Am. Defenders 8, Jackals 7

LITTLE FALLS, N.J. – The American Defenders of New Hampshire came back for two runs in the ninth inning to complete their third rally of the game and defeat the New Jersey Jackals 8-7 on Tuesday afternoon at Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls, N.J.

Adam Piechowski (3-2) was the winning pitcher, dealing two innings of work, allowing two runs

on four hits and one strike out in the eighth and ninth innings.

Defenders’ starting pitcher Francisco Cervantes (0-2) took the no-decision in the game, allowing two runs in six innings, on five hits, two walks and four strike outs.

Chris Kelly drove in the winning run on an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth inning. Rob Riley notched the tying RBI on a bases loaded walk. Angel Molina was 2-for-3, Edward Ovalle and Argenis Tavarez both doubled and added an RBI, while Matt Nandin also notched an RBI for New Hampshire.

Jackals’ starter A.J. Wideman (7-1) did not factor in the decision, going seven-plus innings, allowing six runs (four earned), on seven hits, two walks and five strike outs. Closer Rusty Tucker (2-2) blew the save and suffered the loss, walking the first four batters be faced to allowing the tying run in. He all two runs on no hits, four walks and one strike out.

The Defenders wrap up the series with the Jackals tonight at 7:05, when Nick Asselin (7-6) takes the mound for New Hampshire against Giuseppe Granitto (1-3).