So far this season, Rutgers softball has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten. While they have lost five straight, the Scarlet Knights have posted a 30-17 record through 47 games. Jaden Vickers has set the tone on the mound and taken her game to another level.
The Crystal Lake native leads Rutgers in multiple categories, including ERA and strikeouts. In 25 appearances, she has held opponents to a .228 batting average and recorded three saves. While playing various roles, Vickers has given Rutgers solid innings regardless of the situation. She has been especially good of late.
In her last seven appearances, Vickers has added five scoreless outings to her resume. During that stretch, she has struck out 20 batters, including eight on April second against Purdue. That tied her season high. With tournament playing approaching, the talented lefthander is getting better with every start.
M5 | That's 3️⃣ straight K's for Jaden Vickers🔥
RU 3, UMD 2#GoRU⚔️ #RUSB 🥎 #RideTheWave🌊 pic.twitter.com/PuKmaFTa77
— Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) April 5, 2023
Although Vickers is second on the team in innings pitched with 79.1, her 2.65 ERA is the lowest. If the season were to end today, that would be a career-best. Her ability to keep opponents off the scoreboard is why she has often been called upon during the 2023 campaign.
With only seven games left in the regular season, Rutgers focus will soon shift to the Big Ten tournament. Entering play on Thursday, they were eighth in the Big Ten and will be looking to earn a higher seed. Vickers will be critical to the Scarlet Knights improving their positioning.
E5 | Jaden Vickers sits her 🖐️ Illini on strikes#GoRU ⚔️ #RUSB 🥎 #RideTheWave 🌊 pic.twitter.com/fwn35FLsKZ
— Rutgers Softball (@RUSoftball) March 26, 2023
If she can continue her recent play, then a deep playoff run could be in store for this Scarlet Knights team that has already had an impressive season.
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