Stephens Takes CPL RBI Lead as Zookeepers Blast Past Owls 19-9

McCrary Park – June 5th, 2026

ASHEBORO, N.C. – The Asheboro Zookeepers wasted little time taking control Friday night, erupting for nine runs in the second inning on their way to a 19-9 victory over the Forest City Owls at McCrary Park.

After scoring once in the opening frame, the Zookeepers delivered their biggest offensive inning of the season in the second. Daniel Stephens and Sylas Boris each launched home runs, while Cameron Austin, Chazz Grossington and Reggie Sharpe all drove in runs during the rally as Asheboro built a commanding early advantage.

The offensive outburst was more than enough support for a lineup that continued to produce throughout the night.

Stephens once again led the charge. The center fielder finished 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs, four runs scored and three walks. His second inning blast marked his third home run of the season and pushed his RBI total to 11, taking the lead for RBIs atop the Coastal Plain League leaderboard.

“As a leadoff hitter it can be hard to get RBIs, but our bottom of the order is coming through to allow me to get them,” Stephens said. “I came here early today to work with Skye Bolt [Zookeepers hitting coach], he told me a few things and slowed everything down. It helped a lot.”

While Stephens provided the headline moment, production came from every corner of the lineup.

Will Oates turned in one of his best performances of the summer, going 3-for-5 with four RBIs and three runs scored. Austin added three hits and a game-high five RBIs, while Boris finished with two hits, including a three-run homer.

Sharpe continued his recent hot streak at the plate with three hits and two RBIs, while Grossington chipped in two RBIs and scored twice. Eight different Zookeepers either scored or drove in a run as Asheboro piled up 16 hits.

The Owls briefly made things interesting in the third inning, scoring five runs to cut into the defecit. Forest City added another run in the fourth and three more in the sixth, but Asheboro answered every challenge.

On the mound for the Zookeeeprs, Hutson Trobaugh struck out seven batters over 3.1 innings while Bennett Holdener earned the victory in relief. Braxton Walker closed out the final frame as Asheboro secured its sixth win.

The victory continued a strong stretch for the Zookeepers, whose offense has become one of the most dangerous in the Coastal Plain League. With Stephens leading the league in RBIs and several hitters heating up around him, Asheboro’s lineup continues to show it can fill up the scoreboard on any given night.

As the Zookeepers look to hold onto their undefeated start, they head to Holly Springs to take on the Salamanders on Saturday, June 6th.