Tornadoes 10, Defenders 6

WORCESTER, Mass. – The American Defenders of New Hampshire fell to the Worcester Tornadoes 10-6 at Hanover Insurance Park on Thursday night in Worcester.

Defenders’ starting pitcher Luis Valdez (0-4) suffered the loss in three-plus innings, giving up eight runs on 11 hits, three walks and a strike out. Lucas Ledbetter allowed a pair of runs out of the bullpen in two innings of work, while Rob Riley dealt two scoreless innings followed by a clean eighth inning from Adam Piechowski.

Jabe Bergeron recorded three hits, including a double and an RBI for New Hampshire to finish the game 3-for-5. Chris Kelly launched home run number 17 of the season and drove in two runs for the Defenders.

Kelly continues to set the pace in the Can-Am league as the home run leader and finished the night 2-for-5. Argenis Tavarez singled and had two RBIs in the game.

Worcester starter Ryan Lobban (8-3) earned the win in six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, one walk and three strike outs. Reliever Nick Conway gave up a three runs (one earned) in the seventh inning, but Eddie Pena was able to deal two and one-third scoreless innings to end the Defenders rally.

Lucas Taylor was 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI for the Tornadoes, Carlos Sosa went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while teammate Chris Colabello’s second inning three run home run proved to be the game winning hit for Worcester; Colabello was 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

The Defenders will open up a seven game home-stand, beginning with three games against the Sussex Skyhawks, starting tomorrow night at 6:35pm at Historic Holman Stadium. Miguel Flores (3-1) will make the start for the Defenders.