Austin Powers Offense but Martinsville Holds On

McCrary Park – June 19th, 2026

ASHEBORO, N.C. — Cameron Austin’s three-run home run highlighted an 11-hit night for the Asheboro Zookeepers, but Martinsville capitalized on a big fifth inning to earn an 8-6 win Friday at McCrary Park.

Martinsville struck first with a run in the opening inning before adding two more in the fourth to build a 3-0 lead.

The Zookeepers responded in the bottom of the fourth. Wilmis Castro opened the inning with a double before Connor Christenson and Wyatt Bush reached base. Drue Saenz drove in two runs and Chazz Grossington added an RBI to erase the deficit and tie the game.

The tie was short-lived as the Mustangs erupted for four runs in the fifth inning. Martinsville collected five hits in the frame and capitalized on Asheboro miscues to take a 7-3 lead.

Martinsville added another run in the sixth inning to push its advantage to 8-3.

Asheboro mounted one final rally in the bottom of the seventh. Christenson and Bush reached base before Cameron Austin launched a three-run home run to right field, bringing the Zookeepers within striking distance at 8-6. The homer was Austin’s third of the seeason and accounted for half of Asheboro’s runs on the night.

The Zookeepers continued to put runners on base, finishing with 11 hits, but Martinsville’s bullpen held Asheboro scoreless over the final two innings to secure the victory.

On the mound, Ben Shepherd turned in another strong outing. The right-hander allowed three runs, just one earned, on five hits across four innings while walking two and striking out one. Shepherd worked efficiently through the first three innings and helped keep the Zookeepers stay close.

Bennett Holdener was charged with the loss after allowing four earned runs in one inning of relief. Seth way tossed two innings and allowed one run, while Caydon Laird struck out three across two scoreless innings to close the game.

Martinsville was ultimately paced by Nick Izzo, who finished with a home run and three RBIs, while Jack Roventini and Yates Sikes each drove in two runs.

The Zookeepers will look to bounce back from the loss on Saturday, June 20 when they travel to Martinsville to take on the Mustangs again at Hooker Field.