Three first-inning runs helped the Gateway Grizzlies (27-28) to a 5-1 win over the Lake Erie Crushers (24-27) at GCS Ballpark on Saturday.

The Gateway Grizzlies scored in the first on an RBI single by Brandon Thomas, an RBI single by Tyler Tewell, and a sacrifice fly by Blake Brown.

Craig Massoni reached base three times in the game for the Gateway Grizzlies. He scored two runs and had two RBIs. He homered in the seventh inning.

Adam Eggnatz put together a nice outing. The Lake Erie Crushers managed just one hit off of the the Gateway Grizzlies' pitcher, who allowed no earned runs, walked three and struck out two during his six innings of work.

Steve Hagen was charged with his third loss of the year. He lasted just six innings, walked three, struck out two, and allowed three runs.