PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Panthers scored nine unanswered runs, erasing an early deficit to defeat the Western Michigan Broncos 12-4 on Friday at Charlotte Sports Park.

Western Michigan built a 4-1 lead, highlighted by Mark Mennecke’s two-run double in the sixth. Pittsburgh responded immediately in the bottom half, tying it on an Anthony Irizarry RBI single before taking the lead for good on a bases-loaded walk by Jack Wagner. The Panthers broke open the game with a five-run seventh inning, fueled by two walks, a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly. Irizarry and Logan Nessler each drove in two runs for Pittsburgh.

The Panthers had 13 hits and used two sacrifice flies. The Broncos, who had eight hits, grounded into two double plays. Pittsburgh begins the season 1-0, while Western Michigan starts 0-1. The teams continue their series Saturday.