BUTLER TWP — Payback was swift for Butler Township.

The Butler County Area Baseball League squad scored seven times in the first inning, leading to a 12-0, five-inning victory over Pine Richland at Highfield Park Thursday evening.

Last Saturday, it was Pine Richland scoring a 6-2 win against Butler Township.

All 12 runs Thursday came off of PR starter Justin Lowe, who struggled with control with six walks in the first three innings.

“He came out throwing heat and some guys would go to the plate looking to swing right away against that,” said BT manager Tyler Friel. “But I liked our approach. We waited for our pitch and if you don't get a hit, a walk is the next best thing.”

The result moved both teams' records to 2-1.

Three of Butler's first four batters drew a free pass. Zack Slomers later singled in two runs while Braden Marcellus and Kyle Weitzel both drove in a run with a base hit.

“Seven runs in the first inning, that's a killer,” said PR manager Brad Ansell. “Plus, we just weren't hitting the ball. I don't think we were up for this one. We had a game (Wednesday, a 16-1 win over Saxonburg) and sometimes that happens when you play back-to-back days.”

Colby Anderson drilled a two-run double as part of Butler's four-run third frame.

Thomas Connell set BT down in order in the fourth inning.

Josh Bonetti started for BT and struck out one and walked one in two innings. Josh Grigoletti followed, working three scoreless innings before the mercy rule ended the game.

Grigoletti struck out four and walked none.

“He started for us against these guys last weekend and they hit him pretty good, scored all six runs in the first two innings,” Friel said. “(Grigoletti) is a good pitcher and it was good to get him out there. It's a confidence boost for him.”

Pine Richland 000 00x x — 0 6 1

Butler Twp. 714 0xx x — 12 9 0

W: Josh Grigoletti 3 IP (4K, 0BB). L: Justin Lowe 3 IP (4K, 6BB).

Pine Richland: Jonah Ansell 2-1B, Joe Connell 2-1B

Butler Township: Colby Anderson 1B 2B R 2RBI, Zack Slomers 2-1B 2R 2RBI, Bryan Presco 1B 3R RBI

Tuesday: East Butler at Butler Township