Adam Gregory struck out eight batters in just three inning and East Butler roared out to an early 7-0 lead on the way to an 8-2 win in the Butler County American Legion opener Thursday night.

Jamie Masciarelli had three hits for East Butler.

In other action:

• Phil Waller had three hits and Brandon Lamont doubled and singled to lift Butler City to a 5-1 win over Center Township.

Josh Marchinoski struck out all five batters he faced in relief for Butler City.

• Jordan Roycroft hit a grand slam home run to lead Butler Township back from an early five-run deficit in a 9-8 win over Mars.

Weston Hillegas struck out seven of the nine batters he faced as Mars led 5-0 after three innings.

But Hillegas left the game and Butler Township took advantage.

The game was stopped at the end of six innings because of darkness.

Zelienople 000 200 0—2 3 1East Butler 421 001 x—8 9 1Peliso, Haney (4, 2 K, 2 BB) and Davis; Adam Gregory, Greg Hays (4, 1 K, 1 BB), Chris Heller (6, 5 K, 3 BB), John Marra (7, 1 K, 0 BB) and Ryan Geibel, Jamie Masciarelli (5).

W: Gregory (8 K, 1 BB).

L: Peluso (1 K, 2 BB).

Zelienople (0-1): Peffer 2-1B, Haney 1B

East Butler (1-0): Bill Coleman 2B, Masciarelli 3-1B, John Marra 2B, Brad Cottage 2B, Brian Geibel 2B

Butler City 021 011 0—5 7 0Center Twp 100 000 x—1 7 4Don Beman, Josh Marchinoski (5, 5 K, 0 BB) and Ben Cress; Matt Maloy, Cody McGregor (5, 4 K, 2 BB)_ and Regan Young, Cory Campbell.

W: Beman (5 K, 2x BB.)

L: Maloy (3 K, 5 BB).

Butler City (1-0): Brandon LaMont 2B 1B, Phil Waller 3-1B

Center Township (0-1): Koch 2B 1B, Martini 2-1B, Maloy 1B 2B