There was a time this season when the Butler BlueSox were consistently led by a potent offense.

Unfortunately for their Prospect League opponents, the team's pitching has caught up.

Thursday night, it was Alex Stobert's turn to frustrate opposing hitters. The Knoch High graduate pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits with six strikeouts and no walks as the Sox inched closer to clinching a playoff spot with a 6-0 win over Danville at Kelly Automotive Park.

Stobert improved his record this season to 3-1 and lowered his ERA to 2.25.

“It was great getting the complete game,” he said. “I was talking to (pitching coach Josh) Forbes. My pitch count was in the 80s after eight innings, but I told him I had some juice left. He said if I got to 100, they'd take me out. I ended with 102.”

The Dans (26-26) had precious few opportunities against Stobert, who needed to strand just five baserunners the entire game. His battery mate, catcher Rey Gonzalez, contributed to that. Gonzalez gunned down Welles Cooley and Nick Webre, who attempted to steal second base in the top of the third and seventh, respectively.

Gonzalez was also 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored.

“Rey's one of those guys, when he's in the lineup, you know he can make a difference,” said Butler manager Cody Herald. “Most of his starts have come at catcher this season.”

Gonzalez's run in the bottom of the second inning remained the only run of the game until the Sox batted in the seventh.

With two outs, Justin Kirkpatrick singled and Ben Carew and Tanner Murphy followed with back-to-back doubles to give Stobert a 3-0 lead to work with.

Following Murphy's RBI-double, Danville starter Ryan Gowens was relieved by Chase Nix.

Gowens managed a solid effort in defeat, striking out eight and walking one while allowing the three runs (two earned) on seven hits.

“I thought Ryan pitched well,” said Danville manager Eric Coleman. “We just ran into a buzzsaw tonight and I tip my cap to him (Stobert).

Damian Maglione's single drove in a fourth run in the eighth and a two-base error allowed two more runs to score.

All that was left was for Stobert to shut the door in the ninth, which he did after surrendering a single to Chris Colarossi and hitting James Govern with a pitch.

Strong pitching efforts have become a familiar sight for Herald.

“There's not much I can say anymore,” he said. “It starts to get repetitive when it comes to what our pitchers have done. Alex knew what he was capable of and he went out and did it.”

Butler (31-21) owns the best record in the Prospect League. The Sox host the Dans again tonight. First pitch is 7:05 p.m.

Danville is in the middle of its own playoff race. The Dans trail West Division leader Lafayette by 4½ games and second place Terre Haute by 1½. The top two teams in each division will make the playoffs.

“I don't think we can catch Lafayette,” said Coleman, “but we still have a chance to get second.”

Danville 000 000 000 — 0 4 2

Butler 010 000 23x — 6 9 1

W: Alex Stobert 9 IP (6K, 0BB). L: Ryan Gowens 6.2 IP (8K, 1BB).

Danville (26-26): Chris Colarossi 2-1B, Chris Monasmith 2B, Welles Cooley 1B

Butler (31-21): Tanner Murphy 2B RBI, Pavin Parks 3B, Rey Gonzalez 2-1B 2B 2R, Stefan Mrkonja R RBI, Patrick Ferguson R, Damian Maglione 2-1B 2RBI, Justin Kirkpatrick 1B R, Ben Carew 2B R RBI

Today: Danville at Butler