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Schmitt’s 20 strikeout no-hit masterpiece, lifts Rich Hill to district victory over Hume
Rich Hill Lady Tigers senior Allie Schmitt was electric in the circle, no-hitting the Hume Lady Hornets in the opening round of the Class 1 District 13 softball tournament, Tuesday evening in Butler.
Schmitt’s epic performance approached historical levels, as she fanned the first 18 batters she faced. Schmitt then aided her own cause at the plate in the top of the seventh, as her RBI-double to deep center field handed Rich Hill a 2-0 advantage.
In the bottom of the seventh, Schmitt lost her bid at 21 strikeouts, as Malia McFrederick became the first Lady Hornet to put the ball in play against Schmitt, grounding out to second base for the inning’s first out.
Schmitt then lost her bid for a perfect game, issuing a walk to Katlyn Brooks. Schmitt promptly recovered, recording strikeouts No. 19 and No. 20, as No. 5 seed Rich Hill advanced to the semifinals, and a match-up with top-seeded Adrian.
Lady Hornets freshman starter Kennidi Harris was also lights out, striking out 12, while carrying a perfect game into the fifth.
The contest remained scoreless until the top of the seventh. Rich Hill’s Taylor Coonce led off the frame with a bunt single, and then advanced to second on a passed ball. Coonce then swiped third, and was plated on Katie Malone’s single to shallow left field — putting the Lady Tigers in front, 1-0.
Rich Hill (9-7) added some insurance, as Schmitt’s towering double to the center field fence, scored Malone, for a 2-0 Rich Hill advantage. The seventh inning damage was too much for Hume to overcome, as Schmitt slammed the door shut in the seventh.
“From the beginning of the game, I was just feeling it,” Schmitt told the Daly Mail.
After opening its season with six consecutive victories, the Lady Hornets conclude the 2018 campaign, 6-3 overall.