Nashua, NH – Jackals starter Isaac Pavlik hurled six shutout innings and right fielder Quinn Stewart lifted a three-run home run in the top of the third inning as the New Jersey Jackals (1-0) defeated the American Defenders of New Hampshire (0-1) 10-0 in Friday night’s 2009 season opener at Historic Holman Stadium in Nashua, NH.

With New Jersey already leading 1-0 after a second inning groundout by left fielder Ryan Rogowski, an RBI double by first baseman Juan Tejeda in the top of the third inning made it 2-0. Stewart’s blast followed by a Rogowski sacrifice fly extended the Jackals advantage to 6-0.

That score held until the eighth inning, when a pair of wild pitches by Defenders reliever Chad Bentz made it an 8-0 game. Then in the top of the ninth, a bases-loaded walk by Rogowski and an RBI single by second baseman Marcus Sanders capped the scoring at 10-0.

Pavlik (1-0) allowed three hits while striking out five batters without allowing a walk to earn the win. The loss went to New Hampshire starter Mark Romanczuk, who allowed six runs – five earned – on seven hits in four innings. Jackals relievers Dave Qualben and Giuseppe Granitto combined to hurl three scoreless frames.

Offensively, Stewart led the charge for New Jersey going 3-for-5 at the dish. For the Defenders, center fielder Edward Ovalle and third baseman Chris Kelly each contributed a double in the losing effort.

The Jackals and Defenders will play a doubleheader at 4 p.m. on Saturday before rounding out the four-game series on Sunday at 5:05 p.m. On Saturday, righty Ted Serro will take the ball for the Jackals in game one with southpaw A.J. Wideman heading to the hill in the nightcap. New Jersey returns home on June 1 to host Les Capitales de Quebec.

The New Jersey Jackals, proud members of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, play their home games at Yogi Berra Stadium located on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, NJ. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.