The Atwater Aviators (18-28) built an early lead against the Alameda Merchants (22-20), scoring four runs in the first inning, en route to a 5-4 win on Sunday at Merced College.

The Atwater Aviators scored in the first on a two-run double by Rhet Montana, a solo home run by Devon Gradford, and a two-run home run by Gradford.

Gradford went a perfect 2-2 at the plate for the Atwater Aviators.

A bright spot for the Alameda Merchants in the defeat was Gunnar David, who allowed only zero runs while striking out five.

Brent Backlund recorded his seventh win of the year for the Atwater Aviators. He allowed four runs over seven innings. Backlund struck out five, walked two and gave up seven hits.

Michael Pope was charged with his second loss of the year. He lasted just four innings, walked three, struck out three, and allowed five runs.