Being only two miles from each other, the rivalry game between Clayton and John Burroughs is always a game for bragging rights, and the game didn’t disappoint, with Clayton coming from behind with a 6-3 win on a cold, windy afternoon. Clayton starting pitcher, freshman John Howard, was the star of the game, and gave a glimpse of what should be a successful high school career.

With the demeanor of a seasoned veteran, Howard showed the ability to pitch under pressure and maintain his composure after a rough first inning when he loaded the bases and surrendered a three RBI double to Burroughs LF Nick Buelick. Howard went into shut down mode from there, allowing three base runners the rest of the game on three singles.

“I settled down after the first and concentrated on hitting the glove. I think I may have been over throwing a bit in the first inning,” said Howard on his performance on the mound.

The big hit for Clayton came off the bat of 1B Sam Horn, two RBI double the tied the game at 3-3 in the fifth. A fielder’s choice ground out by RF Jake Brown, scoring Horn put Clayton up 4-3, a lead that they would keep.

• John Howard (6-foot, 175-pounds) made his second start of the season, and has now pitched in eleven of Clayton’s twenty games. This is the first complete game of his varsity career. Howard’s fastball sat 81-83 mph, with a late moving 72-73 mph change up and an effective breaking ball that kept the Burroughs hitters off balance all afternoon. Howard also added a solo homerun, his first of the season, in the sixth inning to add an insurance run, putting Clayton up 5-3. 

Clayton head coach Craig Sucher on Howard’s outing, “John had the composure as a freshman to settle in and make quality pitches throughout, and trust his defense. It was a pretty savvy performance on his part.”

• Clayton 2B Justin Gellman picked up an RBI in the fourth inning, scoring 1B Sam Horn with Clayton’s first run.

• Senior CF Jeremy Philips from Clayton stole his twenty-second base in the first inning, tying him for third in the Metro St. Louis area.

• Burroughs CF Davey Holmes put on a display of defense in the outfield, showing great range and an accurate arm. 

• Buelick’s three RBIs in the first inning give him ten on the season, second most of the Burroughs team.

• Clayton improved to 15-5, while Burroughs fell to 8-5.

“These guys have played against each other their whole lives, and it is a rivalry where there is respect on their side for us and us for them,” said Clayton head coach Craig Sucher