By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Charity Watson took high school softball by storm last year.
The freshman pitcher was simply sensational for the Washington Pam Pack, winning 21 games — 17 by shutout, and striking out 384 batters. Every team in the area quickly learned of the pitching prowess of Watson, who was named last year’s WDN Pitcher of the Year.
Though teams were fully aware of Watson and her exploits this year, the Pam Pack pitcher continued to dominate. She finished this year with a 16-3 record, recording 231 strikeouts and 13 shutouts.
For the second year in a row, the flame-throwing sophomore was tabbed Washington Daily News’ Pitcher of the Year.
During Watson’s sophomore campaign, she threw a pair of perfect games. Her first gem came in a 3-0 win over J.H. Rose when she fanned 11 batters.
Watson’s second perfect game of the season, and the fourth of her career, came in a 6-0 nod over West Carteret. She struck out 15 in the process.
After having thrown seven no-hitters last year, Watson added five more to her total this year. Besides the perfect games, Watson had no-no’s against Charles B. Aycock, J.H. Rose and Havelock.
Watson has a season-best 19 strikeouts in a 1-0 win in 14 innings over New Bern. She had 17 strikeouts in a 7-0 nod over West Carteret, while adding at least 15 strikeouts on four other occasions.
Though Watson had many memorable moments on the mound, the highlight of her season came at the plate.
While Watson’s strikeout total was down a bit from last year, it’s somewhat misleading because a handful of teams often attempted to bunt their way on base. The Pam Pack pitcher was only concerned with getting outs.
Watson added another weapon to her arsenal this year. To go with her blazing fast ball and wicked change up, Watson added a nasty drop ball.
She’ll be looking to work on those pitches some more while playing with the 18U N.C. Flames, a summer traveling team that recently won the WFC State Tournament at Walnut Creek.
Watson will also get to show her stuff while representing the East squad at this year’s 2007 State Games of North Carolina.
Already a standout, Watson is hoping for more improvement next year. She’s already set some personal goals.
With Watson on the mound, anything is possible.