CHERRY TWP — Trying to snap a four-game losing streak that opened the baseball season was going to be tough enough for Karns City.

Playing in the cold and windy conditions Wednesday wasn't going to make it any easier.

Still, Saxon Parker lined an RBI single in the sixth inning that broke a 3-all tie and helped to send the Gremlins to a 5-3 victory over Moniteau in Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference action.

Karns City's Cameron Turner went the distance on the mound, scattering five hits and striking out six.

"Coming into weather like this, I didn't know what to expect," said Karns City coach Tom Stewart. "I certainly didn't expect a complete game, but he got us the victory."

"The bottom line was (Turner) threw strikes," said Moniteau coach Ross Martin. "He was aggressive, and I admire that. He wasn't nibbling around the plate."

The Gremlins prevailed despite committing four errors.

"We've been getting down by a few runs this year, and, with the errors (Wednesday), I kept telling them that they needed to step up," said Stewart.

"One error, from Cody Zabicky, that didn't hurt us. He made an error, but then he turned right around and made a great play. That's turning a negative into something positive," he added.

Until the sixth inning, the Warriors were able to match the Gremlins run for run.

An error and an RBI double from Turner helped stake Karns City to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but Moniteau answered with two runs in the bottom half of the frame.

An error and a single from the Warriors' Nick Morrow placed runners at first and third before Morrow stole second base. A fielder's choice off the bat of Cruz Eshenbaugh plated a run, then a two-out wild pitch tied the game at 2.

In the fifth, pinch-hitter Josh Stimac lined a run-scoring single with the bases loaded to give KC a 3-2 lead, but Eshenbaugh induced Justin Switzer to hit into a fielder's choice for the third out.

The Warriors tied the game in the home half of the fifth.

Tyler Drzemiecki singled, then an error on a fielder's choice and a successful bunt loaded the bases with none out.

Josh Howland grounded into a double play, which scored Drzemiecki, then Turner fanned Morrow to end the inning.

The Gremlins added two runs in the sixth inning off reliever Morrow, but Moniteau was unable to match that tally.

With one out, Ben McLay singled and stole second base. Andy Double walked, which prompted McLay to steal third.

Double stole second base uncontested to put runners at second and third. Parker singled in the go-ahead run. Cody Williams hit into a fielder's choice, which scored Double.

Eshenbaugh allowed three runs and five hits over five innings. He struck out seven batters, but walked five.

Stewart hopes getting this first win will right the Gremlins' ship.

"It's something we've been working on all year: a never-say-die attitude," said Stewart. "(Wednesday), we were able to put it together."

Karns City 200 012 0—5 9 4Moniteau 200 010 0—3 4 1WP: Cameron Turner (7 IP) 6 strikeouts, 0 walk.

LP: Nick Morrow (2 IP) 3 strikeouts, 1 walk

Karns City (1-4, 1-2): Saxon Parker 2-1B, RBI; Cody Williams RBI; Cameron Turner 2B, 1B, RBI; Joe King 2B; Josh Stimac 1B, RBI; Ben McLay 1B, 3 SB; Andy Double 1B; Cody Zabicky 1B

Moniteau(1-1, 0-1): Nick Morrow 2-1B; Cruz Eshenbaugh RBI; Zane Slater 1B; Tyler Drzemiecki 1B; Joe Steiner 1B

Monday: Union at Karns City

Tuesday: Moniteau at Clarion-Limestone