SLIPPERY ROCK — There are big innings — and then there are really big innings.

The Butler BlueSox needed just one on Thursday against Slippery Rock, plating all 12 of their runs in the third inning on the way to a 12-0 victory over the Sliders in Prospect League baseball action at Critchfield Park.

Butler (6-7) picked up its third consecutive win following a five-game losing streak while Slippery Rock (4-9) dropped its sixth straight contest.

The BlueSox sent 16 batters to the plate in the third inning and had 10 hit. Eight of the 12 runs came after two outs.

“It's good to see the big inning,” said Butler manager Anthony Rebyanski. “I'm a pitching guy and I know how it is. My concern is you hope your offense can still put up a few more runs.

“It's not like the guys are not trying to score, but still you have to keep going. Baseball is a crazy game. We put up 12 in one inning. (Slippery Rock) could do the same, too.”

Still, Rebyanski was pleased with the huge inning, which came after the Sliders stranded five runners in the first two innings, including a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the second inning.

“They put the ball in play and we didn't and gave themselves a chance,” said Slippery Rock manager Andy Chalot. “We got up there and hit a weak pop-up and a strikeout.

“You don't want to give their defense a chance. If we can get three or so there, it may change some things.”

Slippery Rock starter Nick Umberger, who was the league Player of the Week last week, looked strong early, facing the minimum seven batters before the BlueSox erupted with one out in the third inning.

Bret Basilone and Butler graduate John Crummy singled before Stephen Vranka and Matt Berezo lined run-scoring singles for a 2-0 lead.

A fielder's choice plated another run before a walk to Jason Radwan loaded the bases.

Butler grad Evan Oswald had a run-scoring single. Taylor Juran flew out, but Freeport grad Ryan Siegel drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 5-0.

Chalot then brought in reliever Andy Heifner, who surrendered a bases-clearing double to Basilone, followed by an RBI double by Crummy and an RBI single by Vranka.

Berezo singled and a wild pitch moved both runners up to second and third. Shayne Houck closed out the rally with a two-run single for the 12-0 lead.

With the lead, Brad Duffy settled down and did not allow another hit over his next four innings. The Sliders picked up just one more safety the rest of the way, a two-out single in the eighth inning by Fred Ford.

Butler grad Zac Sessa closed out the game with a spotless ninth inning.

“We've struggled to hit this year with runners on base,” said Chalot. “I try telling the guys that less is more. When you scuffle like we are, guys press.

“I learned from a great coach that sometimes a kid giving 110 percent isn't a good thing. They try to do more. They need to stay within themselves.”

The BlueSox were able to shake off their losing streak and have rebounded quite nicely.

“Everyone is playing well,” said Rebyanski. “It takes one batter, one pitch to get going.”

Butler 00 (12) 000 000 — 12 14 2Slippery Rock 000 000 000 —0 4 0W: Brad Duffy 6 IP (8K, 3BB).

L: Nick Umberger 2.2 IP (1K, 2BB).

Butler (6-7): Stephen Vranka 2-1B, 2 RBI; Matt Berezo 2-1B, RBI; Shayne Houck 1B, 3 RBI; Jason Radwan 2B; Evan Oswald 1B, RBI; Taylor Juran 2B; Ryan Siegel 1B, RBI; Bret Basilone 1B, 2B, 3 RBI; John Crummy 1B, 2B, RBI; Brian Lares 1B

Slippery Rock (4-9): Kyle Brown 1B; Tell Taylor 1B; Fred Ford 1B; Radley Haddad 1B

Today: Slippery Rock at Butler