Cal Poly starting pitcher Spencer Howard was drafted 45th overall (2nd round) by the Phillies in the first day of the Major League Baseball draft on Monday night. Howard, who was the Mustangs’ Saturday starter this past season, was 8-1 with a 2.05 ERA in 2017. He struck out 97 batters and walked just 23 in 87 innings.

Spencer Howard became the highest Cal Poly draft pick since Mitch Haniger went 38th overall in 2012. By Owen Main

Howard is the third Mustang drafted by the Phillies in recent memory. Brett Barbier was drafted in the 16th round by the Phillies last year and Matt Imhof went 47th, also in the second round, to Philadelphia in 2014. 

Imhof was a member of the Cal Poly coaching staff this past season while he finished his degree. 

A redshirt sophomore and local (Templeton, CA) product, Howard is the highest draft pick from Cal Poly since Mitch Haniger went 38th overall in 2012. 

On Wednesday, eight Cal Poly baseball players earned All-Big West honors for the 2017 season. 

Sophomores Alex McKenna (outfielder), Spencer Howard (pitcher), and Kyle Marinconz (second baseman) were all named to the conference’s first team. 

Spencer Howard was one of eight Cal Poly Mustangs who made the all-Big West team in 2017. By Owen Main

Mustangs named to the second team were first baseman Michael Sanderson, catcher Nick Meyer, infielder Bradlee Beesley, pitcher Erich Uelmen, and pitcher Michael Clark. 

The Mustangs finished the season in sole possession of second place in the Big West Conference, but failed to make a regional due to subpar non-conference play.

Howard, Uelmen, and Marinconz are all draft-eligible underclassmen and Sanderson, who was injured making a diving catch in the first inning of his final game completed his senior season.

Long Beach State dominated conference play and the individual non-conference postseason awards. The Dirtbags will host the toughest regional in the NCAA tournament starting this weekend.