Josh English struck out eight in his six-inning start and aided his own cause by plating three runs as Ripon Christian thumped host Denair 12-3 on Thursday.

English gave up a run in the bottom of the first, but offensive and defensive support helped him overcome the early deficit. The Knights (6-0 Southern League, 7-5-1 overall) answered with six runs in the top of the second and totaled 12 hits while committing no errors behind their pitchers. Chris Saenz pitched the seventh for RC, striking out two and giving up a run.

Jon Vander Molen smashed a homer for a third straight game, giving him four for the season. Dominic Nelson was a perfect 4 for 4 with a double, RBI and two runs. Danny Vander Molen hit 2 for 3, and Travis Vander Molen contributed a triple and a run.

Patrick Dudley went 3 for 3 with two runs for Denair (2-4, 2-7).

Ripon Christian will stay busy over spring break, playing twice on Wednesday against Millennium (1 p.m.) and Woodland Christian (4) at its own tournament.