DURHAM, NC – The Can-Am League’s fifth season commences on Thursday as the 2008 league champion Sussex Skyhawks starts defense of their title on the road against the Brockton Rox. The Skyhawks will send RHP Kyle Ruwe to the mound while Brockton counters with RHP Wayne Lundgren. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 PM.

Ruwe is in his second season with the Skyhawks. The Sunrise, FL resident went 12-5 last year with a 4.67 ERA in 129 innings pitched. Lundgren was 11-3 with Brockton last season with a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts. He struck out 85 batters while walking only 25 in 137 1/3 innings pitched.

The rest of the opening weekend schedule has the Worcester Tornadoes taking on the Quebec Capitales while the American Defenders of New Hampshire play host to the New Jersey Jackals.

Opening Weekend Schedule:

Thursday, May 28
New Jersey (Isaac Pavlik) at New Hampshire (Mark Romanczuk) – 6:35 PM
Worcester (Matt Weagle) at Quebec (Michel Simard) – 7:05 PM
Sussex (Kyle Ruwe) at Brockton (Wayne Lundgren) – 7:05 PM

Friday, May 29
New Jersey (Ted Serro) at New Hampshire (Isaac Burkett) – 6:35 PM
Worcester (Alex Pena) at Quebec (Orlando Trias) – 7:05 PM
Sussex (Roger Lincoln) at Brockton (Stevie Delabar) – 7:05 PM

Saturday, May 30
Sussex (Justin Knoff) at Brockton (John Kelly) – 6:05 PM
New Jersey (AJ Wideman) at New Hampshire (Brett Palanski) – 6:35 PM
Worcester (Ryan Lobban) at Quebec (Karl Gelinas) – 7:05 PM

Sunday, May 31
Sussex (TJ Stanton) at Brockton (Jeff Long) – 1:05 PM
Worcester (Ryan Mitchell) at Quebec (Chris Allen) – 1:05 PM
New Jersey (Michael Vicaro) at New Hampshire (Nick Asselin) – 5:05 PM