VANDALIA - It's been a historic weekend for Butler Baseball to say the least. Back-to-back-to-back highly regarded and state ranked opponents coming to town, celebrating a senior class of eleven players - and honoring longtime assistants Steve Clark and Scott Thompson.
While the Aviators won't formally say farewell to Thompson and Clark until after the tournament concludes, the Aviators used the last home, regular season game to recognize the nearly 30-years that the tandem has devoted to Butler Baseball.
With big wins over Franklin and #15 Elder in the days leading up - the showdown with the Olentangy Orange Pioneers came with great anticipation.
Butler (25-2) beat Orange (23-3) by a score of 3-2 under the Saturday night lights, in front of a crowd north of 800.
The marquee match-up, billed by many as a potential state finals preview certainly lived up to the billing.
"What a great evening to honor Sparky and Chief," said Butler head coach Trent Dues after the game.
Lake Land commit Kaden Echeman (8-0) went the distance for Butler punching out seven with just four hits allowed. The senior right hander dazzled in a pitching showdown with Vanderbilt commit, and Pioneer's pitcher Matthew Wolfe.
Carson Clark and the Aviators defense was clutch all night, holding the Orange at bay on a number of occasions.
"Kaden threw a great game, as he pounded the zone all night and the defense was flawless behind him," said Dues.
The Aviators again were opportunistic at both the plate and on the base paths, making the most of what they had to work with.
With Wolfe dealing from the mound - there wasn't much to work with.
"We made the most of our seven hits, scraping across just enough to get the job done," said Dues.
Mike Masters and Kaden Echeman had key RBI's, while Boston Smith had two runs in the victory.
Butler now awaits Tuesday's game between Xenia and Springfield, to determine who they will host on Thursday, May 20th in the Sectional Tournament.