WALDORF, Md. – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs clinched a 1-0 victory over the High Point Rockers on September 14, 2025, at Regency Furniture Stadium, capping a tightly contested six-game Atlantic League series. The game, a classic pitcher’s duel, saw Jackson Loftin’s sixth-inning home run break a scoreless tie, securing the win for the Blue Crabs before 1,313 fans under sunny, 85-degree skies. The victory avenged a 2-1 loss to the Rockers the previous night, highlighting the competitive balance between the two South Division rivals.
The game remained scoreless through five innings, with both teams’ pitchers dominating. Southern Maryland’s Jason Blanchard earned the win, allowing two hits and striking out eight over six innings. High Point’s Jake Gilbert took the loss despite a strong performance, surrendering just two hits, including Loftin’s decisive homer, while striking out three and walking two over six innings. The Blue Crabs’ bullpen, featuring Jonathan Wright, Jeremy Carr, and closer Endrys Briceno, held firm, with Briceno earning his sixth save despite a tense ninth inning.
Loftin’s solo shot in the sixth, his 19th of the season, came off a 1-0 pitch from Gilbert and sailed over the left-field wall, giving the Blue Crabs their lone run. The Rockers managed four hits—singles by Luis Gonzalez, Drew Mendoza, Bryson Parks, and Aidan Brewer—but couldn’t capitalize. Their best chance came in the ninth when Evan Edwards walked, and Brewer beat out an infield single, putting two on with one out. Pinch-hitter Braxton Davidson’s deep fly to center was caught by Loftin against the wall, preserving the shutout.
Defensively, both teams executed cleanly, each turning a double play. Southern Maryland’s infield, led by first baseman Jimmy Baylor with 10 total chances, was flawless, while High Point’s Evan Edwards anchored first base with nine putouts. The Blue Crabs’ outfield, with Loftin and Pearson Howard, secured key catches, and shortstop Sammy Dexter contributed three total chances. High Point’s infield, including third baseman Drew Mendoza and shortstop Aidan Brewer, combined for six assists, but the team left seven runners on base, stymieing their offense.
The Blue Crabs, now 66-57, showcased their pitching depth, with Blanchard’s 1.45 ERA over six innings setting the tone. Wright and Carr allowed just one hit combined, and Briceno navigated the ninth despite issuing two walks. For the Rockers (72-61), Gilbert’s 4.13 ERA belied his command, throwing 34 strikes on 63 pitches. Relievers Yuhi Sako and Cam Cotter kept the game close, with Sako tossing a hitless seventh and Cotter allowing a single hit in the eighth.
This 1-0 defeat marked High Point’s first such loss since July 9, 2022, against Gastonia, underscoring the rarity of the shutout. The Rockers, tied with York for the Atlantic League’s best record, now face a pivotal South Division Championship series against the Gastonia Ghost Peppers, who clinched the second-half title.
The Blue Crabs’ pitching staff, ranked third in the league with a 3.82 team ERA, has been a cornerstone of their season, with Briceno’s 0.47 ERA in save situations proving critical. Loftin’s 60 RBIs and .276 average have anchored the offense, complemented by Baylor’s .307 batting and 18 stolen bases. For High Point, Gonzalez’s .296 average and Edwards’ 22 walks in limited at-bats highlight their lineup’s potential, though Sunday’s game exposed their struggle to convert hits into runs.