Meridian scored four runs in the first inning and added four more in the sixth to defeat Valley, 9-6, in the Butler County American Legion baseball playoffs Sunday night.

The game was played at East Butler’s Speed-O Field.

Eight players had hits for Meridian, which advances to play Saxonburg at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Laura Doerr Park.

Adam Schaffner and Jake Campbell both had two singles and two runs scored in the win. Justin Rickert had two singles and an RBI, Brandon Spinneweber a double and two RBI, Nick Malis a double and two runs scored.

Nick Robinson was the winning pitcher. Jeremy Illemo scored three runs for Valley.