RIPON, Wis. - In their first game back in the Midwest, Marian University baseball (8-3, 0-0 NACC) fell to Ripon by a 12-8 final in non-conference action.

The Sabres fell into an early hole after the Red Hawks were able to score three runs through the first two innings.  Marian was able to cut the deficit down to one after RBI hits from sophomores Nick Dugandzic and Sean Meyer but Ripon added three runs in the fifth to put the score at 6-2.  A wild pitch was able to plate sophomore Jonah Landowski in the top of the sixth but once again Ripon was able to answer with a run in the sixth and seventh inning to put the Marian deficit at 8-3.

Marian was able to stay in the game in the eighth after junior Jake Arens doubled in Meyer and an error plated junior Jack George.  As they had all game, however, the Red Hawks had an answer bringing in four runs in the bottom of the eighth putting the Ripon lead at 12-5 headed to the ninth inning.  Marian was able to rally behind a three-run home run from Arens in the final inning but couldn't manage any more as the Sabres fell to Ripon.

Eight of the nine Marian starters recorded hits in the defeat led by George who went 3-for-4 with a run scored and walk.  Arens also had a multi-hit game going 2-for-5 with a run scored and four driven in.

Marian opens NACC play hosting Wisconsin Lutheran Thursday, March 28 for a 1 p.m. twin bill from Herr-Baker Field.