Split decision at Holman
American Defenders outfielder Angel Molina, left, is congratulated by teammate Jerod Edmondson after hitting a home run against the New Jersey Jackals during the first game of Wednesday afternoon's doubleheader at Holman Stadium.
NASHUA - The American Defenders of New Hampshire split a pair of seven-inning games with the New Jersey Jackals on Wednesday, falling 6-3 in the first game but rebounding with a 3-2 victory in the nightcap at Historic Holman Stadium.
In the first game New Jersey took an early four-run lead before right fielder Angel Molina belted a three-run homer in the bottom of the first. Designated hitter Jabe Bergeron collected three hits in three at bats while Molina, Bergeron, and Jerod Edmondson scored runs for New Hampshire. The Jackals received a three-RBI performance from Quinn Stewart.
Jackals starter A.J. Wideman (6-0) picked up the win in the first game, allowing three runs on four hits with four strikeouts over five innings. Defenders starter Isaac Burkett (3-6) suffered the loss, while relievers Cooper Brannan and Patrick Driscoll combined to throw five-plus innings of scoreless relief.
In the second game the Defenders came back from a 2-0 deficit, receiving back-to-back homers from Molina and Chris Kelly to put them on top 3-2 in the sixth inning.
Francisco Serventes (0-0) was solid in his first start for the Defenders, tossing five innings and allowing two runs on four hits with five strikeouts. Reliever Lucas Ledbetter earned the win in the second game, tossing a scoreless sixth inning.
Tonight the Defenders will begin an eight-game road trip through Brockton and Worcester before they return to Holman on July 31.
