Howard Sharp in Return, Threshers Falter Late to Cardinals
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Spencer Howard whirled a gem in his return from the injured list, but the Clearwater Threshers' bullpen allowed six runs after the sixth inning in a 7-2 loss to the Palm Beach Cardinals at Spectrum Field on Monday night. The defeat extends the Thresher's home losing streak
CLEARWATER, Fla. -
Howard was lights out in his return to Clearwater's (48-39, 12-9) pitching staff. The hard throwing right-hander struck out the side the first four batters he faced to set the tone, and allowed just one baserunner through the first three frames.
The Philadelphia Phillies fifth-ranked prospect (MLB.com) finished the night with seven punch outs across four innings of work. Of the starter's 56 pitches, 40 went for strikes.
Palm Beach (41-42, 6-13) could not figure out Howard's stuff, as the 22-year-old finished with seven strikeouts through four shutout frames. Howard pitched in his first game for the Philadelphia Phillies' affiliate since April 23.
Clearwater struck first against Cardinals' lefty
The lead would shrink in the fifth with
The Cardinals rallied against Brown again in the seventh after the first two batters reached. Luna grounded a pitch from Brown over to short to plate
The Threshers were stunned by a four-run eighth with
Clearwater aims to even the four-game series against Palm Beach on Tuesday night at Spectrum Field. It is yet to be determined who will start for either team in game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. with coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m. with Threshers Live! The Pregame Show on threshersbaseball.com.
Dollar Tuesday returns to Spectrum Field for tomorrow's contest. Berm tickets are just $1 and available at walk-up at Spectrum Field. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs, 16oz fountain sodas, chips, peanuts and more.