ZooKeepers Explode for 16 Runs in Blowout Win Over Tri-City
Shepherd Stadium – June 22, 2025
The Asheboro ZooKeepers closed out their road trip in style with a 16–5 demolition of the Tri-City Chili Peppers on Sunday night. Powered by an 18-hit barrage and a relentless offensive attack in every inning, Asheboro secured its third consecutive win and moved to 13–5 on the season.
Offense Shines Early and Often
The ZooKeepers wasted no time getting on the board. A wild pitch in the first inning plated Sam Hunter for the game’s opening run, and Asheboro never looked back. The middle innings saw the bats erupt, with the ZooKeepers scoring in every frame—including three-run bursts in the third, fifth, and sixth.
Rylen Stockton’s grand slam in the seventh capped off the offensive onslaught, while Jake Griffith added a solo home run earlier in the contest. Boaz Harper and Cole Kitchens also chipped in with multi-RBI performances as the ZooKeepers punished Tri-City pitching all night long.
Yamada Goes the Distance
On the mound, Hiroyuki Yamada was tasked with holding the lead, and he did just that. The right-hander went the distance in the shortened seven-inning contest, allowing five runs on eight hits while striking out four. Despite a brief Tri-City rally in the fifth and sixth innings, Yamada kept his composure to earn the win.
Defensively, Asheboro played a clean game, turning a key double play and committing no errors behind Yamada.
Final: ZooKeepers 16, Chili Peppers 5
Asheboro’s dominance was on full display as they racked up 15 RBIs, 5 walks, and 2 stolen bases in a well-rounded performance. Every starter reached base, and eight of the nine recorded a hit in the ZooKeepers’ most lopsided win of the season.
Next Game:
📍 Asheboro ZooKeepers vs Thomasville HiToms
📅 Monday, June 23 – 6:30 PM at McCrary Park
🎧 Listen live: https://zkbaseball.mixlr.com