CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs defeated the Charleston Dirty Birds 7-2 in an Atlantic League of Professional Baseball game on May 4, 2025, at GoMart Ballpark. The Blue Crabs (3-6) erupted for seven runs in the first two innings, powered by three home runs, to secure the victory over the Dirty Birds (3-6) before 4,076 fans.
The Blue Crabs struck early, scoring four runs in the first inning. Jackson Loftin and John Taylor hit back-to-back home runs, followed by a double from Pearce Howard and a triple by Brett Barrera, which drove in Gio Digiacomo. In the second inning, Alejandro De Aza’s three-run homer capped a three-run frame, giving Southern Maryland a 7-2 lead. Charleston responded with two runs in the first inning on a home run by James Nelson but could not close the gap.
Maceo Campbell earned the win for the Blue Crabs, pitching four innings, allowing two runs on two hits, and striking out nine. Jalen Miller and Brandon McCabe combined for three scoreless relief innings. Samuel Reyes took the loss for Charleston, surrendering four runs on five hits in one inning. The Blue Crabs outhit the Dirty Birds 8-4, with De Aza leading the way, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs.
“Weather was great at 65 degrees and mostly sunny, perfect for baseball,” the game report noted. The contest, which lasted 2 hours and 8 minutes, saw no errors from either team, with both defenses playing cleanly. Southern Maryland’s offense capitalized on early opportunities, while Charleston struggled to generate consistent hits against the Blue Crabs’ pitching staff.
Loftin, Taylor, and De Aza each homered for the Blue Crabs, with Loftin and Taylor scoring twice. Howard contributed a double and stole a base, while Barrera’s triple added to the early onslaught. Charleston’s Nelson drove in both of his team’s runs with his home run, and Bobby Bradley went 2-for-3 with two singles. Demetrius Moorer added a single and a stolen base for the Dirty Birds.
The Blue Crabs’ pitching staff dominated, striking out 12 Charleston batters while issuing only three walks. Campbell’s nine strikeouts set the tone, and McCabe’s scoreless seventh inning sealed the victory. Charleston’s pitchers struck out 10 but allowed four walks, with Seth Nightingale and Nathan Gilman struggling to contain Southern Maryland’s bats early.
This matchup highlighted the Blue Crabs’ ability to combine power hitting with effective pitching. Southern Maryland’s early lead allowed their bullpen to manage the game effectively, while Charleston’s offense could not sustain momentum after the first inning. Both teams, now 3-6, are early in the Atlantic League season, with opportunities to build on their performances.
The game underscores the competitive nature of the Atlantic League, where teams like the Blue Crabs and Dirty Birds rely on a mix of veteran players and emerging talent. Southern Maryland’s victory gives them momentum as they continue their road trip, while Charleston looks to rebound in their next outing at GoMart Ballpark.
