Former 'Cane Howard tosses complete-game shutout vs. Rome Braves

Former Cartersville High School and Georgia Southern University southpaw, Sam Howard, continued his 2015 season success against the Rome Braves Monday night in Asheville as he and the Class A Tourists blanked Rome, 2-0.

In 21 1/3 innings against Rome this season, Howard is now 1-1 with an 0.84 ERA. The Tourists are now 19-11 in the second-half of the South Atlantic League standings and are the defending champions.

Following Monday’s victory, the Colorado Rockies’ prospect told reporters he used a mixture of off-speed pitches and an inside fastball to keep the Braves off balance.

He needed only 81 pitches for his complete game shutout.

Howard improved to 1-1 with an 0.84 ERA in 21 1/3 innings against Rome this season. The win boosted the Tourists' second-half record to 19-11 in their defense of the South Atlantic League crown.

In 18 starts for the full season, Howard is now 6-8 with a 3.55 ERA in 91 and 1/3 innings pitched.