BUTLER TWP — Knowing that his team had already wrapped up the Section 1-AAAA title, Seneca Valley coach Eric Semega didn't want to see a letdown with the WPIAL playoffs looming next week.

His team certainly didn't let him down.

The Raiders used a six-run fourth inning — highlighted by a bases-clearing double by Dan Jergel — to blank Butler 10-0 in five innings at Highfield Park.

The Raiders (17-2, 11-1) banged out 12 hits while Kyle Helisek limited the Tornado (12-6, 8-4) to just two hits.

"Not that there was a lot of pressure on us today, but you never want to go in without a purpose of the game," said Semega. "We wanted to start our run for the playoffs mentally and physically so next week we'll be ready."

The Raiders jumped on Matt McCormick as the first four batters he faced reach base.

Ken Walrond walked on four pitches, then Mike Eonta had an RBI double, Tyler Bream a run-scoring single and Jergel a single to put runners on first and third.

Greg Hays came in to relieve McCormick and surrendered a sacrifice fly to Andrew Fornadel before getting out of the inning.

The Raiders made it 4-0 in the third inning when Jergel's RBI single drove home Bream, who opened the inning with a double.

Butler had a chance to climb back into the game in its half of the frame when, after two outs, Helisek walked Darren Blakley and Jeff Slater lined a single.

An error on a pickoff throw moved both runners up, but Helisek struck out Tim Geibel to end the threat.

"We saw him the first time and he was as tough the first time," said Butler coach Dave Florie, whose team lost to Seneca 7-1 on April 16. "We were able to get the bat on it the last time. This time, not so much.

"Pitching still wins the game. He really put on a show. (Seneca Valley's) so good. They're the whole package," Florie added.

Helisek finished with nine strikeouts and one walk en route to the win.

"He had command of his pitches," said Semega. "Every pitch went where he wanted and when he changes speeds ... wow!

"He struggled his last two outings, so this was a big confidence booster for him,"Semega added.

The Raiders broke the game wide open in the fourth inning as seven of the first eight batters reached base.

Jergel's three-run double started the outburst before Fornadel added an RBI triple.

After Phil Double was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game, Ryan Turner blooped a run-scoring single for a 9-0 lead.

Shaine Patsilevas would add an RBI single that would be the final run scored in the game.

Both teams will await the WPIALplayoff pairings, which will be held Friday. The Tornado, who finished third in the section, will mark their first trip to the postseason since 1995.

"To make the playoffs in this section is an achievement," said Florie. "What we did today should have no bearing on what we've done this year.

"We came out flat for this game and I don't know why and we got flatter when (Helisek) struck out the side in the first inning.

"They'll get it out of their minds ... but they have to be ready. You have to be a self-starter when you go out on the field,"Florie added.

For the Raiders, defending the PIAA championship won't be easy.

"This year, we thought it would be a little more difficult," said Semega. "In the beginning, I think they could feel the pressure. Now, it's a whole new season. Just one game at a time, focus and see how far you advance.

"They're a confident group," Semega added.

Seneca Valley 301 60x x—10 12 2Butler 000 00x x—0 2 1W: Kyle Helisek 5 IP (9 K, 1 BB).

L: Matt McCormick 0+ IP (0 K, 1 BB).

Seneca Valley (17-2, 11-1): Mike Eonta 2B, RBI; Tyler Bream 2-1B, 2B, RBI; Dan Jergel 2-1B, 2B, 4 RBI; Andrew Fornadel 3B, RBI; Phil Double 1B, 2 HBP; Ryan Turner 1B, RBI; Shaine Patsilevas 2-1B, RBI, SB

Butler (12-6, 8-4): Jeff Slater 1B; Roman Bargo 1B

Today: Seneca Valley at Burrell