In the varsity baseball team’s second game of their series against Tualatin, Gabe Howard, junior, completed the game by getting no hits off of him. It was a no-hitter. Howard threw all seven innings and helped the team beat the Wolves 5—0. 

Prior to this game, the Lions hadn’t completed a no-hit game since 2019 when class of 2019 alum, and now Colorado Rockies draftee, Caleb Frazen threw a no hitter against no.24 ranked Bend High School. 

Howard and his teammate, Ryan VandenBrink, junior, work together to call the pitches. VandenBrink is the starting catcher and takes the place of the head coach who would normally call the pitches. Howard and VandenBrink have played together for much of their baseball careers and pitching coach, Tim Driscoll, knows that they’ll make the appropriate calls.

“It’s a true partnership that most people will never understand,” Driscoll said. “I trust them a tremendous amount.”

Howard has been a part of the baseball team since his freshman year and has spent a great deal of time with Driscoll, hence the trust he has in Howard. In eighth grade, Howard committed to play baseball at the University of Oregon (UO). 

“[Howard] is a born competitor,” Driscoll said. “He is very knowledgeable for his age and in the art of pitching.” 

As a coach, Driscoll was proud of Howard and what he accomplished but was equally proud and excited for VandenBrink. 

“The catcher is as important, and [VandenBrink] helped call a great game,” Driscoll said. 

Howard was awarded the game ball at the end of the game. Players who show the most excellence on the diamond get to take the ball home, following the game. 

“I was extremely emotional,” Driscoll said. “[Howard] feeds on being the best and supports his teammates like no other.”