VANDALIA - The Aviators (2-0, 1-0) opened up Miami Valley League play with a 14-1 win over Piqua in five innings Monday afternoon. If the blowout win was a statement, senior Carson Clark added the exclamation point.
With the Indians on the ropes 11-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning, Clark sent Piqua pitcher Blane Ouhl's first offering deep over the centerfield fence, for a three-run shot and the final dagger.
Clark finished the game going 2-for-2 with three runs and three RBI. Kaden Echeman also had a fine day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three runs, two RBI and three doubles. Matt Heeter and Boston Smith also added two RBI in the offensive onslaught.
"Carson, Kaden and Boston stayed on it and swung it well," said Butler coach Trent Dues.
The runs were aplenty, and so was effective pitching for the Aviators.
Senior southpaw Quinton Hall put in a solid afternoon on the mound for Butler, allowing just two hits while striking out seven through four innings of work.
"Quinton didn't have his best stuff today, but he grinded through it," said Dues.
Fellow senior Cameron "Bitty" Hendricks came on in relief, striking out the side in the fifth and final inning.
"It was a good way to start league play," Dues said.
The Aviators and Indians will wrap-up the series Tuesday afternoon at Piqua, with the first pitch set for 5:00 pm.