SLIPPERY ROCK — Never underestimate the importance of getting a leadoff hitter on base.

Prospect certainly knows the value of that adage and exploited it in Game 2 of Friday's Butler County American Legion Baseball Championship Series.

Prospect scored one run in four consecutive innings, each beginning with the leadoff hitter hitting safely, and went on to a 4-1 victory over East Butler at the Slippery Rock High field.

The win evened the best-of-three series with Game 3 to be played at 2 p.m. Sunday at Pullman Park. The winner will receive the BCAL's Region 7 playoff berth.

In those four innings, East Butler committed three errors, which helped keep Prospect (18-5) in control.

"Once you get that first guy on base, it gives you the chance to do a lot of things," said Prospect manager Paul Malley. "You can bunt the runner over, swing away — but it's always key to get that first guy on."

Leadoff singles in the second inning by Prospect's Brandon Ray and Ryan Ferguson and a wild pitch by East Butler pitcher Tony Rossmiller put runners at second and third with no outs.

After Sean LeFebvre struck out, Travis McDougall grounded into a fielder's choice. East Butler first baseman John Marra tried to get Ferguson, who was retreating back to second base. Marra, however, threw the ball into center field, which allowed Ray to score.

Prospect doubled its lead in the third when Jarod Agostino opened the inning with a single and Nick Cress reached safely when East Butler shortstop Ryan Armahizer tried for a fielder's choice at second but the throw was dropped.

Two batters later, Mark White grounded into a fielder's choice that drove home Agostino.

"They had runners at second and third (again) and put us on the defensive," said East Butler manager Dess Schnur. "Ryan was coming over to cover the bag and the throw was a little off target. That didn't make a big difference. We just didn't have enough offense to overcome our mistakes."

Starting pitcher Travis McDougall was up to the challenge of keeping Prospect's playoff hopes alive as he scattered five hits, struck out three and didn't walk a batter.

"Travis threw a heck of a game," said Malley. "When anyone does that and when you play defense, you're going to win."

"(McDougall) is very capable of throwing like that," said Schnur. "He had a real command of the ball and had it moving well."

Rossmiller also pitched a solid game, allowing eight hits, but had six strikeouts did not issue a walk.

Prospect added a run in the fourth inning on a two-out, infield RBI single by Jesse Badgett and in the fifth on an RBI double by Adam Brydon following a leadoff single to Cress.

"We played small ball (Friday)," said Malley. "We had plenty of opportunities, but we got what we needed."

East Butler (18-6) scored in the top of the seventh when Mike Bresnahan had a one-out single and moved to second when the ball kicked away from diving second baseman Jesse Badgett in shallow right field.

Brad Marra followed with an RBI single, but Greg Hays grounded into a fielder's choice at first base and Derek Hays grounded out to end the game.

After almost two weeks of playoff games, it now comes down to Sunday.

"I told the guys not to worry about (Thursday's 13-4 loss)," said Malley. "We know we can beat anyone. If we get the pitching, we know we can beat anyone."

Sunday's championship game will be a nine-inning affair.

"That'll be a test for both teams," said Schnur. "More opportunities for the offense. It'll help the team that goes on to (the Region 7 playoffs), since those are nine-inning games."

East Butler 000 000 1—1 5 4Prospect 011 110 x—4 8 0Nick Rossmiller and Ryan Geibel; Travis McDougall and Brandon Ray.

W: McDougall (3 K, 0 BB).

L: Rossmiller (6 K, 0 BB).

East Butler (18-6): Mike Bresnahan 1B; Brad Marra 1B, 2B, RBI; Derek Hays 1B; Ryan Armahizer 1B

Prospect (18-5): Nick Cress 1B; Adam Brydon 2B, RBI; Mark White RBI; Brandon 2-1B; Ryan Ferguson 1B, 2B; Jesse Badgett 1B, RBI; Jarod Agostino 1B

Sunday: Championship Game 3-Prospect vs. East Butler at Pullman Park, 2 p.m.