CALLERY — When you're hitting has been inconsistent all season, an elimination game is a great time to bang out the hits.

Saxonburg followed that recipe Tuesday.

With the game against Mars knotted at 4, Saxonburg plated four runs in the fourth, fifth and seventh innings to roll to a 16-6 Butler County American Legion baseball playoff victory that put the team in the consolation bracket final against Zelienople.

That game will be played at 6 p.m. today at Pullman Park, followed by the winners bracket final of Meridian vs. Center Township at 8.

Consecutive RBI doubles by Cody Beacom, John Campbell and Garrett Shaw with two outs highlighted the four-run fourth, then Beacom's bases-clearing double and a solo homer by Campbell gave Saxonburg (10-6) a 12-4 advantage.

"During the season, we had players missing because of work or on vacation or graduation parties," said Saxonburg manager Ed Beacom. "We had to change the lineup a little right at the end.

"The way we were hitting, I wasn't sure how well we would play. Once we got on top, we kept going," he added.

Saxonburg totaled 15 hits, led by three doubles and five RBI by Cody Beacom, a single, a double, a home run and three RBI from Campbell, and a single, a double and four RBI by Zane Voltz.

"I can't take anything away from Saxonburg," said Mars manager Bill Trapp. "They're hitting their stride now. I'm glad for them.

"I can't take anything away from our guys, though. They put their hearts into it. We just didn't get the breaks in the second half like we did in the first half," Trapp added.

Mars (11-6) opened the schedule with an 8-0 start.

After Campbell's two-out RBI single in the first inning, Mars answered in the second inning when Ryan Wotus and Nick Vranich had fielder's choice RBI to make it a 2-1 contest.

Saxonburg responded with a three-spot in the top of the third as Shaw drew a bases-loaded walk, then Voltz followed with a two-run single for a 4-2 lead.

In the home half of the inning, Mars tied the game when, with two outs, Luke Gruber and Andrew Rush had back-to-back RBI single and double, respectively.

In the fourth inning, Saxonburg strung together another big inning, but this time Mars was unable to answer.

Four runs on four hits in both the fourth and fifth innings was too much for Mars to overcome.

Gruber pitched 4Z\c innings, allowing 11 runs on 10 hits for Mars. His Saxonburg counterpart, Mark Keck, went four innings, surrendering four runs on six hits.

Saxonburg 103 440 4 — 16 15 1Mars 022 010 1 — 6 10 3W: Mark Keck 4 IP (1K, 0BB).

L: Luke Gruber 4⅓ IP (1K, 4BB).

Saxonburg (10-6): Mark Keck 1B; John Zang 2-1B; Cody Beacom 3-2B, 5 RBI; John Campbell 1B, 2B, HR, 3 RBI; Garrett Shaw 2B, 2 RBI; Zane Voltz 1B, 3B, 4 RBI; Ryan Letzelter 1B, 2B; Jake Smith 1B

Mars (11-6): Blake Friday 1B, 3B; Luke Gruber 1B, 2B, 2 RBI; Andrew Rush 2-1B, 2B, 2 RBI; Kevin Shebek 2B; Ryan Wotus 1B, RBI; Nick Vranich RBI; Jeff Quail 1B

Today: Saxonburg vs. Zelienople, 6 p.m. Pullman Park

Zelienople 14, East Butler 5 — Blaine Bartley went 4-for-5 and Zak Muto was 2-for-4 to lead Zelie's offense Tuesday.Alex Crawford pitched a complete game in the win.