PIQUA - Sophomore Paxton Dwenger delivered the winning run and senior Austin Flohre provided the fireworks, as Butler (14-4, 11-1) earned an impressive 2-0 win over Piqua (12-5, 12-1) Friday evening, handing the Indians their first MVL loss of the season.
In a game that was every bit the Hunter's duel it was billed to be, the hits and runs were scarce, but the Aviators were able to deliver when it mattered.
Aviators junior lefty Hunter Richardson (4-0) and Indians junior righty Hunter Steinke (5-2) backed by solid defenses kept things tight, each striking out five in the complete game efforts.
For Butler it was the top of the fifth inning when the Aviators broke through the stalemate. Senior Mitch Strehle drew a leadoff walk and senior Alex Ables doubled to put two aboard. Pinch hitter Paxton Dwenger hit a clutch liner to right field, plating Strehle for a 1-0 lead.
The Indians would turn a double play to get out of the inning - but in the top of the seventh inning senior Austin Flohre got into a fast ball from Steinke and sent it over the left field fence, and crossed the plate, jumping into a sea of purple jubilee.
The Indians had opportunities in the game, but the Aviators defense made a number of incredible plays to quell the Piqua momentum.
In the second inning freshman catcher Jackson Schilling picked up a Mason Davis bunt and fired a laser beam to second to nab an advancing Steinke. Two batters later, Davis would get caught up in a rundown between third and home for an inning ending out.
Later in the third inning with bases loaded, Owen Shawler sent a blooper to right field which dropped in, but Flohre came up firing and put a throw right on the dime as Schilling made the tag at the plate.
Butler will make a quick turnaround, returning to action on Saturday when they host Beavercreek (12-6, 7-3) at 12:00 pm.
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