USAFA Colo. – Butler scored five of their seven runs in the top of the third inning, but would not be able to hold on for the win as the Falcons notched their 24th win of the season in the bottom of the 10th inning by the final score of 8-7. BU now heads into the final four games of the regular season with a 25-23 overall record.
The Bulldogs looked to be in control on Sunday afternoon after posting five runs in the third inning.
Kyle Smith would double to right centerfield which sent
Connor Dall around to score the first run of the game.
Harrison Freed also found room in right centerfield to score Smith making the game 2-0.
A two-RBI single to center came courtesy of
Brody McGrath and Butler would move out front 5-0 after an RBI single from senior
Zach Parker.
The game took a turn in the bottom of the fourth inning when Ready homered for the Falcons. The two-run shot gave the home team some momentum and Air Force would knot the score at 5-5 in the bottom of the fifth.
Butler got a sac fly from Smith in the sixth to regain their lead, but a wild pitch in the bottom of the frame would take the scoreboard to 6-6.
The 'Dawgs faced a 7-6 deficit heading into the top of the ninth, but a triple from
Jacob Margroff would give them new life.
The two teams entered the 10th inning squared up at 7-7. BU went down in order 1-2-3, but Air Force would lead off their 10th with an infield single. Small ball would be in play as a sac bunt moved the runner to second. Head Coach
Dave Schrage decided to intentionally walk Brown with two outs in the 10th.
With two on and two out, Butler would walk Gillman to load the bases and the game would end after another base on balls.
Kevin Napoleon was once again the Sunday starter for Butler. He struck out four batters over five full innings.
Quentin Miller and
Joe Graziano would both throw at least one inning for BU in relief. The loss would land on senior
Sam Hubbe (3-3).
Butler will return to action on Tuesday, May 14 with a game at Eastern Illinois. First pitch is scheduled for 4 PM.
