VANDALIA - The Aviators dropped a heartbreaker Wednesday night under the lights, falling to Troy 3-0 in the 11th inning of a pitcher's duel.
Butler starter Hunter Richardson who had just beaten the same Trojans on Friday afternoon, faced Troy once again - and as good as he was in the first match-up, he was even better the second time around.
The freshman dominated the Trojans for 10 innings, allowing just four hits while striking out an eye popping 15 batters.
Unfortunately for Richardson and the Aviators, Troy starter Andrew Helman was also throwing fire from the mound - striking out 10 and surrendering just one hit.
Unable to generate any offense, the Aviators and Trojans were both looking for that elusive run - knowing that the first team to plate one would likely come away with the key victory.
It would be the Trojans that would ultimately plate three critical runs in the top of the eleventh to grab the win and breathe life back into their MVL title aspirations.
With the victory and series split, the Aviators and Trojans now sit atop the MVL Miami division in a deadlock at 7-1.
It will now be a key series with Tippecanoe that will likely determine who will bring home the 2022 MVL hardware. Both teams are set to face off with the Red Devils later this season.
Butler will get Thursday off - but will be back at it Friday and Saturday with match-ups against West Carrollton and Springboro.