WICHITA, Kan. -- Max Kaufer launched two home runs in his Wichita State debut and the Shockers used three big innings to roll past Northern Colorado, 11-4 on Friday night at Eck Stadium, Home of Tyler Field at Gene Stephenson Park.

Wichita State (1-0) snagged their first season-opening home win since 2017 when they defeated Utah Valley, 4-3.

Northern Colorado (0-1) struck first just two batters into the game, getting a leadoff double from Brett Barber followed by a run-scoring single from Jaden Stone for a 1-0 lead. WSU responded quickly, however, as Jayson Jones coaxed a two-out walk, moved to third on an MJ Sweeney single, and scored on a wild pitch to tie the game at 1-1.

Kaufer blasted the first of his two round-trippers to put the Shockers in front in the second, a towering two-run shot that staked WSU to a 3-1 edge. Zeb Henry created a two-out run with his legs, working a walk and then stealing second before a throwing error by centerfielder Mason Griffin scored him from second base to extend the margin to 4-1.

The Bears mustered an unearned run in the top of the third via an Ethan Mooser fielder's choice grounder, but WSU fired right back with four, two-out runs in the fourth. Alex Ulloa slammed a two-run double off the wall in left-center and Jones plated him with a screaming two-run homer that pushed the lead to 8-2.

Kaufer cranked a solo shot to start the sixth and Henry scored on a double play grounder later in the inning for a 10-2 advantage. The Bears got the two runs back in the seventh, but Kaleb Duncan hooked a solo homer of his own in the home half for the final margin.

Mitchell Johnson (1-0) picked up the win with 1.1 scoreless innings out of the WSU bullpen. Wichita State starter Brady Hamilton settled for a no-decision, allowing two runs (one earned) in 4.0 frames with five strikeouts. Ryan Morrison recorded eight outs in relief and Brady Pacha struck out three in the ninth to secure the win.

Henry reached base in all four plate appearances and scored three runs to lead the Shockers. Eight of nine starters reached base and seven of the nine scored a run.

Northern Colorado starter Trevor Landen (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing seven runs (six earned) in 3.2 innings.

The Shockers and Bears will continue the series on Saturday afternoon with a doubleheader. First pitch of the first game is scheduled for 12:05 pm CT.