The Carillon Sultans plated three runs in the first inning en route to a 5-0 victory over the Interlake Blue Jays Wednesday night in Ile des Chenes.

"It's exciting to get out to the ballpark," said Sultans third baseman Jared Esau who drew a walk and came around to score in that first inning when Carillon sent nine batters to the plate. "We showed pretty good and it was nice to get a win right off the hop."

Cody Bartel got the victory as he struckout six Blue Jays batters, walked five and did not allow a base hit in the season opener for both teams.

"I'm happy with it for the most part," said Bartel when asked about his performance in game one. "Walked a few too many guys but other than that I had great defense behind me and that helped out a lot."

The Sultans got two more runs in the third to extend their lead to 5-0.

The game was called after four-and-a-half innings because of safety concerns at Grenier Field.

Both catchers had trouble seeing the ball from their respective pitchers as the sun was setting behind the outfield fence in left field.

Carillon's next game is Sunday afternoon at Whittier Park in Winnipeg against the St. Boniface Legionaires.

The Sultans eliminated the Legionaires in the opening round of the Manitoba Junior Baseball League playoffs last season.

Esau feels they have enough talent and can compete with any team in the league.

"The attitude is good. The guys are excited. We actually looked pretty good. We were wondering about it at the beginning of the season but we got a pretty good team together so we're looking forward to it."