The Alameda Merchants (2-6) built an early lead against the South Bay Storm (2-6), scoring five runs in the first inning, en route to a 8-3 win on Thursday at CSU East Bay.

The Alameda Merchants scored in the first on an RBI double by Michael Perri, a two-run single by Shane Timmons, and a two-run double by Jian Lee.

Neil Sterling had a busy day at the plate, collecting two extra-base hits. He doubled in the first inning, homered in the fifth inning, and singled in the third and seventh innings.

The South Bay Storm's lineup had no answer for Willie Traynor. Traynor held the South Bay Storm hitless over 2 2/3 innings, allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out two.

The South Bay Storm were led by Ariel Kenney's hitting. Kenney went 2-4, drove in one and scored one run. He singled in the sixth inning and homered in the eighth inning.

Ricky Delgado recorded his first win of the year for the Alameda Merchants. He struck out two, walked one and surrendered one hit.

Josh Cohen was charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just three innings, walked one, struck out four, and allowed five runs.

The Alameda Merchants' Sterling, Perri and Lee combined for 10 hits and six RBIs.