SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Butler BlueSox are doing their best to keep their playoff hopes alive.

David Marcus hit his Prospect League-leading 11th home run and Zach Spangler worked a perfect ninth for his 18th save as Butler edged Champion City, 3-2.

Butler, though, still remains 2 1/2 games back of East Division leader Chillicothe with three games remaining. The Paints edged Hannibal, 3-2, in 10 innings.

Marcus’ homer was a two-run shot in the top of the third inning and gave the BlueSox (18-12 in the second half) the lead for good at 3-1.

Marcus, who was named Prospect League Player of the Week earlier in the day, is now batting .372 with 11 homers and 49 RBI.

He leads the league in home runs, RBI, hits, total bases, doubles, extra-base hits and slugging percentage.

Larry Wood got the win for Butler, striking out four and scattering seven hits in seven innings of work.

Tim Faix struck out two in the eighth inning, setting up Spangler for the save.

Matt Hansen added a pair of hits for Butler and raised his average to .343.

Butler returns home today to host Kokomo at Kelly Automotive Park.

Butler High graduate Tyler Slepski is slated to start against the Jackrabbits.