VANDALIA – What a night for baseball!
After three great match-ups to kick-off the Prep Baseball Report Spring Classic and a ceremonial first pitch by Butler great and new head football coach Zach Gueth, the Aviators were destined for big things.
While the outcome would ultimately not go the way of Butler, the tone was certainly set!
The Aviators went toe-to-toe with nationally ranked Moeller, falling just short as they dropped a 3-2 barnburner to the #1 state-ranked Moeller Crusaders in the PBR night cap.
Butler starter Evan Ables (7-1) was saddled with the loss despite having an incredible night on the bump for Butler, striking out seven and holding an explosive offense to just three runs. While the towering righty has shined all season, he brought especially great stuff tonight. Coming into the game, the Crusaders had only been held below four runs once all season.
At the plate the Aviators got hits from Hunter Richardson, Alex Ables and Sam Mitchell. Max Rubins contributed an RBI for the purple and gold.
While the outcome is not what the Aviators expected or wanted, it’s a great jumping point into the post season which will officially start next week. If tonight is any indication – Butler Baseball can hang with all comers and from here on out the rules are simple – survive and advance.