Simmons Dominates Hi Toms

The Asheboro ZooKeepers made their final trip to Finch Field on Monday night.

This would mark the final time on the season that the ZooKeepers and Hi Toms square off.

In the first half of the season the ZooKeepers dominated the Hi Toms, but the second half was a different story.

In half two the Hi Toms have had the number of the ZooKeepers, but tonight was different.

Owen Simmons got the call to be on the mound to face off against Brantley Willis.

Simmons Dominates

Just a few days prior, Owen Simmons announced that he would be transferring to East Florida State, a JUCO college in Florida, to continue to play baseball.

Simmons noted that having the decision off his back allowed him to play freely.

The Hi Toms started the game off with a run in the first inning after a couple of stolen bases and bunts.

In the first inning Simmons pitched well but the Hi Toms were able to manufacture runs when it became available.

After the first inning Simmons was untouchable on the mound.

At one point in the following innings Simmons set down 15 of 17 batters including several strikeouts.

In the middle innings Simmons had three straight innings where he only faced the minimum giving the ZooKeepers all of the momentum.

The Hi Toms were unable to get any real chances until the seventh inning of play.

After what seemed like an eternity the Hi Toms were finally able to crack the code of Simmons scoring three runs across the seventh and ninth inning.

Coach Korey Dunbar took out Simmons with just one out remaining in the game after he gave up a two run home run.

All and all, Simmons recorded 26 of the 27 outs giving up four runs and recording six strikeouts.

Run Support

Simmons was not the only one dominating the Hi Toms that night.

It may have taken some time but the ZooKeepers bats showed up in the latter innings when it mattered most.

After being held to just one run through five innings the bats erupted.

Across the 6-9 innings the ZooKeepers bats put up eight of the nine runs that they would score.

Catcher Yariel DIaz hit a three run home run in the sixth inning to continue his hot hitting at Finch Field.

In the seventh inning second baseman Sal Laimo hit a two run double to further extend the ZooKeepers lead.

Closing It Out

All and all the ZooKeepers took the final meeting by a score of 9-4.

Simmons and Cimpric were the only two pitchers needed and the bats came to play, a perfect storm.

The ZooKeepers will hit the road again tomorrow to play the Macon Bacon.