WITTENBERG — The Wittenberg-Birnamwood Chargers erupted for six runs in the bottom of the first inning and never trailed, cruising to an 11-3 victory over the Iola-Scandinavia Thunderbirds on Thursday at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School.

The Chargers sent 10 batters to the plate in the opening frame. Meverden doubled to score two runs. Desrochers followed with a fielder’s choice that brought home another. Two Thunderbirds errors then accounted for the final three runs of the burst, giving the hosts a commanding lead they would not relinquish.

Wittenberg-Birnamwood added to its advantage in the second inning. Meverden singled, and another error plated a run, stretching the margin to seven.

Meverden earned the win on the mound for the Chargers. The right-hander worked three and one-third innings, allowing two hits and three runs. He struck out five and walked nine.

The Chargers piled up nine hits and took full advantage of every opportunity. Meverden led the attack with two hits in four at-bats. Meverden and Meverden each drove in two runs.

Fraaza and Olson drew two walks apiece as Wittenberg-Birnamwood coaxed six free passes overall. The Chargers also ran wild on the basepaths, stealing four bases, two by Barke. They turned one double play.

The Thunderbirds showed plenty of plate discipline but could not overcome the early deficit. They drew nine walks, with Broghan Gullixon, Wyatt Wolberg, and Chase Timdal each earning two. Timdal, the leadoff hitter, collected two hits in two at-bats. First baseman Jose Gutierrez drove in two runs, finishing 1-for-3. Iola-Scandinavia turned one double play.

Despite the loss, the Thunderbirds kept the game from getting completely out of hand after the first inning. They scored their three runs while taking advantage of the nine walks issued by Meverden, but the Chargers’ defense and timely hitting limited further damage.

The early offensive explosion proved decisive. Wittenberg-Birnamwood scored all but five of its runs in the first two innings and maintained control the rest of the way, turning a shaky pitching performance into a comfortable victory thanks to strong support at the plate and on the bases.

Games for Friday and Saturday have been canceled due to the weather.