Stephens’ Three-Run Blast Powers Zookeepers Past Forest City

McCrary Park – May 29th, 2025

ASHEBORO, N.C. — Daniel Stephens provided the big swing, and the Asheboro Zookeepers pitching staff made it stand up as Asheboro defeated the Forest City Owls 7-5 Friday night at McCrary Park.

The victory put the Zookeepers at 2-0 early in the Coastal Plain League season.

After a scoreless opening inning, Asheboro broke through in the bottom of the second as their bats got hot. With two runners on, Stephens launched a three-run home run to left field, giving the Zookeepers an early advantage and building momentum.

“Their pitcher made a mistake, he gave me a slider so I kind of just reacted,” Stephens said. “It felt good off the bat.”

The offense continued to add on over the next two innings. An RBI from Will Oates helped extend the lead in the third before Asheboro put up two more runs in the fourth. Sylas Boris drove in a run and Landon Lucas added an RBI as the Zookeepers built a comfortable 7-0 lead.

Stephens finished the night 1-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored, while Lucas contributed a hit and an RBI. Boris reached base four times, scoring once and driving in another run. Ethan Walker added a double and scored a run, and Josh Martinez crossed the plate after reaching base twice.

“We can hit,” Stephens said. “I think we’re gonna go far and make a run for it this season.”

On the mound, Ben Shepherd put up a dominant performance in his first start for Asheboro. The right-hander threw five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six to earn the win. The Zookeepers’ bullpen backed up Shepherds efforts as Joseph Yamamoto struck out one before Carlos Gomez recorded the final six outs, striking out three.

Forest City started its only rally in the seventh inning, scoring five runs to cut the defecit to two. However, Asheboro’s bullpen responded by holding the Owls scoreless over the final two innings to secure the victory.

Through two games, Asheboro has shown an ability to not only win, but dominate. Both timely hitting and strong pitching have helped the Zookeepers open the season undefeated.

The Zookeepers return to action Saturday, May 30th at Carolina Bank Field in Florence, S.C. where they will face the Florence Flamingos at 7 p.m.