It was a wild night of Butler County American Legion baseball at Pullman Park Tuesday night.

Literally.

Butler City and Center Township pitchers struggled with their control, combining for 13 walks, 13 wild pitches and five hit batsmen as Center Township survived to win 10-7.

"It really was a good battle," said Center Township manager George Rader. "We really needed this win, and I tell you what, Butler City took us right down to the end."

The Center Township baserunners took the most advantage of the wildness.

Blessed with speed, Center Township didn't hesitate to move up a base on every errant offering.

Butler City pitchers uncorked seven wild pitches and hit two batters.

Center Township also took advantage of seven errors by Butler City.

"The first six kids (in our lineup) can all run like deer," Rader said. "We're going to be aggressive and steal a lot, hit and run. If someone bobbles a ball, we're going to take advantage of it."

Only two of the 10 runs scored by Center Township were earned, including four in the second inning on a rare four-run, four-base error.

With the bases loaded, Center Township hitter Ethan Rock and the three runners on base ahead of him all scored on a bobble and then a throwing error.

"You cannot play that kind of baseball and win," said Butler City manager Jerry Piroch. "It can't happen. We all know it."

Two errors on Butler City's first baseman were blamed on the bright Pullman Park lights.

"He told me he couldn't see the ball coming in from third and short," Piroch said. "Stand out there and look toward third. It's hard to see. He said he saw the ball coming out of the hand but lost it after that."

It was the first night game Butler City has played in more than two years, Piroch said.

"I guess if you have sunglasses, wear them," Piroch said.

Center Township leadoff hitter Zach Rader had a triple and scored three runs, Jake Thompson had a pair of singles and Zach Sessa doubled home a run.

Tay Ford also drove home a run with a single as Center Township made the most of its five hits.

The win keeps Center Township (9-2) in the hunt for the top seed in the Legion playoffs, which are fast approaching.

"We're doing OK," George Rader said. "We still have some things to work on, some fundamental things. But I'm happy with the performance. They are playing real hard. And the competition has been good. There are some pretty tough teams in this league."

Meridian 9, West Sunbury 2 — Grant Foley struck out seven and tossed a four-hitter in Meridian's win at Pullman Park earlier Tuesday.Foley also singled twice and Bobby Swartwout, Matt Dowdy and Tommy Chyberznski each had a double for Meridian (5-5).Heath Lominski tripled for West Sunbury (0-6).Josh Stockert pitched well for the first two innings for West Sunbury before Meridian touched him up for three runs in the third inning to chase him.He struck out three and didn't walk a batter in the outing.Stockert also singled twice for West Sunbury.

Butler City 300 012 1 — 7 6 7Center Township 141 301 x — 10 5 0W: Ethan Rock 4 2/3 IP (4 K, 5 BB).

L: John Cumpston 32/3 IP (1 K, 4 BB).

Butler City (2-8): Kris Ricker 1B 2-RBI, Dane Petricelli 1B 2-RBI, Josh Friel 2-1B RBI

Center Township (9-2): Zach Rader 3B 3-R, Jake Thompson 2-1B, Tay Ford 1B RBI, Zach Sessa 2B RBI

West Sunbury 000 100 1 — 2 4 0Meridian 003 141 x — 9 8 0W: Grant Foley 7 IP (7 K, 1 BB).

L: Josh Stockert 3 IP (3 K, 0 BB).

West Sunbury (0-6): Heath Lominski 3B, Spencer 2B, Stockert 2-1B

Meridian (5-5): Foley 2-1B, Bobby Swartwout 2B, Matt Dowdy 2B, Tommy Chyberznski 1B 2B