Abby Flannagan is a run-producing machine for West Delaware

MANCHESTER - Kevin Schuchmann shuttled Abby Flannagan into a run-producing role.

And Flannagan has developed into a run-producing machine.

An all-state catcher at West Delaware, Flannagan leads the state with 35 RBIs in 20 games.

“Coach moved me (from leadoff) to the No. 3 spot, and I'm doing what he put me there to do,” Flannagan said. “Our first two hitters (Jenna Hermsen and Jessica McDowell) are doing an amazing job of getting on base.”

Flannagan has done a more than suitable job of driving them home. The senior is batting .493, with 11 doubles and four home runs.

But despite a slugging percentage of .855, Flannagan isn't classified as a slugger. And certainly not a free swinger. She has struck out only twice in 76 plate appearances.

“Abby's not a home run hitter,” said Schuchmann, the Hawks' head coach. “She's a line drive hitter, and some of those line drives happen to go over the fence.

“She's 5-foot-10 and slender. She's not a big kid, but she's a strong kid that loves the game.”

She loves the game. She certainly knows the game. Then again, what else would you expect from a valedictorian?

Flannagan is the first catcher that Schuchmann has allowed to call pitches. Schuchmann videotapes opponents, then compares notes with Flannagan before games.

“It's collective intelligence, between the pitcher, the catcher and me,” Schuchmann said. “I make some suggestions. If Abby wasn't open to the suggestions, it wouldn't work out.”

Flannagan relishes the responsibility.

“I've got a great relationship with the two pitchers (Hermsen and Laurynn Lammers),” she said. “They're two of my best friends, and I feel a connection to them.”

West Delaware (15-5) is ranked No. 11 in Class 3A. The Hawks claimed the 3A state championship in 2007, but haven't returned to state since.

Flannagan was on that ‘07 team, as a role player.

“This team can do great things,” she said. “We have complete confidence. Chemistry can take you a long ways.”