NEB scored a first inning run before the Indians tied it up with a run in the second and went up 7-1 with three runs in each of the 3rd and 5th frames. The Panthers cut it to 7-5 after six innings before CV sealed the win with a six run 7th.

CV used six pitchers in their opener as Danny Smith opened the game on the mound and went one inning allowing one earned run on one hit with two walks and two strikeouts. Hunter Simonds threw the 2nd and 3rd innings, giving up three hits with two strikeouts, Dave Hess threw an inning and allowed an earned run on three base hits with one K, Ayren Morgan pitched an inning, giving up a hit with a walk and three strikeouts, Drayden McGee went an inning and allowed three unearned runs on two NEB hits with a walk and three Ks and Levi Stahli finished, throwing the last inning and striking out two.

Simonds led the way at the plate for the Indians, collecting four base hits with three RBI and two runs scored, while Lucas Hamilton had three hits, two RBI and scored twice. Smith had three hits, with a double, four RBI and two runs scored and Gavin Churchill had two hits, with a double, and scored once.

Morgan had a single, two RBI and two runs scored, Hess had an RBI and a run scored and Levi Stahli, McGee and William Kies each scored a run in the win.

The Indians had two errors in the game and took advantage of 10 miscues by the Panthers.

CV (1-0) is scheduled to return to action on Tuesday when they host Canton for the Indians’ home opener.