Zookeepers Explode for 18 Runs in Win Over Mustangs

Hooker Field – July 2nd, 2026

MARTINSVILLE, Va.— The Asheboro Zookeepers broke out offensively Thursday night, piling up 18 runs on 15 hits to defeat the Martinsville Mustangs 18-10 at Hooker Field.

Six different Zookeepers recorded multiple hits as Asheboro scored in seven of the nine innings, overcoming a late Martinsville comeback attempt to open the series with a convincing road victory.

Asheboro wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning. Reggie Sharpe drew a leadoff walk before Cameron Austin tripled into the gap to plate the game’s first two runs and give the Zookeepers an early 2-0 advantage.

The offense stayed aggressive in the second when Brady McGuire doubled and later scored to extend the lead to 3-0.

Martinsville got on the scoreboard with a run in the fourth inning, but Asheboro answered immediately. Austin collected another RBI hit in the top of the fifth before Blake Brookins added a sacrifice fly, pushing the Zookeepers’ lead to 6-1.

The Mustangs mounted their biggest threat in the sixth inning, scoring five runs to cut the deficit to 8-8, but Asheboro quickly regained control.

After plating three runs in the seventh, the Zookeepers put the game away with a seven-run eighth inning. Asheboro capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting as the lineup batted around, turning a three-run lead into a commanding 18-8 advantage.

Sharpe led the offensive attack with a four-hit night, finishing 4-for-5 with four runs scored, three RBIs and a walk.

Austin continued his strong season, going 3-for-5 with a triple, four RBIs and two runs scored.

McGuire finished 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBIs and two runs, while Brookins went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Wilmis Castro also drove in two runs as part of a three-hit performance, and Chazz Grossington added two hits and an RBI.

Josh Martinez crossed the plate three times, Sylas Boris drove in a run, Perry Hargett picked up his first RBI of the season and Wyatt Bush added an RBI despite recording just one official at-bat.

Carlos Gomez delivered a strong outing out of the bullpen, keeping Asheboro in front during the middle innings. The right-hander allowed one run on one hit across four innings while striking out eight batters. Robert Ahlgren earned the win after recording the final three outs of the eighth inning, and Alex Graber and McCall Biemiller combined to close out the victory.

Martinsville was led by Sam York, who had two hits and two RBIs, while Cade Miles drove in three runs. Nick Izzo and Yates Sikes each scored twice for the Mustangs.

The Zookeepers improved behind one of their most complete offensive performances of the season, collecting 15 hits while taking advantage of six Martinsville errors. Asheboro also showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks and forcing the Mustangs to use six pitchers in the loss.

After reclaiming first place in the Coastal Plain League West Division, the Zookeepers now turn their attention to another key road test. Asheboro will travel to Florence on Friday to face the Florence Flamingos as it looks to remain atop the division standings.