Nashua, NH – The American Defenders of New Hampshire (2-2) plated nine runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to defeat the New Jersey Jackals (2-2) 15-5 on Sunday evening at Historic Holman Stadium in the final game of the season-opening four-game series.

The Defenders jumped on Jackals’ starter Mike Vicaro immediately out of the gate, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning on a pair of RBI singles by right fielder Angel Molina and first baseman Clyde Williams, and a three-run home run by left fielder Jerod Edmondson. An RBI double by center fielder Edward Ovalle in the bottom of the second extended the New Hampshire lead to 6-0.

The Jackals broke through against New Hampshire righty Nick Asselin in the top of the fourth inning. With one out and Myron Leslie aboard after a leadoff double, right fielder Quinn Stewart ripped a double down the left field line to make it a 6-1 game. Two batter later, center fielder Zack Smithlin laced a run-scoring single up the middle to pull the Jackals within four.

But in the bottom of the fourth, the Defenders the Jackals starter from the game, scoring nine runs on six hits while sending 13 batters to the plate against Vicaro and reliever Giuseppe Granitto. A two-run double by second baseman Boomer Berry was followed by run-scoring doubles by Ovalle and third baseman Chris Kelly to extend the Defenders’ lead to 10-2. An infield single by designated hitter Argenis Tavarez, which made it 11-2, was followed by an RBI groundout off the bat of SS Greg Lemon to give New Hampshire a 12-2 lead. Rookie catcher Albert Mojica cleared the bases with a three-run triple to add to the rout at 15-2.

New Jersey rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth inning, but it proved to be too little, too late as reliever Rob Riley escaped the jam.

Vicaro (0-1) took the loss, allowing nine runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and a walk in three innings. Asselin (1-0) earned the victory, tossing five innings and surrendering two runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and no walks. Riley hurled the final four innings for New Hampshire to earn his first save of the season.

The Jackals return home on Monday, June 1 to host Les Capitales de Quebec at 7:05 p.m when New Jersey right-hander Stuart Pomeranz, a former second round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, makes his first start of the season against Quebec righty Chris Allen. 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.