Delanie Gourley’s freshman season has been almost errorless.
Through her first four starts, the left-handed pitcher had already earned 22 strikeouts and held batters to a .208 batting average.
And in her home debut against Indiana on Friday, she continued to make her strides.
Following Hannah Rogers’ four-hit shutout against Troy on Day 1 of the Lipton Invitation, Gourley pitched her second career complete game while striking out nine batters in No. 1 Florida’s 3-1 win against Indiana at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in its second game of the night.
“She did a great job,” coach Tim Walton said. “I thought Delanie made pitches when she had to. Other than a couple of the little infield hits, I thought she really pitched well and was ahead a lot. … She showed some good composure. I don’t think she realized that the winning run was sitting at home plate.”
For the season, the Lakeside, Calif., native has a 2.17 ERA and is tied with junior Lauren Haeger with 31 strikeouts.
“I think that’s her makeup and her type. She’s pretty much ice-water-in-the-veins type of player,” Walton said. “She’s very calm, very collective. I thought she pitched well.”
While the Gators (14-0) had a strong performance in the circle, they struggled at the plate.
In a combined 46 at-bats against Troy and Indiana, Florida only recorded 10 hits while striking out eight times at the plate.
“I wasn’t too pleased with how we swung the bat, “Walton said. “But then again I think I’m going to have to give a little credit to the way Troy pitched and the way Indiana pitched. Both pitchers were hitting their spots and weren’t giving in to our hitters.”
Haeger was probably the most shocking at the plate. After hitting a two-run home run against Jacksonville on Wednesday, the Peoria, Ariz., native went 1 for 7 on Friday, including a 0-for-3 clip against Troy.
Despite her slump to start the Lipton Invitational, Walton isn’t concerned.
“She’s an All-American. She knows what she’s doing,” Walton said. “Today, she didn’t have her best day, but sitting where we’re sitting, I don’t think there’s any panic setting in.”
Follow Jordan McPherson on Twitter @J_McPherson1126
