Facing a five-run deficit in the bottom of the seventh inning, Meridian put East Butler on the ropes.

Jordan Rodgers supplied the punchout East Butler needed.

Meridian rallied for four runs and put the potential tying and game-winning runs at second and first, but Rodgers struck out Adam Schaffner to secure a 6-5 victory for East Butler in Butler County American Legion baseball action Tuesday at Pullman Park.

East Butler (14-3) scored two runs in each of the first two innings to claim an early 4-0 lead over Meridian (14-3) in a battle of the league’s top two teams.

“That’s huge for us,” said East Butler manager Steve Armahizer. “Starting out early, we’ve been struggling with that lately. It’s nice to see us come out with four runs in the first two, but then it kind of went cold there.”

Tyler Crawford kept East Butler in control with a strong performance on the mound. He struck out six in 6 1-3 innings and didn’t allow a Meridian baserunner to reach third until the fifth inning.

“He threw awesome tonight,” said Armahizer of Crawford.

Robert Stamm relieved Meridian starter Jacob Koerner with one out in the second and kept his team within reach.

Stamm pitched 5 2-3 innings and struck out three.

“Robert has done a terrific job. He’s been a horse for us all year,” said Meridian manager Butch Master. “He’s pitched tremendously tonight. That ball was popping. He throws hard.”

East Butler eventually solved Stamm in the top of the seventh with two key insurance runs. Jake Stoner ripped a two-out RBI double to score DJ Osche, before Crawford blasted a double over the center fielder’s head to bring home Stoner.

It turned out East Butler needed the extra offense.

“DJ started us off that inning,” said Armahizer. “Those runs were huge.”

Trailing 6-1, Jesse Saviski sparked the Meridian rally by drawing a one-out walk. Tucker Van Dyke and Koerner followed with back-to-back infield singles to load the bases and Adam Knauer drew a walk to make it 6-2 and end Crawford’s night on the mound.

Stoner replaced Crawford, but walked in a run and was quickly relieved by Rodgers. Matt Dowdy grounded into a fielder’s choice and the throw for a double play attempt skipped past first base, allowing two runs to score.

Rodgers intentionally walked Stamm after Dowdy stole second as the count went to 3-0, but escaped the jam with a called third strike against Schaffner.

“I was glad to see the guys come through,” said Armahizer. “We’ve got one more game this weekend, so hopefully we get another win there and roll into the playoffs with a lot of confidence.”

Stoner was 2-for-2 and reached base in all four of his plate appearances, while Osche, Tanner Gilliland and Ryan McCrea each recorded two hits apiece.

Van Dyke went 3-for-3 for Meridian. Saviski reached base three times and scored twice.

“Jesse Saviski is young kid and plays very well,” said Master. “He had a nice night at the plate and he does a good job. Jesse has really come on this year.

“It was a good ballgame,” Master added. “They’re a good team and I know we’ll play close in the playoffs.”

Note: Meridian catcher Justin Rickert left the game in the second inning and had to go to the hospital after suffering a shoulder injury while extending his arm to catch a high and inside pitch.

East Butler 220 000 2 — 6 10 2

Meridian 000 010 4 — 5 6 1

W: Tyler Crawford 6 1-3 IP (6K, 3BB). L: Jacob Koerner 1 1-3 IP (1K, 2BB). SV: Jordan Rodgers 2-3 IP (1K, 1BB).

East Butler (14-3): Dustin Kepple 1B, 2-RBI; Tanner Gilliland 2-1B; Jake Stoner 2B, 1B, 2-BB, 2-R, RBI; Tyler Crawford 2B, R, RBI; Ryan McCrea 2-1B, RBI; Jordan Rodgers BB, R; DJ Osche 2B, 1B, 2-R

Meridian (14-3): Jake Campbell 2-BB, RBI; Matt Dowdy RBI, SB; Robert Stamm 1B; Jesse Saviski 1B, BB, 2-R; Tucker Van Dyke 3-1B, R; Jacob Koerner 1B, R; Adam Knauer BB, R, 2-RBI