ST. LOUIS — Senior pitcher John Howard is leading the NCAA Division III in wins at 9-0 with a current 1.15 ERA.
Howard, who went to Clayton High School, has a career record of 19-6 with a 1.79 ERA which is the second lowest in school history.
During the 2019 season, Howard was named UAA Pitcher of the Week on March 4, 11 and 25 and on April 22.
Both coach Pat Bloom and Howard have had great individual and team success this season and seem to have an influential relationship with one another.
“I work very closely with our pitching staff, so I have had more individualized opportunities to work with John like review film, improve technique and discuss tactics & game strategy. He has come a long way in his time with us, and he has proven to be one of the best pitchers at the Division III level for the past two years now,” Bloom said.
In 2018, Howard was a D3baseball.com All-America honorable mention, Central Region Pitcher of the Year and UAA Pitcher of the Year honoree.
“He has been so consistent for us in his career, but especially his last two years as our top starter. Every time he takes the mound, our team knows that we have a good chance to win, said Bloom.
“He is a tough competitor and someone who is very polished and advanced in his repertoire, pitch-ability, and in controlling the running game. Without question, he is one of the best arms that I have ever coached.”
Howard will start in game one on Saturday at Knox University, one of their last two games of the regular season.
They play a doubleheader in Galesburg, Illinois Saturday at 1 and 4 p.m.
The Bears will wait for the NCAA Selection Show on May 13 to find out their seeding and opponents for the NCAA Regional Tournament.
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