Defenders 8, Skyhawks 1

AUGUSTA, N.J. – The American Defenders of New Hampshire took down the Sussex Skyhawks 8-1 on Wednesday afternoon at Skylands Park behind Bedford native Nick Asselin’s ninth win of the year.

Asselin (9-6) dealt seven innings and allowed one run on eight hits in the start, walking one and striking out a season-high eight batters in his team-high ninth victory. Luis Valdez and Adam Piechowski each pitched a scoreless inning to finish the game behind Asselin.

Defenders’ Edward Ovalle drove in four runs on a double and three-run homer. Chris Kelly was 3-for-5 with his league-leading 19th home run of the season and two RBIs. Angel Molina tripled and knocked in a run, while Mike O’Malley also chipped in an RBI for the visitors.

Skyhawks’ starter Roger Lincoln (4-7) suffered the loss, giving up seven runs in five innings on nine hits.

Reliever Alex Smith pitched three scoreless innings for the Skyhawks, while Edward Campusano gave up a run in one inning of work.

The Defenders will conclude the series with Sussex tonight at 7:05, when Miguel Flores (5-3) starts for New Hampshire against Sussex pitcher Carter Clements 
(4-3).