Zookeepers Capitalize on Wild Sixth Inning to Defeat Salamanders

McCrary Park – June 1st, 2026

ASHEBORO, N.C. — In a game defined by patience at the plate, the Asheboro Zookeepers found a way to win Monday night without relying on a barrage of hits. Drawing 10 walks and taking advantage of four hit batters, the Zookeepers scored six runs on just two hits and used a decisive five-run sixth inning to defeat the Holly Springs Salamanders 6-5 at McCrary Park.

The victory improved Asheboro’s strong 3-0 start to the season, but it did not come easily. Holly Springs became one of the first teams to truly test the Zookeepers, turning the game into a back-and-forth battle through the early innings.

Asheboro struck first in the opening frame when Daniel Stephens crossed the plate to give the Zookeepers a 1-0 lead. Holly Springs answered in the third, tying the game at one before both pitching staffs settled in.

Kyle Rudolph delivered an impressive outing on the mound for Asheboro. The right-hander consistently worked his way out of trouble, recording key strikeouts and limiting damage when runners reached base. One of his biggest moments came during a lengthy third inning, when he battled through traffic and stranded a runner to keep the game tied.

“My off-speed stuff was getting in the zone really well today,” Rudolph said. “I got behind hitters with my fastball early but I was able to come back with the off-speed to get in there and get ahead.”

Defense also played a major role in keeping the game close. In the fifth inning, Ethan Walker made an impressive diving catch in center field to rob the Salamanders of a potential hit and prevent the lead.

While Asheboro repeatedly put runners aboard, the breakthrough did not come until the sixth inning.

Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom half of the inning, the Zookeepers showed incredible patience at the plate. Holly Springs reliever Lucas Smith struggled to find the strike zone, and Asheboro used this to their advantage.

Walk after walk loaded the bases and forced two runs across the plate for the Zookeepers. Asheboro continued to pressure the Salamanders throughout the inning, drawing more free passes and putting up runs without needing hits. By the time the frame ended, Asheboro had plated five runs and turned a one-run defecit into a four-run advantage.

The rally proved to be the difference.

Daniel Stephens, Cameron Austin, Calvin Cook, Reggie Sharpe and Ethan Walker each batted in runs for the Zookeepers, while Stephens scored once and reached base four times. Sharpe recorded one of Asheboros two hits and crossed the plate during the critical sixth inning surge.

After Rudolph’s strong start, Asheboro turned to its bullpen. Max Whitmore provided scoreless relief to collect the win, while Ian Anderson shut the door in the top of the ninth to earn the save.

Holly Springs threatened late with two runs walked in during the ninth inning, but the Zookeepers kept their composure and held firm to secure the 6-5 victory.

While the final box score may have only shown two hits for Asheboro, Mondays win was a reminder that offensive success comes in many forms. Through patience, discipline and timely execution, the Zookeepers turned free bases into runs and found a way to come out on top.

Asheboro will turn its attention to their next matchup as they face the Boone Bigfoots on Wednesday, June 3rd in Boone, N.C.