East coach Peg O’Dwyer. “It doesn’t matter where in the order we are, everyone is capable of coming up with the timely hit.”
The Cougars (8-0 Ches-Mont National, 8-1 overall) got a hit from all nine batters in the order, and at least a run or an RBI from eight of the nine spots. Three players had multi-hit games — Hailey Long (3-for-4, 3B, 2R, RBI); Schumann (2-for-3, 2B, RBI) and Sophia Kucero (3-for-4, 22B, 2R). In all, Downingtown East pounded out 14 hits on the day, six for extra bases. 

“As a pitcher, it’s comforting to know that we can put up runs when we need to,” said Schumann. “We all know we can put up a big inning at any time, and it helps ease some of the pressure.”
It was barely a blink before Downingtown East got on the board in its half of the first. Jade Jenkins worked a leadoff walk, and came around to score two pitches later when Long drilled a pitch to the gap in left-center, and pulled in with a triple. Coatesville (2-2, 3-3) avoided further damage when right fielder Maddie Carpenter made a running catch, then threw a strike to home to double off Long trying to score.
With the lead still 1-0 in the third, the Cougars put the game way with eight runs over the next two innings, highlighted by a home run from Lily Waterer and doubles from Schumann, Kucero and Katie Cohen.

“I was pretty nervous,” said Kucero. “But sometimes, that motivates me. All my teammates cheering me on really helps build the energy.
“That fifth inning was big for us. It’s been really exciting so far this year. We’re playing really well right now, and I feel really good about this team.”
Schumann was on her game in the circle, hitting her spots, and getting the Red Raiders to chase pitches high in the zone with a devastating rise ball. Schumann earned the win with seven strong innings, allowing three runs on five hits with the 14 strikeouts and two walks.

“She’s been amazing so far,” said O’Dwyer. “She’s just so confident in the circle, and always wants the ball. She just passed 300 career strikeouts in our last game, so she’s now at 315.”
Coatesville wasn’t quite ready to pack it in yet, and put together a three-run fifth to answer the Cougars’ fourth. Olivia Springer had a two-run single, while Caitlyn Reynolds brought in the other run. Ashley Stringer also had a base hit for the Red Raiders.

“We’ve struggled the last week or so, but I saw us pick up the intensity today,” said Coatesville coach Bill Mendenhall. “We made some adjustments, and started to hit the ball. There’s a lot of season to play. Hopefully that energy and intensity we saw in spots today continue and the hitting will come around.”
With the victory, the Cougars ran their winning streak to eight. The only blemish on their record is a 4-3 nonleague loss to Methacton, currently ranked 5th in District 1 6A.
“We’d all like another crack at Methacton,” said O’Dwyer. “It was the first game of the year, it was cold and rainy, and we’ve played so much better since. Hopefully we’ll get another crack at them down the road (in the postseason).