VANDALIA - Despite less than ideal conditions, the Aviators fought off the rain and an early 3-0 deficit to defeat the visiting Troy Trojans 7-3 Wednesday evening. The win completed a key division sweep that puts Butler in firm control of their divisional destiny.
It looked like a revenge game early, as Troy catapulted to an early 3-0 led in the first inning, thanks to a Ryder Kirtley laser beam homer to right field. Butler starter Mason Reckner (2-1) was undaunted, and settled in to hold Troy scoreless from that point.
The righty went four innings, and allowed just three hits after the first inning, striking out six Trojan batters along the way. Reckner was relieved by Alex Ables who earned the save in what was another solid relief outing. Ables allowed just three hits and struck out three.
Ice in his veins, the senior pitched out of a bases loaded seventh inning, inducing a game ending grounder to Max Rubins who flipped the ball to second baseman Landon Case, snuffing out any hopes of a miracle comeback for Troy.
Hunter Richardson had a huge day at the plate for Butler, going 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Austin Flohre put together a solid day as well, finishing 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
Mitch Strehle came through for the purple and gold, as he scored two runs and drove in an RBI in the big win.
The Aviators improved to 8-2 overall and 5-0 in the MVL. Butler will continue conference action on Friday, hosting West Carrollton at 5:00 pm.
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