Rob Howard pitched six shutout innings to lift the Carolina Vipers (14-21) to a 2-1 win over the Statesville Owls (19-16) at East Mecklenburg HS in eight innings.

Tyson Simpson Jr. was solid at the plate for the Carolina Vipers. Simpson Jr. went 3-4 and drove in one. He singled in the fourth, sixth, and eighth innings.

A bright spot for the Statesville Owls in the defeat was Keith Little, who allowed only one run while striking out six.

Ryan Mas got the win, running his season record to 1-0. He allowed one run over two innings. Mas struck out one, walked none and gave up two hits.

Landon Elks (0-1) was the game's losing pitcher. He lasted just 1 1/3 innings, walked none, struck out two, and allowed one run.