Three first-inning runs helped the Chillicothe Paints (22-9) to a 6-1 win over the West Virginia Miners (19-14) at Linda K. Epling Stadium on Thursday.

The Chillicothe Paints scored in the first on an RBI single by Ronnie Dawson, a steal of home by Zach Jacobs, and.

It was a good day at the plate for the Chillicothe Paints' Kurt Hoekstra. Hoekstra went 3-5, drove in one and scored one run. He doubled in the first inning and singled in the third and eighth innings.

Derek Moore pitched lights out for the Chillicothe Paints. The West Virginia Miners managed just one hit off of the the Chillicothe Paints' pitcher, who allowed no earned runs, walked none and struck out none during his three innings of work.

Despite the loss, the West Virginia Miners' Cody Pope dominated the Chillicothe Paints' batters, giving up two runs and striking out seven.

Matt Hopfner improved to 1-0 on the year by picking up the win for the Chillicothe Paints. Hopfner struck out none, walked none and gave up one hit.

Cody Smith couldn't get it done on the hill for the West Virginia Miners, taking a loss. He lasted just one inning, walked four, struck out none, and allowed four runs.