ZooKeepers Dominate HiToms in 13-0 Shutout

Finch Field – June 11, 2025

The Asheboro ZooKeepers showed no mercy Wednesday night in Thomasville, rolling past the HiToms 13-0 in a seven-inning run-rule victory. A six-run second inning and lights-out pitching from Garrett Smith set the tone, as Asheboro improved to 7-2 and notched its second shutout win of the season.

ZooKeepers Explode in the Second

After a quiet opening frame, Asheboro’s bats erupted in the second. Sal Laimo (Barton College) doubled in a pair of runs, Nick O’Brien (Penn) followed with an RBI single, and Nathan Chrismon (Catawba College) added one more to cap off a six-run outburst. The HiToms never recovered.

The ZooKeepers padded the lead with one in the third, four more in the fourth, and two in the fifth, cruising to their highest-scoring game of the season.

Laimo, Chrismon Spark the Offense

Laimo continued his scorching stretch, going 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and three runs scored. Chrismon was right behind him, reaching base four times and scoring twice. The ZooKeepers stole six bases on the night, including three from Hunter Atkins (Catawba College), as they kept the pressure on all game long.

Smith and Keup Combine for Gem

Garrett Smith (Eastern Florida State) tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out three to earn the win. Shane Keup (Winthrop) followed with two efficient innings to seal the combined shutout. Neither pitcher allowed a HiTom to reach third base.

Final: ZooKeepers 13, HiToms 0 (7 Innings)

Asheboro collected 12 hits, drew six walks, and didn’t commit an error in a complete team effort. Meanwhile, the HiToms dropped to 2-8, managing just three hits and struggling defensively in the field.

Next Game:
Asheboro ZooKeepers vs. Holly Springs Salamanders
Thursday, June 12 – 6:30 PM @ McCrary Park
Listen live: https://zkbaseball.mixlr.com