WICHITA, Kan. (Interstat) — Wichita State launched three home runs to rally past Northern Colorado 11-4 in the season opener for both teams Friday afternoon at Eck Stadium.

The Bears struck first with a four-run opening inning, highlighted by Jaden Stone’s RBI single. The Shockers responded immediately, beginning with a run on a wild pitch. Max Kaufer’s two-run homer in the second ignited the comeback, tying the game 4-4 on an ensuing error.

Wichita State seized control with a four-run fourth, capped by Jayson Jones’ two-run blast. Kaufer added a solo shot in the sixth and Kaleb Duncan homered in the seventh. Northern Colorado outhit the Shockers 11-8 but could not recover.

Wichita State opens 1-0. Northern Colorado starts 0-1. The teams continue their series Saturday.