The Asheboro ZooKeepers lost their fourth consecutive game on Tuesday night as the Holly Spring Salamanders won 2-1 at McCrary Park on July 4. 

After three scoreless innings from starter Daniel Thompson, the Salamanders struck first with a single run in the top of the fourth. However, the Zooks quickly responded as Dallas Callahan drove in Alex Lodise with an RBI double. It was Callahan’s first double and fifth RBI of the season. 

Thompson threw a scoreless fifth inning before the ZooKeepers went to the bullpen with Garrett Kangas. Thompson finished his outing with seven strikeouts and six hits allowed. 

The Salamanders went to work early in the sixth inning. After Kangas hit the leadoff batter, Holly Springs eventually scored him on a fielder’s choice to retake a one-run advantage. 

Holly Springs maintained the 2-1 lead for the remainder of the game as the ZooKeepers failed to register a hit during the final four frames. It is Asheboro’s second straight loss against the Salamanders after defeating them in extra innings at McCrary last week. 

Asheboro will return on Friday night for a home game against the Lexington County Blowfish. Gates will open at 6 p.m. for a 7 p.m. first pitch. A fireworks show will take place after the conclusion of the contest. 

Written by Jacob Kisamore