VANDALIA - It was a perfect day for baseball and the Aviators didn't miss their chance to shine. While it looked like Butler was on the way to another run-rule victory, Springboro battled late to thwart the blowout - but fell to the Aviators 14-7.
Jordan Taylor (5-0) earned the win for Butler, striking out five through 4 2/3 innings of work. Taylor was relieved by Jack Williams, who allowed just three hits, while striking out four in the final 1 1/3 innings.
The Butler bats again heated up, pounding out twelve hits as the Panthers helplessly went to their bullpen early and often.
Mitch Thomas had a great day at the plate for Butler, going 4-for-4 with 3 RBI. The senior DH was clutch for the Aviators.
Jayden Watkins (2-for-3; 5 RBI, 2 runs), Joe Mendy (2-for-3; 2 RBI, 3 runs) and Cayden Borchers (1-for-3, 2 runs) each doubled for the Aviators.
Cason Bennett (1-for-3; 1 RBI, 3 runs), and Hunter Richardson (1-for-2; 2 RBI) also had key hits in the win.
The win lifts Butler to 13-2 overall and 8-1 in the MVL. The Aviators return to conference action Monday evening at Fairborn.