HAGERSTOWN, Md., June 24, 2025 — The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs delivered a commanding 11-2 victory over the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars in an Atlantic League of Professional Baseball game on June 24, 2025, at Meritus Park in Hagerstown, Maryland. John Taylor’s home run, double, and five RBIs powered the Blue Crabs’ 13-hit attack, while Ian Kahaloa’s seven-strikeout performance on the mound secured the win before 1,659 fans. The Blue Crabs improved to 29-23, while Hagerstown fell to 13-39, highlighting Southern Maryland’s dominance in the matchup.
The game began with Taylor’s solo home run in the first inning, giving Southern Maryland an early 1-0 lead. They added a run in the third when Ryan McCarthy scored on Taylor’s single, capitalizing on a passed ball by Hagerstown catcher Mark Black. The fourth inning saw Jamari Baylor score on a fielding error by shortstop Justin Acal, followed by Jackson Loftin crossing the plate on another Taylor single, pushing the lead to 4-0. The Blue Crabs broke the game open in the fifth, scoring four runs on Baylor’s RBI single, Loftin’s two-run double, and McCarthy’s RBI single, making it 8-2.
Hagerstown responded in the fourth with two runs. Cary Arbolida singled and scored on Joe DeLuca’s triple, and Tyler Johnson’s double drove in DeLuca, narrowing the gap to 4-2. However, the Flying Boxcars’ offense faltered, managing only two hits in the final five innings against Blue Crabs relievers Brandon McCabe and Rafi Vazquez. Southern Maryland sealed the win in the seventh with three runs, as Taylor’s double plated Baylor and McCarthy, and Pearce Howard’s single scored Taylor, finalizing the score at 11-2.
Taylor led the Blue Crabs, going 4-for-6 with a home run, double, and five RBIs, raising his average to .288. Loftin contributed a double, two RBIs, and two stolen bases, while Baylor scored three runs and stole two bases. The Blue Crabs exploited Hagerstown’s defensive errors and drew seven walks, showcasing their disciplined approach. Alejandro De Aza added three walks and a stolen base, and McCarthy scored twice, bolstering the offense.
Kahaloa earned the win, pitching six innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs, and striking out seven without a walk. His 77-pitch effort, with 54 strikes, stifled Hagerstown’s lineup. McCabe pitched two scoreless innings, and Vazquez allowed two hits in the ninth but prevented runs, ensuring the Blue Crabs’ pitching staff held firm.
Hagerstown’s Julian Minaya took the loss, allowing five runs (three earned) on five hits and four walks over four innings. Relievers Casey Marshalwitz and Rogelio Quesada struggled, each surrendering three earned runs, while Michael Saturria pitched two scoreless innings. Arbolida (.459) and DeLuca (triple, double) provided Hagerstown’s offensive highlights, but two errors and a passed ball hindered their effort.
The Blue Crabs, based in Waldorf, Charles County, are a competitive force in the Atlantic League, an independent professional league featuring former Major League prospects and veterans. Their 29-23 record positions them well in the North Division, with players like Taylor (8 HR, 28 RBIs) and Giovanni Digiacomo (.335) driving the lineup. The team’s speed, with five stolen bases, and plate discipline have fueled their success.
The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, in their second Atlantic League season, continue to face challenges at 13-39. Despite Arbolida’s strong hitting, defensive lapses and inconsistent pitching have plagued the team at Meritus Park, a modern facility opened in 2024. The loss underscores Hagerstown’s need to tighten their defense and develop young talent to compete in the league.
The game, played under sunny, 93-degree conditions with a northwest wind, lasted 2 hours and 41 minutes, ending at 9:12 p.m. Umpires Bill Reuter (plate), Marty Hasenfuss (first base), and Ian Pittenger (third base) officiated. The 1,659 fans created a lively atmosphere at Meritus Park, a community hub in Hagerstown’s west end.
The victory reinforces the Blue Crabs’ status as a fan favorite in Charles County, with games at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf drawing strong support. The team’s success resonates in a community with a rich baseball tradition, home to youth leagues and high school programs feeding into professional ranks. For Hagerstown, the Flying Boxcars aim to build a fanbase and spark a turnaround, leveraging players like Arbolida to engage the community.
The win strengthens Southern Maryland’s playoff hopes in the Atlantic League, where they compete against teams like the Lancaster Stormers and York Revolution. With Taylor’s bat heating up and Kahaloa’s pitching reliability, the Blue Crabs are poised for a postseason run. Hagerstown focuses on development, aiming to close the season on a positive note.
The Atlantic League, founded in 1998, provides high-quality baseball in markets outside Major League Baseball, offering fans in places like Hagerstown and Waldorf competitive play. The Blue Crabs’ 11-2 rout showcases their skill and reinforces their role as a community cornerstone in Charles County.
