South Carolina softball standout earns SEC Pitcher of the Week
On Monday, the Southeastern Conference announced that South Carolina softball standout Jori Heard was the SEC’s Pitcher of the Week. It is the first such honor of her career.
As part of the Gamecocks’ undefeated 15-0 start, Heard has been dominant. Her effort last week included 15 innings pitched, zero runs allowed, and five hits allowed. All five of her hits allowed were singles. Heard tossed a complete game shutout against Boston University and earned two relief wins against North Carolina and UNLV. In total, she struck out more batters (12) than she allowed base runners (seven).
On the year, Heard is 7-0 with a microscopic 0.19 ERA and identically impressive 0.62 WHIP. The junior right-hander has been among the best pitchers in the SEC so far this season. Her ERA is the best in the conference among qualified players, and her .138 batting average against is eighth-best. Heard also ranks eighth in the league in innings pitched and total strikeouts. She has not allowed a home run this season, and that number–obviously–is the best in the conference, as well.
Heard has been the top arm so far for a South Carolina Gamecocks squad that has crashed the rankings party the past three weeks.
From the South Carolina Athletics release:
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – South Carolina softball junior Jori Heard has been named the SEC Pitcher of the Week as announced Monday (Feb. 24). It’s the first career Pitcher of the Week honor for her.
The right-hander finished the week 3-0 with a 0.00 ERA. She struck out 12 over 15 innings pitched, allowing five hits and two walks. Opposing batters hit just .100 against her while she did not allow an extra-base hit.
Heard opened the week on Tuesday throwing six innings of relief in an 11-3 run-rule victory over North Carolina. Against the Tar Heels, she struck out four while allowing two hits.
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She threw a complete game shutout Saturday against Boston University, an 8-0 six-inning victory. It was her third complete game shutout of the season. She struck out five Terriers while surrendering two hits.
Heard capped off her weekend earning the win in relief against UNLV on Sunday. She threw the final three innings of Carolina’s 9-4 comeback win. She allowed one hit while striking out three.
For the season, she is 7-0 with a 0.19 ERA, both of which rank third in the SEC.
Heard and the Gamecocks return to action Tuesday when they travel to Charlotte for a 5 p.m. first pitch.
For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.
