Howard records first MLB strikeout in Rockies' loss at Dodgers

With the National League West up for grabs down the stretch, the Los Angeles Dodgers overpowered the Colorado Rockies Monday night, 8-2 at Dodger Stadium. The one-sided victory put the Dodgers a half-game above the Rockies in the division race with the two contenders set to continue the three-game series Tuesday and Wednesday.

Cartersville native Sam Howard was one of five Rockies’ pitchers utilized in the game. Starter Jon Gray suffered the loss after surrendering six earned runs in just two innings of work. Harrison Musgrave, D.J. Johnson, and Bryan Shaw also worked in relief for Colorado.

Howard worked a scoreless eighth inning, but did allow a hit, a walk and a hit batsman. He also recorded his first Major League strikeout against Matt Kemp who went down swinging on a 3-2 pitch with one out and one on base.

Howard managed to get out of his bases loaded situation in the frame by getting Max Muncy to pop up on the infield.

Monday was the 25-year-old southpaw’s third-ever MLB appearance and his first against the Dodgers. He has now worked three Major League innings without allowing a run.

Howard made 21 starts in 2018 for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. He finished with a 3-8 mark and worked 96 innings with a 5.06 ERA. He fanned 80 and walked only 34.