Steinmetz, Abadie lead Rustin past Henderson
Anna Steinmetz and Caela Abadie aren't your typical one-two hitters. Steinmetz, West Chester Rustin's leadoff batter, and Abadie, who hits second, both swing with power. And when they get hold of the ball - something they do often - they effortlessly hit it hard and far.
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Anna Steinmetz and Caela Abadie aren't your typical one-two hitters.
Steinmetz, West Chester Rustin's leadoff batter, and Abadie, who hits second, both swing with power. And when they get hold of the ball - something they do often - they effortlessly hit it hard and far.
They aren't just trying to bunt to get on base or using small ball to move a runner over to second. No, Steinmetz and Abadie are two of the purest and most pitched-around hitters in the area.
The close-knit duo knocked in five runs, collected four hits, and reached base six times Wednesday afternoon as visiting Rustin defeated West Chester Henderson, 7-1.
It was the first time Rustin (7-3) beat Henderson (4-6) in Bruce Dudley's five-year tenure. The coach said it could possibly be the first win over the local rival in program history.
"I'm so glad I'm on Anna's team," leftfielder Charlotte Elrod said to her teammates as they watched Steinmetz rip a line drive just foul in the second inning.
Abadie turned around to face Elrod from her spot on deck.
"I'm so glad I'm on all of her teams," the junior said through laughs, referring to their Chaos travel team. They are both also Delaware recruits.
For Steinmetz, Rustin's senior catcher, the feeling is mutual.
"There's been a lot [of times] where I have been sitting on first base watching [Abadie]," Steinmetz said. "They are just moments when you see she is standing there in her stance - she wants to get something. She wants to hit me in. She wants to advance me.
"Those are times where she swings the bat and I just start running. I start jogging because I know."
In the second inning, Steinmetz stood on first base as the Golden Knights led, 2-0. Abadie walked to the plate. She then proceeded to rip a line drive over the fence in center.
Off Steinmetz went.
"I don't like looking for walks and taking pitches - I'm not going to take pitches," the pitcher said.
Abadie finished the game 2 for 3 with a single, home run, walk and four RBIs. She also threw a complete game, showing great command of her changeup. Steinmetz was 2 for 3 with a single, double, walk, and run batted in.
A typical game for Steinmetz and Abadie, yes, but the pair is anything but.
W.C. Henderson 000 010 0 - 1 6 2
West Chester Rustin 220 030 x - 7 9 2
WP: Caela Abadie. LP: Torie Adler. 2B: WCR-Anna Steinmetz. HR: WCR-Abadie.