BUTLER TWP — The Butler baseball team celebrated Senior Recognition Night with a win Monday.

But Golden Tornado coach Dave Florie is hoping his team has more to cheer about later this week.

A 9-5 nonsection win over visiting Ambridge improved Butler's overall record to 12-5.

The only regular season games remaining on the team's schedule are two crucial section contests: at Fox Chapel Wednesday and against Seneca Valley Friday at Pullman Park.

The outcome of those two games could determine whether or not Butler (6-4 in the section) makes the WPIAL playoffs.

Florie watched his team follow up a recent three-game section losing streak by winning two straight nonsection affairs, beginning with Saturday's 15-10 win at Canon McMillan.

"Our kids are smart enough to know that there's a big difference between nonsection and section games," said Florie. "We still have to go out and play well against Fox Chapel and Seneca.

"Our main goal tonight was to get the seniors in the game."

Butler led 9-2 after five innings, then withstood a late rally by the Bridgers.

The Tornado used five pitchers, with C.J. Miller throwing the final 1Z\c innings and forcing the Bridgers to strand five baserunners in the sixth and seventh frames.

Cody Pilarcik (2 IP), Joe Malardie (2), Tyler Slepski (1) and Ryan Fennell (X\c) preceded Miller.

Malardie picked up the win after allowing one run on three hits, striking out two and walking one.

Slepski struck out the side in the fifth, preserving what was at the time a 7-2 edge.

"Tonight was a learning experience for all the guys that pitched," said Florie.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the third inning, Butler scored three times to take a lead it would never give up.

The Tornado's Roman Bargo led off with a double, moved to third on Miller's groundout and scored on a wild pitch.

Ian Jewart later drew a bases-loaded walk before Malardie drove in another run on a groundout.

The Bridgers (4-12) actually outhit Butler, 9-8.

Zach Nichi smacked a two-run double in the top of the sixth to cut Butler's lead to four runs, but Ambridge would get no closer.

"We've been getting better on offense all season," said Bridgers coach Scott McGee. "The biggest thing is that we're having better at-bats."

Ambridge 011 003 0 — 5 9 3Butler 103 320 x — 9 8 2W: Joe Malardie 2 IP (2 K, 1 BB).

L: John Sherrock 2 IP (1 K, 2 BB).

Ambridge (4-12): Kolby Addis 1B R, Tyler Krokonko 2-1B, Zach Nichi 2B 2 RBI, Jesse Grundza R RBI, John Sherrock 2B RBI, Mark Meder 1B, Joey Bachor 2-1B 2R, Joey Savage 2B R

Butler (12-5): Roman Bargo 1B 2B 2R, C.J. Miller 1B, John Crummy 2B 2 RBI, Ryan Fennell 1B R RBI, Cody Montgomery 1B, Ian Jewart 1B RBI, Zac Sessa R, Wes Henderson R, Mike Hartman RBI, Bobby Swartwout 1B RBI, Mickey Fennell RBI, Tyler Slepski R, Colin Williamson 1B, Cody Herald 2R

Wednesday: Butler at Fox Chapel