WICHITA, Kan. (Interstat) — The Wichita State Shockers shook off an early four-run deficit with a powerful offensive display, defeating the Northern Colorado Bears 11-4 on Friday afternoon at Eck Stadium in the season opener for both teams.

The Bears stunned the home crowd by scoring all four of their runs in the top of the first inning against Wichita State starter Brady Hamilton. Brett Barber led off with a double down the right field line and scored on Jaden Stone’s single to shallow left. Stone later scored on an unearned run in the third inning, capitalizing on a Shockers error.

Wichita State’s response was immediate and sustained. After scratching out a run in the first on a wild pitch, the Shockers seized control in the second inning. Catcher Max Kaufer launched a two-run homer to deep left field, his first of the season, to cut the deficit to 4-3. Zeb Henry later scored from second base on a sacrifice fly and a subsequent throwing error by Northern Colorado center fielder Mason Griffin, tying the game.

The most important sequence of the game came in the bottom of the fourth inning, which broke the 4-4 deadlock wide open. After two walks, Alex Ulloa delivered a two-run double to left center, giving the Shockers their first lead at 6-4. Following a pitching change that saw Northern Colorado starter Trevor Landen replaced by Mason Bright, Jayson Jones punctuated the rally with a towering two-run homer to deep left, extending the lead to 8-4.

Wichita State added insurance runs in the later innings. Kaufer hit his second home run of the afternoon, a solo shot in the sixth. Kaleb Duncan added a solo homer in the seventh, his first of the year, to cap the scoring at 11-4.

The Shockers’ bullpen trio of Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Morrison and Brady Pacha combined for five scoreless innings of relief after Hamilton’s exit, allowing just three hits and striking out five to seal the victory.

Northern Colorado out-hit Wichita State 11 to 8 but stranded 10 baserunners and could not recover from the Shockers’ explosive fourth inning. Brett Barber led the Bears with three hits, including an RBI triple in the seventh.

With the win, Wichita State begins its season 1-0, while Northern Colorado starts 0-1. The teams are scheduled to continue their series with a doubleheader on Sunday, Feb. 15. Northern Colorado then travels for a four-game series at New Mexico beginning Feb. 20, while Wichita State prepares for a road series at Hawaii starting Feb. 19.