Zookeepers Rally Past Blowfish Behind Fifth-Inning Surge

Lexington County Baseball Stadium – June 15th, 2026

LEXINGTON, S.C. — The Asheboro Zookeepers used a three-run fifth inning and a strong effort from their bullpen to defeat the Lexington County Blowfish 5-4 on Monday night at Lexington County Baseball Stadium.

The win improved Asheboro’s record as the Zookeepers bounced back from Sunday’s tough loss and secured a road victory to improve their record to 10-4.

Lexington County struck first with a run in the opening inning before both teams traded runs during the middle innings. The Blowfish carried a 4-2 lead into the fifth after scoring twice in the third and adding antoher run in fourth.

Asheboro answered with its biggest inning of the night in the top of the fifth. After putting runners on base, the Zookeepers capitalized on Lexington County mistakes and timely hitting to score three runs and take a 5-4 lead. The rally proved to be the difference as Asheboro held the Blowfish scoreless over the final four innings.

Brady McGuire continued his productive season at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an RBI. Thomas Cano-Piszel also drove in a run, while Cameron Austin scored once and reached base twice.

Blake Brookins added two hits in five at-bats and Josh Martinez collected a pair of hits and scored a run. Chazz Grossington reached base twice and crossed the plate two times to help spark the offense.

On the mound, Joseph Yamamoto earned the start and worked four innings, allowing four runs on six hits. Seth Way picked up the win after tossing a scoreless fifth inning.

The Zookeepers bullpen took control from there. Caydon Laird, Takuma Sato and Ian Anderson combined for four scoreless innings to close out the game, allowing just three hits while preserving the one-run lead. Anderson recorded the save, his third of the season.

Although Lexington County out-hit Asheboro 9-7, the Zookeepers took advantage of three Blowfish errors and seven walks to fire up enough offense for the victory.

The win showcased Asheboro’s resilience, as the Zookeepers erased a two-run defecit midway through the game and relied on timely pitching down the stretch to secure the 5-4 road win.

Asheboro will return home to McCrary Park as they take on Kingsmen Academy in an exhibition game at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17th.