MARS — Rob Fester was good.

Nate Buttenfield was great.

The latter, making his first start for Saxonburg I since a Game 3 win over Zelienople in the Eagle County League semifinals last Tuesday, pitched a gem on Saturday at Marburger Field.

Buttenfield shutout a dangerous Mars I lineup on just two hits in a 2-0 win that gives his team a one-game advantage in the best-of-five championship series heading into today's second game at Highfield Park.

The performance spoiled an otherwise solid outing from Mars starter Rob Fester, who gave up just two runs on six hits in seven innings.

"Nate's a great pitcher," said Fester, also his team's coach. "And he had it going on tonight."

Buttenfield had Mars' hitters on their heels the entire game.

The only blemishes on his performance were singles to Fester in the bottom of the second and an infield base hit to Rob Arata with two outs in the fourth frame.

After Arata reached safely, Buttenfield retired the final 10 batters he faced in order.

He struck out eight and did not issue a walk.

"It was an outstanding performance," said Saxonburg coach Dan Cunningham. "He came in and challenged their hitters, many of them he had never faced before."

Buttenfield lost no velocity on his fastball during the course of the game. He closed the contest in style by striking out the side in the bottom of the seventh inning.

"I get pretty pumped toward the end of a game," Buttenfield said. "My arm feels really good and my fastball and two-seamer were both working well."

As it turned out, Saxonburg right fielder Jason Curry provided Buttenfield with all the run support he would need in the first inning.

Curry came to the plate with the bases empty and two outs before depositing Fester's pitch into the trees beyond the center field fence for a quick 1-0 edge.

"We knew it would be tough scoring runs today," Cunningham said. "And to see that run on the board right away, it was a big lift for us."

Fester then clamped down on Saxonburg's attack, allowing just three base runners over the next four innings combined.

Saxonburg did get an insurance run in the top of the sixth when Phil Butch led off with a base hit, stole second and scored on Brendan Malone's single to center field.

Now the series shifts to Saxonburg's turf at Highfield Park.

Mars is making its first appearance in the finals since 2003 and Cunningham knows his team's opponent will be pulling out all the stops to even the series.

"(Mars) wants it just as bad as we do," he said. "I'm expecting it to be a very tough series."

"You've gotta win three games," said Fester. "That's what it comes down to and Saxonburg has an early jump on it."

Saxonburg I 100 001 0—2 6 0Mars I 000 000 0—0 2 0WP: Nate Buttenfield (7 IP) 8 strikeouts, 0 walks.

LP: Rob Fester (7 IP) 5 strikeouts, 1 walk

Saxonburg I: Phil Butch 1B R SB, Brendan Malone 2-1B RBI, Jason Curry HR R RBI, Steve Hall 1B, Blake Jurena 1B SB

Mars I (28-3): Rob Arata 1B, Rob Fester 1B

Today: Mars I vs. Saxonburg I, Game 2, 6 p.m. @ Highfield Park