ZooKeepers’ Early Surge Fizzles in Road Loss to HiToms

Finch Field – June 25, 2025

The Asheboro ZooKeepers jumped out to a quick 5–0 lead by the third inning, but the bats went cold the rest of the night as the HiToms stormed back for a 7–5 victory on Wednesday at Finch Field. Despite a strong start from the top of the lineup, Asheboro’s bullpen couldn’t hold off a persistent Thomasville offense.

Hot Start for the ZooKeepers

The ZooKeepers struck first with a run in the second and then broke the game open in the third. Yariel Diaz sparked the rally with an RBI single, and Seojun Oh added a two-run single to give Asheboro a 5–0 advantage. Jake Griffith also chipped in with an RBI base knock, helping chase HiToms starter Ross Fowler after just 2.2 innings.

Asheboro looked in control early, but momentum quickly shifted in the fourth.

HiToms Answer with Power and Patience

HiToms shortstop Max Perry launched a game-tying three-run homer as part of a five-run fourth inning off ZooKeepers starter Peter Lemke. The home team took advantage of seven walks and capitalized on Asheboro’s lone error to claw their way back into the contest.

After two strong relief innings from Shane Keup, the HiToms edged ahead in the seventh with an RBI double from Yates Sikes, then added an insurance run in the eighth to seal the game.

Final: HiToms 7, ZooKeepers 5

Despite the loss, Seojun Oh reached base three times and now has 17 RBIs on the season. Griffith swiped his first bag of the summer and reached base in all five plate appearances, while Elijha Hammill continued his hot start with a hit and a run scored.

But Asheboro was limited to just two hits over the final six innings and stranded 10 runners overall, allowing the HiToms to complete the comeback.

Next Game:

📍 Asheboro ZooKeepers vs Martinsville Mustangs
📅 Thursday, June 26 – 6:30 PM at McCrary Park
🎧 Listen live: https://zkbaseball.mixlr.com