LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs defeated the Lexington Legends 7-3 in an Atlantic League of Professional Baseball game on July 6, 2025, at Legends Field. The game, lasting 2 hours and 25 minutes, saw the Blue Crabs score four runs in the first inning, securing a lead they maintained despite a late Legends rally. Attendance was 1,068 under sunny conditions with temperatures reaching 106 degrees.
The Blue Crabs, with a 36-27 record, dominated early, scoring four runs in the first inning on a home run by Jackson Loftin and contributions from Jamari Baylor and Giovanni Digiacomo. Lexington, holding a 31-32 record, managed no runs until the sixth inning. Jalen Miller earned the win, pitching 6 innings and allowing one run, while Nic Laio took the loss after 5.1 innings. Joey Hennessey secured the save with 3 innings pitched.
Batting highlights included Loftin’s 3-for-4 performance with a home run and double, driving in one run. Baylor hit a two-run homer, and Digiacomo added a two-run homer and a sacrifice fly. For the Legends, Curtis Terry hit a two-run homer in the ninth, and Isaias Quiroz contributed a solo homer in the sixth. The Blue Crabs recorded 10 hits to Lexington’s 3, with no errors by either team.
The game started at 2:06 p.m. and ended at 4:31 p.m., officiated by plate umpire Michael Rash and field umpires Bob Howard and Lyle Travis. Weather conditions included a 3-6 mph WSW wind and 39% humidity. The Blue Crabs added two runs in the seventh on Baylor’s homer and one in the eighth on Digiacomo’s homer, while Lexington scored two in the ninth but fell short.
The Blue Crabs’ strategy relied on early offensive pressure, with Loftin’s leadoff homer setting the tone. Lexington’s pitching struggled, with Laio walking four batters, contributing to the Blue Crabs’ scoring.
Miller’s effective pitching limited the Legends to two hits over six innings, striking out five. Hennessey closed the game, allowing two runs on one hit in the ninth. The Legends’ late rally came too late, with Terry’s homer accounting for both runs. The Blue Crabs’ defense executed three double plays, while Lexington turned two.
The Blue Crabs’ success reflects their 2025 season performance, leading the league’s second half with a strong batting average. Legends Field, home to the Legends since 2001, hosted the game as part of the team’s 24th season. The victory boosts the Blue Crabs’ playoff chances, while the Legends face challenges with a .500 record.
