Watson pitches Patriots to 1-0 win

FORT WAYNE - The tying run was on third base.

The winning run was at first.

The batter had a full count.

Brittney Watson pitched.

Strike three.

Watson's 10th strikeout completed a masterful performance in the opening round of the Class 4A softball sectional tournament hosted by Homestead as she led Jay County to a 1-0 victory over the Marion Giants.

The Patriots advanced to play Fort Wayne North Side today in sectional semifinal action at 4:30 p.m. North Side defeated Fort Wayne South Side 10-6 Tuesday in the other opening-round game at Homestead.

The Marion runner on third base in the seventh inning was the only one who got past first against Watson in the entire game. She gave up just three hits and two walks as she pitched the shutout to give JCHS its ninth win of the season.

Jay County's lone run came in the fifth inning after pinch hitter Selena McKibben drew a walk. Junior Pazia Speed made the Giants pay for the free base, driving in her sophomore teammate with a double.

The only other hits of the game for the Patriots were singles by Watson, Tiffany Davis and Danielle Wellman.

A win tonight would give Jay County (9-6) its third consecutive double-digit season despite missing more than 10 games this year because of weather cancellations.[[In-content Ad]]