Zookeepers Sweep Doubleheader Against Martinsville

Hooker Field – June 20th, 2026

MARTINSVILLE, VA. — The Asheboro Zookeepers capped off a long day at Hooker field with a doubleheader sweep of the Martinsville Mustangs on Saturday, taking Game 1 by a 7-6 score before closing the night with a 9-5 victory in Game 2.

The sweep marked a resilient day for Asheboro, as the Zookeepers overcame deficits in both contests while collecting 23 hits and showcasing strong bullpen performances throughout the afternoon and evening.

Game 1: Zookeepers Rally Late for 7-6 Win

The opening game featured several momentum swings before Asheboro delivered the decisive blow in the ninth inning.

Martinsville struck first with a run in the opening frame, but the Zookeepers answered in the second inning to tie the game at one. Asheboro then broke through for three runs in the third inning to take its first lead of the day.

The Mustangs refused to go down without a fight, responding with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the third before adding another run in the fourth innning to regain the lead at 5-4.

After both teams traded runs in the sixth inning, the game remained tied entering the final inning. Asheboro came through with two runs in the top of the ninth to move in front for good before shutting the door in the bottom half.

The Zookeepers’ offense collected 15 hits in the victory and placed pressure on Martinsville throughout the game. Will Oates led the attack with a 4-for-5 performance and an RBI, while Brady Schallmoser finished 3-for-5 with an RBI. Chazz Grossington added three hits, and Wilmis Castro drove in two runs.

Drue Saenz provided one of the biggest offensive moments of the game with a solo home run. Daniel Stephens reached base four times thanks to three walks and scored a run, while Cameron Austin and Wyatt Bush each added hits as part of the balanced offensive effort.

After the Mustangs tied the game in the sixth, Asheboro’s pitching staff settled in. Takuma Sato was outstanding in relief, allowing just two hits over three scoreless innings while striking out seven batters. Carlos Gomez recorded another save for the Zookeepers to add onto his season, bringing his total saves to five.

Game 2: Boris Leads Comeback as Asheboro Completes the Sweep

The second game of the night started in a similar fashion, with Martinsville building an early advantage. Martinsville scored once in the first inning before erupting for four runs in the third to build a 5-0 advantage. Through four innings, Asheboro had been held scoreless and appeared headed toward a split of the doubleheader.

Instead, the Zookeepers responded with one of their most impressive comebacks of the season.

Asheboro finally broke thorugh in the fifth inning plating three runs to cut the deficit to 5-3. The Zookeepers continued to chip away in the sixth, scoring two more runs to tie the game at five.

With momentum fully on Asheboro’s side, the offense delivered again in the eighth inning. A four-run frame put the Zookeepers ahead for the first time all game and completed the comeback.

Sylas Boris turned in one of the most impactful performances of the season, finishing 2-for-3 with two home runs, three RBIs and three runs scored. His first homer in the sixth inning brought Asheboro within striking distance, while his second blast in the eighth inning helped fuel the game-winning rally.

Grossington continued his strong day at the plate, driving in three runs. Brady McGuire contributed a two-run triple, while Cameron Austin collected two hits and drove in a run. Josh Martinez, Will Oates and Boris all scored during the comeback effort.

Although Martinsville recorded a pair of home runs early in the game, Asheboro’s bullpen completely shut down the Mustangs after the third inning.

McCall Biemiller, Bryce Smith and Braxton Walker combined for five scoreless innings of relief, allowing just three hits while striking out seven batters. Walker earned the win after recording the final five outs of the game.

Doubleheader Takeaways

The sweep showcased the depth of Asheboro’s lineup and pitching staff.

The Zookeepers scored 16 runs across the two games despite trailing in both contests. Grossington finished the day with six RBIs, Boris supplied two home runs in the nightcap, and Oates, Schallmoser and Castro all delivered key contributions throughout the doubleheader.

On the mound, Asheboro’s bullpen was the difference-maker. Sato’s dominant relief appearance helped secure Game 1, while the combination of Biemiller, Smith and Walker blanked Martinsville over the final five innings of Game 2.

By nights end, the Zookeepers had turned two deficits into two winning victories, completing the road sweep and bouncing back from their loss to Martinsville on Friday, June 19. The Zookeepers will continue their strong stretch of play in Coastal Plain League action on Wednesday, June 24 as they travel to Macon, Georgia to take on the Macon Bacon.