Gama Martinez's two-run homer to right field in the first inning started it.

Andrew Czech's three-run homer to right field in the eighth ended it — at least the competitive portion of Chillicothe's 11-5 Prospect League win over the Butler BlueSox Tuesday night at Kelly Automotive Park.

In between, the basepaths were busy for the Paints.

“It was good to see us break out and hit the ball,” Chillicothe manager Brian Bigam said. “We had not been doing much of that before tonight.

“But it's early in the season. The hitters are still getting to know the pitchers.”

Even a couple of non-pitchers.

The BlueSox used catchers Kristian Webb and Kellen Sarver to pitch a scoreless ninth.

“This became a situation where the game was out of reach and with the new pitch count rules. We didn't want to have to burn a couple more bullpen guys,” Butler pitching coach Josh Forbes said.

“You never know when you're going to need arms.”

The BlueSox used six pitchers — including the catchers — on this night. Chillicothe had 23 baserunners on 14 hits, eight walks and an error. The Paints were not retired in order in any one inning.

“Too many runners — you're just not going to win giving them that many. That's something we have to fix,” Forbes said.

Butler recovered from the early 2-0 deficit to take a 4-3 lead in the fourth. Catcher Steven Kokoski — who had three hits on the night — tripled for the BlueSox to begin the fourth. He scored on Nick Mancuso's sacrifice fly for a 4-3 lead.

But the BlueSox advantage was short-lived.

BlueSox starter Jake Stout was greeted with a pair of singles to begin the Paints' sixth inning. Corey Burkes relieved him and did not retire any of the four batters he faced. Chillicothe wound up scoring three runs in the frame on four singles and two walks.

Czech's three-run homer in the eighth increased the Paints' lead to 11-5.

“I'm just getting to know these guys and it looks like we've got some pop,” Bigam said. “Both of those home runs were long ones.

“We usually struggle when we come to Butler, so this one feels good.”

The Paints had at least one hit in every inning but the ninth.

The BlueSox managed 10 hits. Kokoski had a triple, double and single while Andrew Chuba had a double and single, Damian Maglione a pair of singles.

“Jake settled down after giving up that early homer,” Forbes said. “He needs to live down in the zone. He has a good sinker and induces a lot of soft contact when he's down there.”

The BlueSox have dropped three of their first four home games. They begin a four-game road trip Wednesday night in West Virginia.

Butler's next home game is at 7:05 p.m. Monday, when Chillicothe returns to town.

Chillicothe 210 003 140— 11 14 1

BlueSox 120 101 000 — 5 10 2

W: Erik Demchuk 2IP (3K, 1BB). L: Corey Burkes 0IP (0K, 2BB).

Chillicothe (3-2): Drew Devine 2-R, Gama Martinez HR 2-RBI 2-R, Chad Roberts 2-1B 2-RBI, Andrew Czech HR 2B 3-RBI, Trace Hatfield 1B 2B, Cole Heavilin 3B 1B RBI, Wyatt Belinda 2-1B 2-R, Justin Fugitt 2B 2-1B RBI

Butler BlueSox (2-4): Andrew Chuba 2B 1B RBI, Damian Maglione 2-1B RBI, Grant Hannant 1B, Evan Webb 1B, Colton Carney RBI, Steven Kokoski 3B 2B 1B 2-R, Nick Mancuso 1B RBI

Wednesday: Butler at West Virginia