Nashua, NH – The American Defenders of New Hampshire (17-18) prevailed in a back-and-forth contest with the Sussex Skyhawks (15-20), defeating them 7-5 on a beautiful, sun-splashed Fourth of July matinee game at Historic Holman Stadium.

The Defenders were rewarded for their patience in the third inning, as both Boomer Berry and Jabe Bergeron drew bases loaded walks to score a run each. Bergeron later broke a 5-5 tie in the seventh inning with a solo blast, his first homerun of the season. Greg Lemon’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth gave the Defenders a two-run lead.

New Hampshire hurler Miguel Flores (3-0) did not factor in the decision, tossing five innings, allowing three runs, on eight hits, with two walks and two strikeouts. Flores was relieved by Adam Piechowski, who blew away the Skyhawks, earning the win after striking out the side in the top of the eighth inning. Piechowski has yet to allow a run in eleven innings of work with the Defenders. NH Closer Juan Padilla shut the door on Sussex, securing his league-leading eleventh save without allowing a hit.

The Skyhawks received three-hit games from both leftfielder Ryan Crespi and catcher Ray Serrano. Serrano belted his first homerun of the season to lead off the second inning, while first baseman John Urick added a homer in the seventh, finishing 2-for-5 on the night.

Skyhawks starter Jamie Douglas lasted just four innings, surrendering four runs (two earned), on three hits, with four walks and one strikeout. Reliever Sandy Nin suffered the loss for Sussex.

The Defenders will face the Sussex Skyhawks on Sunday in their final game of this home stand before a nine-day road trip through Quebec and New Jersey. Sunday’s match will begin at 5:05pm at Historic Holman Stadium, as the first 1,000 fans will receive logo baseballs. Isaac Burkett (3-3) is slated to take the hill for New Hampshire while Carter Clemens (1-2) will get the nod for Sussex.