Spencer Howard of Cal Poly will return to the Bells for the 2016 season. The Bells’ pitching staff ended the 2015 season with the lowest ERA in the West Coast League, and Howard will look to help defend that title again this season.

“Spencer provided us with many quality innings last season,” Vice President of Operations Nick Caples said. “With Spencer returning this year, we expect him to take on a large leadership role with the pitching staff.”

Howard appeared in 14 games for the Bells last summer, compiling a 1-0 record with a 3.17 ERA. In 17 innings pitched, Howard struck out 23, walked six, and notched one save. Howard was a redshirt freshman at Cal Poly in 2015.

In his first appearance in for the Bells in 2015, Howard struck out the side against the Wenatchee AppleSox in a 5-4 victory.

“We are looking forward to watching Spencer build on what was a great 2015 season,” noted Caples. “He was mainly used as a middle reliever last year, and we know that we are in good hands when he takes the mound.”

The Bells will begin their season on the road against the Kelowna Falcons. First pitch will be at 6:35 p.m. on June 3, 2016.