In 2012, then-sophomore pitcher Hannah Rogers led the Gators’ pitching staff with an ERA of 1.23, but a week into the 2013 season, the junior’s ERA is nearly a run higher at 2.13.
Rogers started two games at the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Ariz., last weekend and got the nod against Jacksonville on Wednesday. Through her first four games, the junior righty has not kept pace with her successful sophomore season.
In her first start, against No. 7 Oregon (4-2), Rogers was her normal, dominant self, tossing a complete-game shutout while giving up only five hits and punching out eight Ducks as the No. 5 Gators (6-0) won 1-0.
“It’s a lot easier to pitch when you have runs on the board,” Rogers said.
Fortunately for Rogers, Florida’s offense put a lot of runs on the board in its first week of play, scoring seven and 11 runs in Rogers’ next two starts. In those two games, Rogers gave up seven earned runs.
Rogers struggled in her second start, but it came against No. 9 California (3-2). The Golden Bears scored four runs on six hits off the junior, but Rogers struck out six without walking a batter.
The same cannot be said about Rogers’ start against unranked Jacksonville (3-2).
On Wednesday, Rogers pitched a complete game, but her command was off. In seven innings, Rogers surrendered seven hits and walked five batters while fanning five.
Rogers wasn’t the only one who had a hard time on the mound during the first week of the year.
Lauren Haeger started twice at the Kajikawa Classic last weekend, pitching nine innings total and surrendering four earned runs on eight hits. The sophomore righty struck out 11 batters and walked four, and has the highest ERA on the team — 3.11.
“I don’t think I did terrible,” she said. “But there’s tons of things I can work on.”
Both Rogers and Haeger will see more time in the circle this weekend when the Gators open up at home with the Florida Lipton Invitational, and coach Tim Walton isn’t worried about his pitching staff
“I think [Haeger’s and Rogers’ performance] has more to do with the early part of the season than it really does with them,” Walton said. “I think they tired out a little bit quicker.”
Sophomore Hannah Rogers throws during a 4-1 victory against Auburn last season. Rogers is working on lowering her ERA early in 2013.
