Meridian scored eight runs in the first inning Tuesday night and cruised to an 11-1 victory over Mars in a mutual Butler County American Legion Baseball League opener.

Jimmy McCaslin was the winning pitcher, scattering three hits in the abbreviated five-inning game.

Joe Ference, Scott Cukovich and Kevin Ference each had two hits for Meridian. Jordan Foley scored three runs.

Derrick Allan's single plated Adam Keplinger with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth as Zelienople edged Butler Township, 3-2.

Brett Hancher and Allan had two hits each for Zelioenople. Greg Slack struck out eight and went the distance on the mound for the victory. Bell struck out 11 in a losing cause for Butler Township.

Mars 010 00x x - 1 3 4Meridian 802 01x x - 11 8 2WP: Jimmy McCaslin (5 IP) 3 strikeouts, 3 walks.

LP: Dallmus (2/3 IP) 1 strikeout, 3 walks

Mars (0-1): Lynch 2-1B, Skurko 1B, Clark RBI

Meridian (1-0): Joe Ference 2B 1B RBI, Scott Cukovich 2-1B GW-RBI, Marcus Ballew 1B RBI, Kevin Ference 2-1B 2-RBI, Jordan Foley 3-R, Aaron Ordy 1B 3-RBI, Jimmy McCaslin 2-R RBI 3-SB.

Thursday: Karns City @ Maras, Meridian @ Butler City