Howard breaks up no-hitter, but Claws lose 4-1
The Grasshoppers (27-26) took three of four from Lakewood, making this just the third series the BlueClaws (31-22) have dropped this season.
The 19-year old left-hander James (4-9) dominated Lakewood through five innings, but with a no-hitter on the line and one out in the sixth Leandro Castro became the fifth BlueClaw to draw a walk to bring up Howard.
After walking in his first at-bat on a full count and grounding out to second his second time up, the Phillies All-Star first baseman delivered a shot to left-center that one-hopped the wall and scored Castro to bring Lakewood within a run.
The RBI put Howard atop the BlueClaws all-time leaderboard with 92, and he was taken out for a pinch runner to a rousing ovation from the crowd of 10,032, the second-largest in Claws history.
Howard was making his second career rehab appearance in Lakewood and had his #29 jersey retired by the BlueClaws.
With the score at 2-1 Greensboro added a couple of insurance runs in the ninth. Jeff Corsaletti singled in two with the bases loaded and two outs off Mike McGuire.
Lakewood brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom half of the inning, but Keoni Ruth grounded into a game-ending 6-4-3 double play.
Alejandro Ramos picked up his league-leading 28th save, and his second of the series.
The hit to Howard was the only one Chad James let up in six innings, walking five and striking out three. Julio Rodriguez (3-1) pitched well for Lakewood but took the loss, giving up a run on two hits through five.
Saturday night at 7:05 pm the BlueClaws will start an eight-game road trip at Hagerstown. RHP Jonathan Pettibone (5-6, 3.75) faces Suns LHP Mitchell Clegg (9-1, 2.52).
- BlueClaws -