Butler Aviators crowned 2024 MVL Champs, Knock Off Nationally Ranked Moeller

The Aviators are the 2024 MVL Champs, finishing with a 17-1 conference record after an 11-0 win at Greenville in their final game of the season. Later, the Aviators (21-6, 17-1) won in another instant classic against Moeller Saturday afternoon, this one a 1-0, eight inning nailbiter at Kremchek Stadium.

Butler pitcher Mason Reckner (7-1) absolutely dominated from the hill for the Aviators, pitching a masterful 7 2/3 innings, holding the Crusaders scoreless while striking out an eye-popping twelve Moeller batters. Landon Case came out of the bullpen with two outs and bases loaded, and with ice in his veins induced the game winning flyout to centerfielder Brody Miller.

In typical fashion, the game was a tight one with both teams playing error-free baseball and despite Moeller outhitting the Aviators 7-1, a staunch defense and a couple of key pickoffs from Reckner and catcher Jackson Schilling stymied the Crusaders.

The breakthrough for Butler came in the top of the eighth inning when Alex Ables drew a one out walk.  An out and a stolen base later, Max Rubins ripped a line drive single to center field. Ables ran past the windmilling arm of head coach Trent Dues and slid headfirst into the plate and a laser beam throw from Crusader's centerfielder Will McCullough - just beating the tag for the hard-fought run.

The win is an exclamation point on another great regular season for the Aviators, and more importantly is a springboard into the postseason which starts next week.  Butler will return to action on Thursday, May 16th when they will host the winner of Tuesday's Springfield/Sidney game.