WEXFORD — Tanner Wilt's return to the starting rotation might just be the boost North Allegheny needs down the stretch.

He certainly showed he was back in full form against Butler Thursday.

Wilt struck out eight batters and allowed just one walk and one hit over five innings — the lone hit a two-run homer by Tyler Slepski in the fifth inning — as the Tigers kept their playoff hopes alive with a 9-2 victory over the Tornado.

“We still have Tanner on a limited pitch count,” said Tigers coach Andy Mattix. “He gave us a great game.”

Wilt returned to the team on April 14 in a 4-2 win over Butler and pitched the final two outs of the game.

Since then the senior has increased his workload, just coming out of the bullpen.

“(Wilt) worked ahead of our hitters, then threw strikes where he had to,” said Butler coach Todd Erdos. “He's a good pitcher and he came to pitch.”

The Tigers (10-4, 5-4) broke through in the third inning when, with one out, Butler starter Matt Baranchak walked Nick Sell, then allowed a double to Anthony Wolosik before Cody Gaertner lined a two-run single.

The Tigers built on their lead in the fourth inning, plating four more runs to chase Baranchak.

A walk, a hit batsman and an infield single by Max Lewandowski loaded the bases.

After a force out at home on a grounder by George Marsico, Sell belted a three-run double. Two batters later, Gaertner added another RBI single for a 6-0 advantage.

Slepski's home run, which followed David Tompkins reaching base via hit batsman, gave the Tornado (10-3, 6-3) some life.

Pinch-hitter Zach Rader walked with two outs and stole second base, but Colin Williamson grounded out the end the inning.

“(Wilt) was getting tired because he's not used to being out there,” Erdos said. “We pecked away and if we got another run there with a couple of innings left, you never know.

“It was another learning experience ... They took advantage of their opportunities and we're not able to,” Erdos added.

The Tigers tacked on three insurance runs in the sixth inning when Wolosik had a run-scoring single and Wilt a two-run single.

“The last time we played Butler, it felt like a must-win, but it really wasn't,” said Mattix. “With this game, absolutely.”

And with a healthy Wilt, the Tigers just got a surge of energy they hope to ride.

“With all indications in relief, we knew he would give us a good start,” Mattix said. “Our guys, seeing him on the mound, lifts us. The guys know he's back.”

Notes: Bobby Swartwout's single in the sixth inning and Slepski's single in the seventh, both off Kevin Monper, were the Tornado's only other hits.

Butler 000 020 0 — 2 3 1North Allegheny 002 403 x — 9 9 1W: Tanner Wilt 5 IP (8K, 1BB).

L: Matt Baranchak 3.1 IP (0K, 3BB).

Butler (10-3, 6-3): Tyler Slepski 1B, HR, 2 RBI; Bobby Swartwout 1B

North Allegheny (10-4, 5-4): Nick Sell 2B, 3 RBI; Anthony Wolosik 1B, 2B, RBI; Cody Gaertner 3-1B, 3 RBI; Tanner Wilt 1B, 2B, 2 RBI; Max Lewandowski 1Bx

Today: Shaler at Butler (Pullman Park); North Allegheny at Fox Chapel