Crabs Roll in 13-3 Win over Gastonia

Blue Crabs crack three home runs including a Loftin grand slam

W: Kyle Virbitsky (10-7)

L: Nick Horvath (7-3)

WALDORF, MD – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (25-19, 66-41) broke out at the plate in a 13-3 win over the Gastonia Ghost Peppers (24-21, 62-46) on Tuesday night at Regency Furniture Stadium. The Crabs launched three home runs, including a grand slam from Jackson Loftin. Southern Maryland combined for 12 hits as eight players in the starting lineup reached base safely.

The Blue Crabs laid claim to a sizable lead in the bottom of the second inning. Jordan Thompson started the scoring in the game with an RBI double. Carlos Rojas added a sacrifice fly and Alejandro De Aza connected on an RBI single. Taylor Darden capped the rally with a two-run home run to left center field, his 10th homer of the season, to give Southern Maryland a 5-0 lead.

Gastonia was able to get one run back in the top of the third inning on a Grant Lavigne RBI double as they still trailed the Blue Crabs 5-1.

Both teams got on the board in the fourth inning. The Ghost Peppers scored one run on a Jack Reinheimer RBI single. The Blue Crabs responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning. De Aza drove an RBI double off the center field wall and Darden smacked an RBI single to extend Southern Maryland’s lead to 7-2.

The Crabs continued to pull away in the fifth inning. Phillip Sikes drove a 382-feet solo home run to left center field, his team-leading 18th homer of the season, to stretch the Blue Crabs’ lead to 8-2.

Blue Crabs starting pitcher Kyle Virbitsky navigated through five innings, allowing just two runs. He worked around three hits and five walks with three strikeouts.

Reinheimer delivered another clutch hit for the Peppers once again in the top of the sixth inning. After Chris Proctor reached with a triple, he poked an RBI single into right field. The Peppers then loaded the bases with two outs, but Blue Crabs relief pitcher Isaac Fix struck Lavigne out on three pitches to hold the Crabs lead at 8-3.

The Crabs broke the game open with five more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Loftin had the big swing in the frame, launching a grand slam to left field for his seventh home run of the season. The Crabs ended the inning with a 13-3 advantage.

The Southern Maryland bullpen held the Ghost Peppers lineup in check to finish a 13-3 win.

The Blue Crabs continue their series against the Gastonia Ghost Peppers with a doubleheader on Wednesday, August 26 at Regency Furniture Stadium. First pitch is at 4:35 pm. Wednesdays at Regency Furniture Stadium are Woof Wednesdays. Enjoy Blue Crabs baseball alongside your pup with a fun, pet-friendly atmosphere all night long. To purchase tickets, click here.

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have been proud members of the Atlantic League since 2008, the fourth-longest tenured team in the league. With a proud tradition of success on and off the field, many players have found a home while playing in front of Crustacean Nation, the nickname for the Blue Crabs’ avid fanbase. A host of former Major Leaguers have played for the Blue Crabs, including Chien-Ming Wang, Pat Mahomes Sr., and team legend Daryl Thompson. Many players have also made it to the Major Leagues after playing with Southern Maryland, including Isaac Mattson of the Pittsburgh Pirates. 2026 marks the 18th season of Blue Crabs baseball at Regency Furniture Stadium, where Clawsome Times Await.