Bears Collect 11 Hits in Season Opener at Wichita State, Fall 11-4

Friday, February 13

Wichita, KS

2:05 p.m MST

University of Northern Colorado

0-1

Wichita State

1-0

Northern Colorado

Wichita State

Wichita State Athletics

2/13/2026 9:09:00 PM | Baseball

Box Score

By: Elian Soto, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications

WICHITA, Kan. - Northern Colorado Bears opened the 2026 campaign with 11 hits Friday afternoon but fell 11-4 to Wichita State at Eck Stadium.

The Bears struck first and stayed aggressive offensively, recording multiple hits in three separate innings. Brett Barber set the tone at the top of the lineup with a double and a triple, finishing with a team-best five total bases. Jake Bullard added a pair of hits and was active defensively at first base, while Ethan Mooser delivered a double to spark another scoring opportunity.

Jaden Stone continued to pressure the defense with two hits and a stolen base as part of UNC's balanced attack that saw five different players record at least one hit.

Northern Colorado put runners on base in seven of nine innings and forced Wichita State's pitching staff to work throughout the afternoon. The Bears drew key walks and extended innings, but despite consistent opportunities, were limited to two hits in 18 chances with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base.

Wichita State capitalized with timely power in the middle innings to swing momentum. Max Kaufer connected for two solo home runs, while Jayson Jones delivered a two-run shot and Kaleb Duncan added a solo homer to extend the lead. The Shockers plated multiple runs in three innings, using the long ball to create separation despite being outhit.

UNC's pitching staff combined for 12 strikeouts in the opener. Mason Bright provided a steady presence out of the bullpen, working 3.1 innings and striking out five while keeping the Bears within reach. Brek Benedict closed his outing with a scoreless frame, and the defense turned a key double play behind Logan Pruski, Barber and Bullard.

Trevor Landen (0-1) made the Opening Day start, tossing 3.2 innings in his first appearance of the season.

BY THE NUMBERS:
Northern Colorado outhit Wichita State, 11–8
Barber recorded two of UNC's three extra-base hits
UNC pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts
The Bears left 10 runners on base

UP NEXT: Northern Colorado will look to convert early opportunities and even the series when the two teams return to the field tomorrow to play two. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 11:05 AM MT.

FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the baseball team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsBSB) and Instagram (@UNC_BearsBaseball).