EAST BUTLER — Saxonburg and East Butler were separated by two runs entering the bottom of the fourth inning Thursday night at Speed-O Field.

East Butler's bats broke it wide open.

Every batter in the lineup scored once in a nine-run fourth and East Butler dropped Saxonburg 14-3 in a five-inning Butler County Legion baseball clash.

“This was really the first complete game we've had pitching, fielding and hitting,” said East Butler manager Steve Armahizer. “We've been in a little bit of a slump lately, so it was nice to see our boys come out and hit from top to bottom.”

Dustin Kepple started the runaway fourth frame with a leadoff walk, stole second and came around to score on Jake Stoner's second double of the game.

Clean-up hitter Tyler Crawford was plunked with the next pitch before East Butler reeled off five consecutive hits, highlighted by a two-RBI triple from Tyler Brown and an RBI double from Adam Harbison.

“It wasn't just our first four or five guys, but one through nine,” said Armahizer. “Everyone hit well tonight and that helps.”

Saxonburg (5-4) led 2-1 in the third inning after Hunter Balliet ripped a one-out triple and Ty Smith singled him home.

However, Smith was gunned down at the plate following a double from Taylor Sharer and East Butler (10-3) outscored Saxonburg 13-1 over the next two innings.

Armahizer admitted he didn't expect such a lopsided result.

“Not with Saxonburg. They're always a tough team,” he explained. “They hit the ball really well and the last time we played them I think we only won by three runs. It came down to the very end.”

Stoner pitched all five innings for East Butler, allowed three earned runs on seven hits, struck out five and walked three in 86 pitches.

“I haven't thrown actually in a couple of years now, but this year I started up again,” said Stoner. “I like it, it's fun.”

His manager was appreciative of the performance.

“Stoner is throwing real well,” said Armahizer. “It's nice being able to see him finish it out so we don't have to waste other pitchers.”

Stoner was also 3-for-3 at the plate, drew an intentional walk, scored three times and drove in three.

“I'm just trying to have fun, relax and trust in the Lord,” Stoner said.

Trevin Slater was also 3-for-3 for East Butler. The No. 8 hitter provided balance in the lineup with singles to left field in all three of his plate appearances.

“Trevin Slater busted out of a slump tonight,” said Armahizer. “It was nice to see.”

Sharer went 3-for-3 for Saxonburg. His first hit was a rocket off the left-field fence to score Smith in the top of the first, but was forced to settle for a single. He doubled in each of his following two at-bats.

Saxonburg manager Scott Shearer was encouraged by his team's performance before East Butler pulled away.

With a slew of games in a short period of time, he believes Saxonburg can iron out the wrinkles before playoff time.

“We're coming,” Shearer said. “We have a lot of baseball to play in the next week or 10 days. We're just hoping we get better and better.

“We're getting our time in and I liked what I saw for a couple of innings,” he added. “They walked away from this knowing they can beat that team if they play their 'A' game.”

Saxonburg 101 10x x — 3 7 3

East Butler 104 9xx x — 14 11 0

W: Jake Stoner 5IP (5K, 3BB). L: Drew Holben 2 1-3 IP (0K, 3BB).

Saxonburg (5-4): Hunter Balliet 3B, BB, R; Ty Smith 2-1B, SB, R, RBI; Taylor Sharer 2-2B, 1B, RBI; Chase Voltz 1B, SB, R; Levi Shearer BB; Cory Godlewski BB; Jesse Vereb RBI

East Butler (10-3): Dustin Kepple BB, SB, R; Tanner Gilliland 2-BB, SB, 2-R; Jake Stoner 2-2B, 1B, BB, 3-R, 3-RBI; Tyler Crawford BB, HBP, 2-R; Ryan McCrea 1B, BB, 2-R, 2-RBI; Tyler Brown 3B, 1B, R, 3-RBI; Adam Harbison 2B, R, 2-RBI; Trevin Slater 3-1B, R, RBI; DJ Osche 1B, R, RBI

Saturday: Slippery Rock at Saxonburg, 6 p.m.; East Butler at Valley, 6 p.m.