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FAIRFIELD — Fairfield sophomore pitcher Jaisa Fox won 20 games, including two perfect ones, while striking out 227 batters and compiling an 0.85 ERA this season.

Those numbers helped the Indians go 23-6 and win a fourth consecutive district championship, and they also helped Fox earn the JournalNews Butler County Pitcher of the Year award.

"She just loves to pitch," FHS coach Brenda Stieger said. "It's something I've heard her say many times when (reporters) have been asking her questions."

Ask Stieger or any other coach, and they'll tell you pitchers don't put up those kind of numbers without a great deal of talent.

But if you ask Fox, she'll tell you pitchers don't put up those kind of numbers without a great defense.

"They're the reason," Fox said. "We have a great defense."

While Fox is being humble, she's also being truthful. The Indians committed just 25 errors this spring, setting a school record for fewest miscues in a season.

"It makes things so much easier when you don't feel like you don't always have to go for the strikeout," Fox said. "I really concentrated on not walking the leadoff batter this year, and a big part of that is just getting the ball over and letting the defense play."

Fox also had a solid year at the plate, hitting .368 with 25 RBIs.

"Overall it was a really good season," she said. "It was definitely my best so far."

The scary thing for her Greater Miami Conference opponents is that there are still two more to come.

"She shows a lot of poise and maturity out there on the mound for a sophomore," Stieger said. "And I think a big part of that is knowing that she has a really good defense behind her."

And a really bright future in front of her.