Tag: Rutgers softball

Ashley Hitchcock is writing a memorable last chapter with Rutgers softball

Ashley Hitchcock is making quite a mark this season for Rutgers softball.

As the regular season winds down, a few Scarlet Knights are entering the final weeks of their career at Rutgers. That list includes Ashley Hitchcock, who has become a staple on the pitching staff. In her senior season, she is providing a reminder of her value while playing multiple roles.

Through 43.2 innings of work this season, Hitchcock is third on Rutgers in wins with seven while pitching to a 3.05 ERA. She has also held opponents to a .230 batting average. While the Pennsylvania native has struggled with her control at times, she has been able to limit the damage when batters reach base.

Additionally, Hitchcock has struck out 37 batters while posting the second-lowest ERA in her career. She hasn’t finished a season with an ERA below 4.12 since the 2020 campaign. She is well on her way to doing that with less than before the Big Ten tournament.

While Hitchcock has split time between the rotation and bullpen this year, she has thrived regardless of the role. The Eastwood High School product has made five starts, with the rest of her work coming out of the bullpen. Her versatility has allowed Rutgers to find the spots to maximize her talent.

With postseason play quickly approaching, Hitchcock is far from done. Her focus now is putting Rutgers in the best position to make a deep run in the Big Ten tournament as she writes the final chapter of her Rutgers career.

[lawrence-related id=26845,26855]

[mm-video type=video id=01h0fxr1w6ddv1cykr0z playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01h0fxr1w6ddv1cykr0z/01h0fxr1w6ddv1cykr0z-a7560806c7ef95f50aa25f5ac1f47e3b.jpg]

Georgia Ingle has emerged as a key arm in Rutgers bullpen

Georgina Ingle is impressive for Rutgers softball this year.

During the 2023 campaign, Rutgers softball has seen a few players emerge as critical parts of the future. That includes Georgia  Ingle, who has been lights out on the mound. The North Carolina native is only in her sophomore year but has been one of the Scarlet Knights most trusted arms.

In 24.2 innings of work, Ingle has pitched to a 1.14 ERA while striking out eight batters. While she has struggled to miss bats, the Newton-Conover High School product has kept opponents off the board. With wins at a premium, she has provided a boost out of the bullpen.

Over the last two months, Ingle has allowed four runs in 11 outings. Her ERA has dropped below 2.00, as she only allowed multiple hits in three outings. While the Scarlet Knights struggled in April, Ingle was the exception and put zeros on the scoreboard regardless of the opponent.

While the regular season isn’t over, Ingle has established herself as a crucial part of this team. During her freshman year, Ingle posted a 4.12 ERA and allowed five home runs. In 2023, she has been a completely different pitcher and kept the ball in the ballpark.

RELATED: Ryann Orange has been key for Rutgers softball on the mound and at the plate

As the Scarlet Knights prepare for the Big Ten tournament in the coming weeks, Ingle will be called upon in high-leverage situations. She has earned that this season and has shown the ability to make adjustments. Her emergence has provided optimism for what the future holds.

[lawrence-related id=26493,26481]

[mm-video type=video id=01gzhb8xj2epg3ss72kp playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gzhb8xj2epg3ss72kp/01gzhb8xj2epg3ss72kp-daa1027b7429b968990c9194747698c2.jpg]

 

Ryann Orange has been key for Rutgers softball on the mound and at the plate

Ryann Orange has been red-hot for the Scarlet Knights.

The 2023 softball campaign has been full of ups and downs for the Scarlet Knights. Through 50 games, they have posted a 30-20 record but lost eight straight. One bright spot has been the play of freshman Ryann Orange. She is proving to be a valuable piece on the mound and at the plate.

Through 50 games, Orange has posted a .320 batting average and driven in 27 runs. The Torrance native has also shown some power with 15 extra-base hits, including nine doubles. Regardless of the situation, she has been a constant source of offense for this Rutgers team. However, her value does not only lie in her bat.

This season, Orange has made ten appearances on the mound and posted a 2.80 ERA. Opponents are hitting .197 against the Rutgers freshman, and she has been able to limit hard contact. While most of Orange’s work has come out of the bullpen, she has provided quality innings whenever called upon.

While the 2023 campaign is winding down, Orange is creating excitement for her future at Rutgers. She has shown good control of the strike zone to go along with some power if a pitcher makes a mistake. That should only improve as she gets more experience.

With two series left in the regular season, Orange has plenty of time to build on her impressive year before the Big Ten tournament. She will be an important piece in the playoffs as Rutgers looks to make a deep postseason run starting on May fifth.

[lawrence-related id=26293,26247,26274]

[mm-video type=video id=01gz2mbb2eecxfse7205 playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gz2mbb2eecxfse7205/01gz2mbb2eecxfse7205-4269f83c7a34655262d32e4de5ff6684.jpg]

Jaden Vickers has been the ace for Rutgers softball

Jaden Vickers is having a strong season for Rutgers softball.

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.

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.

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.

[mm-video type=video id=01gygaz1c3bwb43yms9z playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gygaz1c3bwb43yms9z/01gygaz1c3bwb43yms9z-1d80d46086a46a30907340dabd35e761.jpg]

Rutgers outfielder Taylor Fawcett is heating up at the plate

Rutgers softball is having a very strong season as Taylor Fawcett has helped forge the way.

During the first few weeks of the season, Rutgers softball has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The offense has been hard to stop, and of late, Taylor Fawcett has been in the zone at the plate. Entering play on Wednesday, she was one of the six Rutgers players who had appeared in 40 games. As tournament play draws closer she has been an on-base machine.

Through 97 at-bats, the Arizona native is hitting .289 with 20 runs batted in. Fawcett has also shown off her power with 11 extra-base hits while displaying excellent plate discipline. As the Rutgers junior has gotten more playing time, she has been hard to keep off the bases.

In her last four games, Fawcett has four hits and three runs. In that span, the Pinnacle High School product has only gone hitless once. While the Scarlet Knights have lost two straight, Fawcett has seen her average steadily rise.

Additionally, the talented outfielder has already set career-highs in walks with 11 and stolen bases with seven. Fawcett’s ability to get on base and put pressure on opponents with her speed is a valuable skill. It has made Rutgers offense more dangerous.

Down the stretch, Fawcett will be relied on heavily. After appearing in a career-high 50 games last year, she has built on her success this season. That has been a welcoming sign for a Rutgers team currently third in the Big Ten. If she can stay hot at the plate, then Rutgers should see their win total rise with wins at a premium.

Raimy Gamsby is making an impact as a freshman for Rutgers softball

Rutgers softball is getting strong contributions from Raimy Gamsby.

Through the first few weeks of the college softball season, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten. As the Scarlet Knights have gotten off to a 26-10 start Raimy Gamsby has set the tone on the mound in her freshman season.

In 79.2 innings of work, the Napa native has posted a 2.11 ERA and struck out 61 batters. Although this is the first season of her collegiate career, Gamsby has already shown that she can be the staff’s ace. So far this season, she leads the Scarlet Knights in ERA, innings pitched, and strikeouts.

Additionally, Gamsby has held opponents to a .223 batting average and added two shutouts to her resume. In Gamsby’s last five starts, she has only allowed more than two earned runs once. Over that span, she has shown excellent control and limited her walks.

While the season is far from over, Gamsby has made an immediate impact. She leads the Scarlet Knights in almost every pitching category and has not committed an error yet this season. Rutgers has a bright future with her in the rotation for the next few years.

As the 2023 season continues, the Scarlet Knights will continue to look at the California native to set the tone. So far, she has proven up to the task for one of the best teams in the country.

[lawrence-related id=25443]

[mm-video type=video id=01gwqby7as54bps0g73r playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gwqby7as54bps0g73r/01gwqby7as54bps0g73r-1b7eca94313587a9bb003394c60b66de.jpg]

Kyleigh Sand has been a bright spot for Rutgers softball

Rutgers softball is getting a strong return from Kyleigh Sand.

During the first few weeks of the 2023 softball season, Rutgers has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten. With a 17-10 record and ahead of conference play, they are seventh in the conference trailing Penn State, Maryland, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. During their promising start, they have been led by Kyleigh Sand.

In 27 games this season, the California native has posted a .432 batting average and stolen a team-high 22 bases. She has been an on-base machine and recorded 41 total bases, which is second on the team. Although she has shown little power, Sand makes a difference with her legs.

Due to her ability to get on base, Sand is a threat whenever she steps in the box. The talented Junior has only gone hitless in seven games during the 2023 campaign and added two multi-hit games to her resume this month. The Rutgers shortstop has also come through with runners in scoring position as she has ten runs batted in this season.

[lawrence-related id=25028]

As the Scarlet Knights look to move up in the Big Ten standings, Sand will be a crucial piece. The Norco High School product creates opportunities for her teammates with her speed and has been solid defensively. Those qualities will be critical as Rutgers looks to earn a playoff berth later this season.

Although she has struggled recently, Sand has already shown how valuable she can be.

[lawrence-related id=25025]

[mm-video type=video id=01gvh68pd1h48vjftzt6 playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gvh68pd1h48vjftzt6/01gvh68pd1h48vjftzt6-7742431b8a5da1865db4d915f6750c2b.jpg]

Morgan Smith is providing a spark in the batter’s box and on the mound

Rutgers softball is getting a major impact from transfer Morgan Smith.

Through the first 20 games of the 2023 campaign, Rutgers softball has been one of the best teams in the Big Ten. The Scarlet Knights have gotten off to a 16-4 start and won five of their last six games. During their impressive start, Morgan Smith has been crucial to their success.

A transfer from LSU, Smith has been a revelation for Rutgers.

In 59 at-bats, Smith has 20 runs batted in and a team-leading six doubles. She has added two home runs to her resume and is one of three Scarlet Knights with 20 or more hits. So far, the Phoenix, AX native has proven to be a sparkplug offensively.

Additionally, she has been a threat when she gets on base with four stolen bases. Only Kyleigh Sand has more, with 21. Rutgers ability to steal bases has helped put pressure on their opponents. So far this season, they have stolen 44 bases and have only been caught five times. Smith has been a big part of that.

When the talented Junior is not in the batter’s box, she has also made a difference on the mound. In 26.1 innings of work, she has posted a 2.13 ERA. So far this season, the Pinnacle High School product has struck out 24 batters and allowed one home run.

[lawrence-related id=24755]

While the season is far from over, Smith has been a bright spot. Her value lies in her ability to impact a game, whether she is in the batter’s box or on the mound. She will be an important piece as the Scarlet Knights look to continue their success.

[lawrence-related id=24757]

[mm-video type=video id=01gv60n9g9jk9wabz17j playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gv60n9g9jk9wabz17j/01gv60n9g9jk9wabz17j-4d9b0b99f20c2b833b15b09847d122b6.jpg]

Watch: Rutgers landed a dominant softball transfer in Morgan Smith

Morgan Smith is an important addition for Rutgers softball.

Morgan Smith has joined Rutgers softball this week, giving the Scarlet Knights a player who can make an impact both as a pitcher but also as an outfielder.

The former LSU star stood out last season as a sophomore.

In 2020 as a high school senior, Morgan was the No. 28 player in the nation according to FloSports.

Last season as a pitcher, she went 2-0. Throughout her college career. Morgan has appeared in 38 games, going 11-of-42 from the plate (she was 10-for-33 last season including two home runs).

She joins Rutgers via the transfer portal with two seasons if eligibility remaining:

 

In 2022, Rutgers women’s softball showed some flashes as they continued to lay a foundation in what has been an extensive rebuilding of the program. The Scarlet Knights went 25-30 (3-17 Big Ten).

They were one of the most-improved programs in the nation from the year before when they went 8-36 (all in Big Ten play).

[lawrence-related id=17100]

Head coach Kristen Butler has been with Rutgers softball for five seasons. She is a former SEC standout at Florida.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fc3gzhz7qrm49z6q player_id=none image=https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Awards continue to roll in for Rutgers baseball

Rutgers baseball and softball players continued to receive honors over the weekend. See who was honored and how they performed this season.

Awards season continued for Rutgers baseball this past weekend. Players on both the softball and baseball teams received honors this past Friday.

From the baseball squad, junior catcher Nick Cimillo was named the District 2 Player of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). District 2 consists of players from Connecticut, West Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Washington D.C. Cimillo finished the season leading the entire Big Ten conference with a .385 batting average, .707 slugging percentage, and 1.199 OPS.

His 16 home runs were tied for the team lead, and he led all Scarlet Knights in walks. He was near the top of every offensive category for Rutgers baseball this season.

Also, this past Friday, Gabrielle Callaway and Kyleigh Sand from Rutgers softball heard their names called when the ECAC announced their All-ECAC teams. Callaway, a graduate student outfielder, was named to the First Team All-ECAC and the sophomore shortstop Sand received honorable mention honors. This is the third set of honors the teammates will share this year, as both previously received National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) First Team All-Region honors and were the Scarlet Knights’ first-ever First Team All-Big Ten selections.

Callaway finished the season in a second-place tie on the single-season leaders’ list in RBIs with 47, and tied for eighth with 10 home runs. She was also near the tops in the Big Ten in multiple categories, including being first in sacrifice flies with six, and sixth in RBIs.

[lawrence-related id=16538]

The Alabama native also finished the season with a slash line of .377 / .472 / .649, good for seventh, eighth, and ninth in the Big Ten, respectively.

Sand was the table-setter all season. The lead-off hitter accrued a 398 batting average, the highest from a Rutgers player since 2011, and her team-leading 49 runs helped the Scarlet Knights score their most runs since 2015. Sand’s season resulted in her name being scattered amongst the best single-season numbers in program history. She finished with second-most hits with 68, third-most runs with 49, fourth-most walks with 33, tied for fifth most steals with 23, and the sixth-best batting average.

[lawrence-related id=16552]

On the Big Ten season leaders page, she finished fourth in both hits and stolen bases, fifth in batting average and on-base percentage (.495), and finished sixth in runs.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fc3gzhz7qrm49z6q player_id=none image=https://rutgerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]