Four runs in the sixth inning turn defensive struggle into rout for Warriors
By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times
Shortstop Corinne Byerly looks in a fly ball. Bylerly played outstanding defense, not letting anything past.
CALN – Coatesville High School’s softball team just could not find any consistency in its batting as it fell 7-0 to West Chester Henderson at home on Friday.
For most of the game, the teams looked evenly matched with strong pitching on both sides. Sophomore Laura Henry consistently struck out opposition hitters and gave them tough pitches to ground out when they did not miss. A strong defense helped the cause, particularly junior shortstop Corrine Byerly, who would not let a ball past.
But the offense could not find the bats to match, with Henderson throwing their share of strikeouts. While the Red Raiders got a few runners on base, they struggled to string together enough hits to produce. After five innings, the Warriors led 3-0.
In the sixth inning, Henderson took over. Ground balls found gaps, and line drives dropped in front of the outfield. A ground rule double led to two RBI’s. Senior right fielder Julianna Tatum stretched high to make the third out, but by then, the Warriors led 7-0.
“They were hitting the ball everywhere, finding all the holes,” said Coach Chris Tobelman.
In the bottom half, the Red Raiders looked to make a surge to set themselves up for a comeback. Sophomore Brittany Traband walked to get on base, and junior Valerie Jones followed up with a ground single. With two on and one out, Coatesville looked like its offense may have finally switched on. But a line drive straight to the shortstop allowed her to make the second out and tag second for the third.
In the seventh, the defenses took over once again, giving Henderson the 7-0 win.
HENDERSON 0 1 0 2 0 4 0
COATESVILLE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
