RIPON, Wis. - Ripon's bats woke up in a big way during Wednesday's home opener, which resulted in a 12-8 victory against Marian University. The Red Hawks finished with season highs of 12 runs and 15 hits, including six extra-base hits, with three of those clearing the outfield wall.

Ripon (4-6) jumped on the scoreboard early with a run in the first on an RBI by Tyler Nelson. The Red Hawks then pushed that lead to three runs on a Keegan Johnston RBI double and a run-scoring single off the bat of Michael Barnes.

After Marian (8-3) got those two runs back in the top of the third, Ripon was able to gain more breathing room with three runs on four hits in the fifth inning, which included an RBI single up the middle by Riley Erickson and a two-run home run by Joey Garza.

Garza added an RBI double in the sixth, before Johnston homered in the seventh to put Ripon ahead 8-3. Marian would inch closer with two runs in the eighth, but Ripon added four in the bottom of that inning, scoring on a Riley Erickson home run, an RBI single by Noah Herried, and a two-run double by Barnes.

Garza finished a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate in his home Red Hawks' home debut, driving in three runs and scoring two more. Barnes added three hits and three RBI, while Erickson, Johnston, and Nick Taranto each had two base knocks.

Marian finished the game with 11 hits, led by Jack George's 3-for-4 performance. Jake Arens was 2-for-4 with four RBI, including a three-run homer in the top of the ninth.

Ripon will be in action again on Thursday when they'll travel to Carroll University. That game will begin at 3 p.m. in Waukesha, Wis.