VANDALIA - The Skyhawks had no answer for sophomore lefty Hunter Richardson and senior Tyler Bradford, as the duo combined for a no-hitter, lifting Butler to 11-5 overall and 6-3 in the MVL with a 6-0 win over Fairborn.
Through five innings of work, Richardson (4-3) kept Fairborn baffled as he mowed down 11 of his 18 batters faced enroute to the win.
Righty Tyler Bradford came on in relief to start the sixth inning and did a nice job of pitching out of a bases loaded jam, striking out two. A ground out and double play in the seventh put the Skyhawks away.
The Butler bats came on in support scattering eight hits, as sophomore Mason Reckner and junior Alex Ables each doubled.
Senior Jayden Watkins (1-for-1) had a day at the plate, racking up four RBI, while Richardson (1-for-1, 1 run) helped his own cause with a RBI. Sophomore Max Rubins went 2-for-3 with a run and junior Sam Mitchell was 1-for-3 with a run.
The Aviators and Skyhawks will play the series finale on Tuesday at Fairborn with a 5:00 pm start time.