By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — Charity Watson threw the ninth no-hitter of her career, leading the Washington Pam Pack to a 3-0 win over J.H. Rose in Friday’s Coastal Conference softball action.
Watson (5-0), a sophomore, fanned 16 batters and walked one. It was the second no-hitter of the season for Watson, and the 16 strikeouts matched her season-high.
The Pack (5-0, 2-0) defense wasn’t tested too many times by the Rampants (3-4, 1-1). Watson recorded four ground ball outs, handling two by herself, and catcher Taylor Rogers made a great running grab of a pop foul in front of the backstop.
Rogers also provided a key RBI in Washington’s 3-run sixth inning to help lead the Class 3-A Pack to the win over the 4-A Rampants.
The Pack broke through in the sixth against Rose starter Kenly Simmons. Hayley Stowe drew a leadoff walk and Sam Mobley followed with a bunt single. Meredith Duke reached on an error, which allowed Stowe to race home.
Rogers knocked in the second run with a ground out. Marissa Fucito capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly for the 3-0 lead.
Watson, who treated sister, Stacy, and new nephew Camden to the gem, may be even stronger than she was last season. The only blemish Watson had Friday was issuing a two-out walk in the fifth inning.
The Pack defense has made the plays behind her when called upon, a defense that had to switch up with the loss of Davey Ann Burbage.
Washington’s starting shortstop is out with a knee injury. The best case scenario is for Burbage to return in three weeks; the worst, Burbage will be lost for the season.
The Pack finished with four hits, coming off the bats of Mobley, Duke, Watson and Kayla Spain.
Washington returns to action Tuesday at home against New Bern.
Washington 000 003 0 – 3 4 0
J.H. Rose 000 000 0 – 0 0 1
WP: Charity Watson; LP: Kenly Simmons
Hitters: W – Meredith Duke 1-2 (run), Kayla Spain 1-2, Sam Mobley 1-3 (run), Charity Watson 1-3, Marissa Fucito 0-2 (RBI), Taylor Rogers 0-3 (RBI); R – none.