VANDALIA - The Aviators secured a Sectional Title Thursday afternoon, with a convincing 13-1 win over West Carrollton.
For the Pirates it was the perfect storm that they had hoped to avoid.
Starting pitcher Hunter Richardson (8-0) struck out the first two batters, an ominous sign for what the rest of the day was going to look like for West Carrollton batters.
The dynamic freshman kept the Pirates off balance all game, striking out seven and surrendering just three hits through five innings of work.
"Hunter pitched a gem and we played good defense behind him," said Butler head coach Trent Dues.
The Butler bats gave Richardson plenty of support as well, plating seven runs in the first inning enroute to the run-rule win.
"It was nice to come out and get seven in the first inning to set the tone," said Dues.
Austin Flohre (2 RBI) and Gage Harestad (2-for-3, 2 RBI) doubled for Butler. Mitch Thomas (2 RBI) and Jayden Watkins (1 RBI) each went 2-for-3.
Max Rubins and Joe Mendy added an RBI each in the win, to advance to a District Semi-Final matchup against Centerville on Tuesday, May 24th.
"Survive and advance as they say, so one day at a time", said Dues.
It's a philosophy that has served Dues and the Aviators well - as the win was victory number 574 for the long time Butler coach and the Aviators 17th Sectional Championship under Dues.
For Butler, it's been a surprise season and one that the Aviators hope isn't going to end anytime soon.
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