PIQUA - Slump, snake bit, bad mojo - call it what you may, the Aviators are just not hitting the ball. For the second straight game, Butler was held scoreless this time falling to Piqua 2-0.
After a scorching 17-2 start to the season, which saw them plate an MVL best 178 runs - the Aviators have hit a bit of a skid. It's been 24 innings of scoreless baseball - so it's just a matter of time until something gives and Butler finds a way to break through.
With a logjam atop the MVL - the Aviators are hoping the dry spell ends sooner than later.
The Indians got things started early in this one, with pitcher Brayden Offenbacher helping himself out by driving an RBI double to the gap for a 1-0 lead. The game would remain within a run until the fifth inning, when Mickey Anderson scored from third on a pickoff attempt at second, increasing the Indians lead to 2-0.
The Aviators started the top of the sixth with back-to-back walks and appeared to be on the cusp of putting together a late rally. After the pair of walks, Offenbacher was relieved by freshman Hunter Steinke - and the young righty delivered, striking out the side to extinguish the threat.
On the mound, Butler got a combined effort by Jordan Taylor (1.2 ip, 1H, 2K), Alex James (3.1 ip, 2H, 3K) and Cason Bennett (1 ip, 2K). Offensively Cayden Borchers had the two lone hits for the Aviators.
Down as they are - the Aviators are not out of the MVL title chase. If Butler can win remaining games with Piqua, Tippecanoe and Stebbins they will clinch at least a share of the MVL Miami crown.
The chase continues tomorrow at Butler with a rematch against Piqua at 7:00 pm.