Brandon Baumgartner went the first five innings and Paul Roers the final four as the Merchants improved to 2-1 on the season.

Baumgartner allowed one run on five hits with seven strikeouts. Roers got the save, surrendering a run on two hits with four strikeouts.

The Merchants scored three runs in each of the first two innings. Preston Jensen went 3-for-3 with two RBIs, a double, two walks and a run scored. Bryan Erstad was 3-for-5 with an RBI and run scored.

Baumgartner and Joe Vannett had two hits apiece. Nick Salentine was 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Scott Stephenson had a hit and scored twice.

Darren Iseri took the loss on the mound for the Elks (0-2).

The Merchants play Kindred Wednesday in Fargo followed by a weekend tournament in Detroit Lakes, MN starting with a game against Pelican Rapids Friday.