The Xenia Scouts (2-0)'s three first-inning runs built an early lead that helped bring home a 5-0 win over the Lake Erie Monarchs (0-3) on Thursday at Gradys Field.

The Xenia Scouts scored in the first on a passed ball, an RBI single by Lincoln Reed, and a groundout by Levi Gilcrease.

Kevin Merrell paced the Xenia Scouts at the plate. Merrell went 3-4 and scored two runs. He singled in the first, third, and seventh innings.

Quentin McGrath brought the heat against the Lake Erie Monarchs during his outing. The Lake Erie Monarchs managed just one hit off of McGrath, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out three during his five innings of work.

Alex Wagner ended up on the wrong side of the pitching decision, charged with his first loss of the year. He lasted just 4 2/3 innings, walked two, struck out three, and allowed four runs.