Nashua, NH – The New Jersey Jackals split a doubleheader against the American Defenders of New Hampshire on Saturday at Historic Holman Stadium. The Defenders took game one by a 4-2 score before the Jackals put up ten runs for the second straight night in a 10-6 game two victory.

In game one, Defenders’ right-hander Isaac Burkett struck out nine batters and allowed two runs on five hits in six innings to earn the victory.

The Defenders struck Jackals starter Ted Serro, who took the loss, for two runs in the first inning on an RBI double by right fielder Angel Molina and an RBI fielders’ choice off the bat of designated hitter Jabe Bergeron. After the Jackals plated a run in the top of the third on an RBI single by shortstop Mike DeJesus, a solo home run by New Hampshire first baseman Clyde Williams in the bottom of the third made it a 3-1 game. Center fielder Edward Ovalle RBI single in the fourth extended New Hampshire’s lead to 4-1.

The Jackals plated a run in the sixth, but Juan Padilla pitched a scoreless seventh to notch the save.

In game two, New Jersey jumped out to a 9-2 lead led by a two-run home run by Myron Leslie in the top of the fourth inning. However, a grand slam by Defenders shortstop Chris Weakley in the bottom of the fourth pulled New Hampshire within three at 9-6. The grand slam was Weakley’s first professional hit. The Jackals tacked on the game’s final run in the top of the sixth.

Right-hander Seth Overbey picked up the win in relief, tossing a scoreless sixth after starter A.J. Wideman went four innings and allowed six runs – five earned – on seven hits while striking out two and walking one. Jackals closer Rusty Tucker pitched a scoreless seventh in a non-save situation. The loss went to Defenders’ starter Brett Palanski, who allowed seven runs – six earned – on eight hits over three innings.

The Jackals and Defenders wrap up their current four-game series on Sunday, May 31 at 6:35 p.m. when New Jersey sends right-hander Mike Vicaro to the hill against New Hampshire righty Nick Asselin.

The Jackals return home on Monday, June 1 to host Les Capitales de Quebec at 7:05 p.m. The Jackals home opener is also Mortgage Monday, where one lucky fan will win two months of mortgage or rent payments.

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.