Zookeepers Fall In Martinsville

The Asheboro Zookeepers hit the road after an off day up to Martinsville, Virginia.

This would be the second time this season that the Zookeepers traveled to Martinsville and the first of four trips there in the month of June.

Last time the Zookeepers traveled to Martinsville they lost on a walk-off single, would they be able to avenge that loss?

The Zookeepers are coming off a two game mini series against Boone in which they won both games.

The Game

Peter Mullen got the ball on the mound for the Zookeepers to face off against Alex Kanipe.

Things started off fairly routine for both sides and they went through the order with no issues.

It was not until the second inning that the scoreboard started to light up.

In the top half of the second inning the Zookeepers were set down easily which gave the bats back to the Mustangs quickly.

In the bottom of the second inning the Mustangs bats started to erupt.

Mustangs catcher Zack Horky got the party started with an RBI single to give the Mustangs a 1-0 lead.

Shortly thereafter Mullen got himself into an even more sticky situation.

Mullen walked multiple batters in the half inning to give the Mustangs the bases loaded with just one out.

They would capitalize on it by being patient as Mullen surrendered another walk to give the Mustangs a 2-0 lead.

As the game progressed a long it was evident that the Zookeepers bats would be cold during the game.

Through innings 3-5 the Zookeepers only had four base runners and just two of those came off of actual base hits.

On the other hand, the Mustangs continued to light up the scoreboard.

The Mustangs went a little bit cold in innings three and four but quickly got their rhythm back in the fifth inning scoring yet another run.

Things continued to get worse and worse for the Zookeepers through the middle innings as the Mustangs were putting runs on the board every single half inning.

Through eight innings the Mustangs scored in every inning but two and took a commanding 8-0 lead into the final frame.

So far this season the Zookeepers have not been shutout in any game, but the streak was in jeopardy with only three outs to play.

Luckily the bats came through for the Zookeepers to preserve their shutout streak.

Left fielder RJ Jimerson and second baseman Ryan Kennell both drove in runs to relieve the Zookeepers fro being shutout.

Wrap Up

While the Zookeepers may have not been shutout they did wind up losing the game 8-2.

They fall to 6-8 on the season and 0-2 in Martinsville this season.

The two teams will meet again later this week in Asheboro.

As for the next game, the Zookeepers will have an exhibition game on Wednesday against Catawba Valley at home.