The Asheboro ZooKeepers overcame an early deficit on Tuesday night to earn their first victory of the season against the Martinsville Mustangs by a 9-4 score at UNCG Baseball Stadium in Greensboro.

The ZooKeepers fell behind 4-0 in the second inning but stormed back with eight runs over the next three innings, highlighted by a three-run home run by first baseman Tyler McPeak in the bottom of the fourth.

McPeak’s three RBIs on the night led the team, as he is now tied with Hogan Garner for the most RBIs on the team with six. Tanner Thomas added a pair of RBIs while Jay Dillard, Todd Hudson and Dallas Callahan all drove in one run. 

Dillard tallied two hits on the night to improve his batting average to .571, the best on the team. McPeak and Jake Holland also registered two hits. The ZooKeepers finished the night with eight hits, marking the fifth time in seven contests this season the team has reached at least eight. 

Grant Aycock started on the mound for the ZooKeepers, tossing five innings with seven strikeouts. After the Mustangs scored four runs off Aycock in the second, he pitched three scoreless innings in a row to end his night. Win Scott and Garrett Kangas both made their debut for the team in relief, combining to throw three scoreless frames. 

Danny Thompson secured the final three outs for the ZooKeepers. The first two outs came on a 6-3 double play converted by second baseman Cole Laskowski and McPeak. Martinsville proceeded to load the bases but Thompson struck out the final Mustangs batter swinging to end the game and secure Asheboro’s first victory this season. 

The ZooKeepers will look to start their first winning streak of the season on Friday when they host the Florence Flamingos in a doubleheader at UNCG Baseball Stadium. The first game will begin at 6 p.m. and gates will open for fans at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here and a stream of the game on FloSports is accessible by clicking here. 

Written by: Jacob Kisamore