BUTLER TWP — In a tournament that’s seen runs scored in bunches, Butler’s lineup feels right at home.

In Friday’s elimination game, the 10U Little League All-Star squad wasted no time putting Knox/Rimersburg in a hole. Four runs in the first inning gave Butler a lead it never surrendered in a 16-6 win in four innings in a District 25 loser’s bracket final at the Meridian Fields.

The victors tallied 12 hits and posted a 7-run fourth frame that led to the game being shortened via the mercy rule.

“We beat Clarion, 11-2, in our first game, but didn’t score a run until the fourth inning,” said Butler coach Kevin Knapik. “Since then, our bats have come alive. I’ve been coaching these kids for three years and when we’re hitting, we’re tough to beat.”

Butler's Henry Manning slides safely into third base during Friday’s District 25 10U Little League All-Star baseball game in Meridian. Butler advanced in the tournament with a 16-6 victory. Steven Dalton/Special to the Eagle

The victory lands Butler in a 6 p.m. game Saturday in Franklin, which earned the king seat in the double-elimination tournament. If Butler wins that contest, the two teams will meet at 6 p.m. Sunday in Meridian with the championship on the line.

Friday’s game gave Butler a chance to avenge an 11-9 loss to Knox/Rimersburg in a second-round meeting on Monday.