ZooKeepers Stumble in Boone, Drop 8–4 loss to Bigfoots

Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium – June 13, 2025

The Asheboro ZooKeepers’ comeback effort fell short Friday night as the Boone Bigfoots used a steady offensive attack and strong bullpen work to secure an 8–4 victory in Coastal Plain League play. Asheboro, now 8–3 on the season, couldn’t overcome a five-run midgame stretch by the Bigfoots, who moved to 6–6.

Bigfoots Build Early Lead

Boone got on the board in the first inning, scoring on a sacrifice fly from Michael Young (South Alabama). They broke things open in the fourth with a three-run frame, highlighted by a two-run single from Grant Watkins and a sac fly by Young to make it 4–1.

The Bigfoots tacked on two more in the fifth and added solo runs in the seventh and eighth, racking up 12 hits total and keeping pressure on Asheboro’s bullpen throughout the night.

ZooKeepers Rally Late

Asheboro scored once in the third when Yariel Diaz (Barton College) brought home Kruise Newman (Tennessee Wesleyan) with a sacrifice fly. Trailing 6–1 in the seventh, the ZooKeepers mounted a mini rally. Diaz struck again with a two-run single to bring the deficit down to 6–4, and Cole Kitchens (Southern Indiana) added a double to keep the inning alive, but Boone escaped further damage.

That would be Asheboro’s last push, as Boone’s relievers shut the door over the final two innings.

Diaz Leads the Way at the Plate

Diaz led Asheboro’s offense with two RBIs and one hit, continuing his strong start to the season (.382 AVG). Nathan Chrismon (Catawba College) stole two bases and scored a run, while Rylen Stockton (Maryland) and Boaz Harper (UNC) each added singles.

Pitching Staff Overwhelmed by Bigfoots’ Bats

Starter Joe Rauscher (Barton College) allowed three runs—two earned—over three innings before giving way to the bullpen. Jeremiah Hampton, Shane Keup, and Nathanael Volk combined to allow five more runs, as Boone’s bats capitalized on timely hitting and a few wild pitches.

Final: Bigfoots 8, ZooKeepers 4

Despite a sixth straight game with a multi-RBI performance from Diaz, Asheboro couldn’t overcome the Bigfoots’ offensive rhythm. Boone had six players collect hits and was led by Watkins (3-for-4, 2 RBI) and Dylan Whitaker (HR, 3 RBI).

Next Game:
📍 ZooKeepers vs. Forrest City
📅 Saturday, June 14 – 6:30 PM at McCrary Park
🎧 Listen live: https://zkbaseball.mixlr.com