Excelsior strikes early, often in rout of Chester Bird

Excelsior scored eight runs in the top of the first inning and rolled to a 13-1, five-inning win over Chester Bird in a South Hennepin League game.

The Fire Club had nine consecutive players reach base safely in the opening inning, using five hits, a pair of hit batsmen and three Chester Bird errors to score their nine runs.

The Birds answered with their only run of the game in the bottom of the first inning when Greg Zeman worked a one-out walk and scored on Joe Melles' double, which turned out to be Chester Bird's lone hit of the game.

The Birds conclude the regular season this weekend when they take part in the Edina Invitational. Chester Bird opens the tourney with an 8 p.m. game against Edina, which will also serve as an SHL game. The Birds will also play games at Braemar Park Saturday and Sunday in the eight-team tournament.