INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Marian College baseball team stepped out of conference for a mid-week clash with Anderson University at Marian Baseball Field on Wednesday. The Knights knocked off the Ravens, 7-3, in the nine-inning contest.

Anderson posted the first run of the game in the top of the first inning, but the Knights quickly responded in the bottom half.

Senior Bryston Bangel (Indianapolis, Ind./Decatur Central) reached on a bunt base hit and advanced into scoring position on a failed pickoff attempt. Senior Joel Strode (Canton, Ill./Canton) reached on an error which brought Bangel home to knot the game, 1-1.

Anderson took a 2-1 lead in the top of the second, but Marian again responded with a run of its own in the bottom half.

Back-to-back walks to sophomore Chad Morris (Whitestown, Ind./Lebanon) and senior Cody Andrew (Hanover, Ind./Southeastern) started the rally. Bangel smacked an RBI-single to score Morris to tie the game again, 2-2.

After freshman righthander Neal Brackett (Chalmers, Ind./Frontier) settled down for a scoreless third, the Knights scored a pair to give him a small cushion.

Strode reached on an error to open the inning and advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. Freshman Mike Keltz (Avon, Ind./Avon) walked and senior Jason Moon (Anderson, Ind./Anderson) followed with a single to load the bases. Sophomore Josh Terrell (Richmond, Va./Danville JC) walked in the first run of the inning and Morris knocked home Moon to give the Knights a 4-2 lead.

The Knights added to their lead in the bottom of the fifth. Keltz singled to open the inning and Terrell reached on an error. A single by Morris scored Keltz after a wild throw from center. Andrew followed with an RBI-ground out and Bangel knocked Morris home with his third hit of the day to give the Knights a 7-2 lead.

Brackett shut the Ravens down from the third inning until he was relieved in the eighth. He allowed just five hits over his final four innings of work to pick up his first collegiate win.

Bangel led the Knights as he extended his hitting streak by going 3-for-5 with a run and two RBI. Terrell, Morris and Andrew each had an RBI while Morris had two runs.

The Knights improve to 12-20-1 overall and take to the diamond again on Thursday when they host conference rival Indiana Wesleyan in a key MCC showdown. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., at Marian Baseball Field.

The ceremonial first pitch on Diaper Day at the Ballpark in conjunction with Armed Forces Day will be thrown out by student military personnel who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Hoosier National Guard will also be in attendance representing the colors of the United States. Donations of packages of diapers for the Indianapolis Catholic Holy Family Shelter will be accepted.