Hunter Watkins took the mound for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox on Saturday evening, opening the season in Brewster against the Whitecaps. Conditions weren’t ideal for the right-hander, with temperatures just above 50 degrees. Watkins persevered through the uncomfortable weather, carving through the Whitecaps' lineup.
His dominant curveball was a key to his success against the Whitecaps, striking out three while only allowing two free passes. 35 of his 55 pitches were thrown for strikes, filling up the zone as much as possible.
“My curveball worked really well,” Watkins told Anna Watson after the game. “The fastball and cutter were locating really well, too.”
Watkins only allowed one hit through the first four innings, carrying a no-hitter into the fourth frame. The lack of walks, along with strong defense by his teammates, allowed him to stay in the game well into the fifth inning.
“It kept my pitch count very low so I could go deep into the game,” Watkins said when asked about the support he received defensively throughout the game. “Having them behind my back was important.”
The 6’9” sophomore from Oklahoma State University appeared in 19 games during the college season, logging 64.2 innings. He started 11 of those games for the Cowboys, adding eight relief appearances as well. His versatility will be a huge asset for Y-D as the season progresses, whether in the rotation or out of the bullpen.
Although Watkins pitched for the Cotuit Kettleers last summer, Saturday’s season opener marked his first time starting in the Cape Cod Baseball League. He was honored to receive the Opening Day nod from manager Scott Pickler. In such a low-scoring game, Y-D needed a strong outing from Watkins, and he rose to the occasion, leaving the ballgame with a 1-0 lead.
“It was an honor to pitch for Y-D and give us a good start that gave us a chance to win the game,” Watkins said after the game.
(Photo by Sophie Solarino)
