The High Point-Thomasville HiToms (13-10) weren’t on their top-tier game to start the ninth game of the Deep River Series, falling 13-10 to the Asheboro Copperheads (13-11) on Tuesday night. Hogan Windish and Noah Ledford hit back-to-back home runs in an eight-run eighth inning to lead the HiToms back from a 13-2 deficit.

Asheboro right fielder Will Stewart was on base, representing the mercy rule run in the bottom of the seventh. Stewart attempted to score on a single to win the game, 14-2, but shortstop Matt Corder threw home accurately to put out Stewart, extending the game.

The HiToms responded to the defense by putting up eight in the eighth. With the bases loaded, Thomas Caufield drove in a run with a single past the third baseman. Ellis Stokes drove in the second run of the frame by walking in a run. After a single by Alex Stone, HP-T brought up Hogan Windish with the bases loaded and a 13-4 Asheboro lead.

Windish was clutch again, smashing his second grand slam of the season 380 feet into the left-field foliage outside of McCrary Park. Windish has nine home runs this season and 31 RBIs, both leading the Coastal Plain League.

Following Windish, Noah Ledford smashed the first pitch from Ben Friebel into the night sky to cut the lead to 13-9. CJ Johnson doubled, and Matt Corder hit him home to finish the inning with eight runs on seven hits.

With a 13-10 lead, the HiToms brought the tying run to the on-deck circle, but were unable to put anything together, falling to a 13-10 season record, a half-game ahead of Asheboro in the standings.

The HiToms return home for Shuler Meats Dollar Night on Wednesday, playing the Greensboro Monarchs in an exhibition game. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. with discounted concessions. The next CPL game for both the Copperheads and HiToms is another HiToms at Asheboro contest on Thursday night.