PARIS, Mo. — A sluggish start didn’t stop Monroe City from finding its rhythm. Once the Panthers settled in, a seven‑run fourth inning blew the game open on the way to a 10–0 shutout of Paris on Tuesday night.

After opening the season with losses to Silex and Unity (Ill.), Monroe City has now reeled off three straight wins, outscoring opponents 35–4 during the streak.

“Tonight we overcame a rough start with a big fourth inning, solid defense, and strong pitching — especially from Blaize Kauble — to secure the win,” Panthers head coach Adam Rung said.

For Paris coach Darren Beaver, the night was defined by missed opportunities and too many free bases. The Coyotes allowed just five hits over six innings but issued 11 walks and hit four batters. Two of those free passes came with the bases loaded.

“It’s hard to beat anyone when you issue 16 passes to get on base,” Beaver said.

Monroe City led just 1–0 entering the fourth before sophomores Landon Jones and Kauble delivered the breakthrough. Jones ripped a two‑run double, and Kauble followed with a bases‑clearing shot into center to plate three more. In all, the Panthers pushed five runs across in the inning while capitalizing on Paris’ control issues.

“We did a good job in the fourth of taking advantage of the free bases they gave us, and then we put the ball in play with some key hits,” Rung said. “When you get big innings like that, it’s easier to play out front with the lead.”

Cobble and the Monroe City defense handled the rest, stranding multiple Paris baserunners to preserve the shutout.

“Blaze did a good job pitching out of some jams, and the defense behind him made the plays when we needed them,” Rung said. “That’s something we’ve been really solid at the last couple games.”

For Paris, the loss marked a second straight setback after last week’s 15–0 win over Madison. The Coyotes dropped to 1–3 on the season.

“There’s no doubt the fourth inning was a killer for us,” Beaver said.

The early-season inconsistency has been a source of frustration.

“We’re 1–3, and we’re better than what we’re playing,” Beaver said. “We practice well. We hit the ball, we make plays, we throw strikes in live BP — and then we get into games and play like this. We’ve got to take what we’re doing in practice and bring it into the games. I truly believe we’re a better baseball team than we’ve shown, and the kids have to start believing it too.”

Paris travels to Silex on Thursday, while Monroe City hits the road to face Westran.