The High Point-Thomasville HiToms (17-11) fell for just the second time in the second half to the Forest City Owls (13-15), 12-4. The Owls drew seven walks over the first two innings to lead them to victory.

UNC-Pembroke’s Landen Smith was sharp in relief for the HiToms, giving extended success to a taxed HiToms bullpen. Smith pitched a season-high 4.1 innings, striking out 6 allowing just one earned run. Tyrese Hearst and KJ Wells both struck out a pair in one inning of relief each.

On the hitting end, the HiToms got one single from Thomas Caufield, extending his hit streak to ten games. Caufield is now batting .311 with six home runs and 21 RBIs this summer. CJ Johnson smashed his sixth home run to center field in the third, a solo home run.

The HiToms are off on Tuesday, returning to Finch Field for an exhibition game versus the Statesville Owls at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday is NASCAR Night at the ballpark, when we celebrate the great North Carolina-based sport. NASCAR-themed games and an iRacing simulator will highlight the festivities. Discounted concessions are also in the cards for Wednesday, with Shuler Meats Dollar Night slashing the prices of concessions at Finch Field.

Can’t make it to the ballgame? Video coverage of Wednesday’s game is available on flobaseball.tv.