Bats Stay Hot as Zookeepers Roll Past Bigfoots

McCrary Park – June 3rd, 2026

BOONE, N.C. — The Asheboro Zookeepers continued their impressive start to the season Wednesday night, using another explosive offensive performance to defeat the Boone Bigfoots 15-3 at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium.

After the Bigfoots grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Asheboro responded immediately and never looked back. The Zookeepers broke the game open in the second inning with a five-run outburst led by Daniel Stephens’ three-run home run. The blast gave Asheboro its first lead of the night and set the tone for an offense that would collect 18 hits and score across five innings.

Stephens finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, continuing what has already been a strong start to the summer for the grad student from UNC Pembroke. His second home run of the season provided the spark, but the Zookeepers recieved production from almost every spot in the lineup.

Sylas Boris led the way with a four-hit performance, going 4-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI. Brady McGuire added three hits, including a pair of doubles, while driving in four runs. Josh Martinez also delivered a big night at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Cameron Austin drove in a run and scored once, while Chazz Grossington, Wyatt Bush and Jackson Hood each contributed hits as Asheboro’s lineup consistently put pressure on Boone’s pitching staff.

Although Boone managed to score in the first, third and fifth innings. the Zookeepers never allowed the Bigfoots to build any momentum. Every Boone run was met with an answer from Asheboro, which scored five runs in the second, three more in the fifth, three in the sixth and four in the seventh.

The sixth and seventh innings put the finishing touches on the victory. Asheboro plated seven runs over the final two frames, turning an already comfortable lead into a 12-run win in seven innings.

On the mound, Tyler Stillson gave the Zookeepers a solid start, working four innings while striking out five. He allowed just three hits and kept Boone from stringing together much offense outside of a solo home run.

Carter Fogal earned the win after tossing two innings in relief, allowing one run and one hit. Braxton Walker handled the final inning as Asheboro’s pitching staff combined to strike out six and limit Boone to only six hits.

The victory marked another complete performance for the Zookeepers, who have relied on a balanced combination of timely hitting. aggressive baserunning and steady pitching through the opening stretch of the season.

On a night when the offense once again stole the spotlight, the Zookeepers showed why they have quickly become one of the hottest teams in the Coastal Plain League, turning an early response into a victory over the Bigfoots.

Asheboro will continue its feat on Thursday, June 4th as they take on the Martinsville Mustangs at McCrary Park.