Chillicothe broke open a close game by scoring seven combined runs in the fourth and fifth innings in defeating the visiting Butler BlueSox 9-3 in Prospect League baseball action Wednesday night.

Butler starting pitcher Andre Jones was charged with five runs (four earned) on seven hits in four innings of work and shouldered the loss.

Reliever Jon Laird found the going just as rough, surrendering four runs on four hits in just 2/3 inning.

Butler first baseman David Marcus went 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI, raising his average to .369.

Danny Hrbek added a 3-for-5 effort in defeat.

Butler (14-11) is now 4 1/2 games back of Chillicothe (18-6) in the East Division standings. The Sox, who have to finish in first place to earn a playoff berth, play in Richmond (Ind.) tonight.