Zookeepers Extend CPL Lead in Mercy Rule

McCrary Park – July 11th, 2026

By: Camden Hurst

ASHEBORO, N.C.— The Asheboro Zookeepers took down the High Point Thomasville Hi-Toms on Saturday night by way of mercy rule 11-1. After an extra innings win the day before against the Hi-Toms, the Zookeepers bats came out hot once again. The win extended their first place lead in the Coastal Plain League West Division, leaving the Hi-Toms in second place and 2.5 games back.

Making his Zookeepers debut, Elvin Ramos turned in a dominant performance on the mound, giving Asheboro exactly what it needed from its starter. The right-hander worked six strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out six and issuing only one walk. Ramos consistently attacked the strike zone, limited hard contact, and kept opposing hitters off balance throughout his outing, setting the tone with an efficient and composed first start in a Zookeepers uniform.

“It was my first outing, so it was so exciting to do my best,” Ramos said. “I feel really good. It was awesome.”

Aside from Ramos, Asheboro’s offense wasted no time getting to work, erupting for four runs in the opening inning to grab an early lead. The Zookeepers added another four-run frame in the third before tacking on three insurance runs in the eighth. Although Asheboro finished with just nine hits, the lineup capitalized on opportunities, drew five hit-by-pitches, and took advantage of three High Point-Thomasville errors to pull away for the victory.

Thomas Cano-Piszel led the offensive effort, finishing 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI. Chazz Grossington also had a three-hit night, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored, while Daniel Stephens continued his strong season with a pair of hits, including a double, and drove in one run. Perry Hargett added three RBIs despite recording just one hit, and Cameron Austin chipped in with an RBI single and a run scored.

The bullpen preserved Ramos’ strong start over the final two innings. Landon Johnson worked a scoreless seventh inning, allowing one hit, before Caydon Laird closed out the game with a scoreless eighth. The trio combined to hold High Point-Thomasville to one run on six hits while striking out five, securing Asheboro’s 20th win of the season.

The win moved the Zookeepers to 20-10 on the season as they hold onto their lead at the top of the CPL West standings. Behind a dominant debut from Ramos and a balanced offensive attack that featured contributions throughout the lineup, Asheboro controlled the game from the first inning and never allowed High Point-Thomasville to climb back into contention.