The Preston Pirates baseball team under Coach Ryan Hudson showcased their pitching prowess and timely hitting in back-to-back victories against the Kiowa Cowboys and Wellston Tigers, securing a 2-0 win on Aug. 15 and a 4-0 win on Aug. 16.
— Pirates edge out Kiowa Cowboys
Last Thursday, the Preston Pirates faced off against the Kiowa Cowboys in a tightly contest- ed game that saw both teams’ pitchers dominate the mound. However, it was the Pirates who emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 win.
The game remained scoreless until the third inning when Kaden Dean broke the deadlock with a solo home run to right field, giving Preston the lead. The Pirates added another run later in the game, thanks to a clutch hit by Bradley Winford.
Pitcher Jace Basquez was lights-out for the Pirates, allowing just three hits over six scoreless innings. Basquez struck out six batters and walked only one, effectively shutting down Kiowa’s offense. Jayden Herring came in for the save, pitching a scoreless seventh inning with three strikeouts.
Kaden Dean and Hunter McElhannon led the offensive charge for Preston, each collecting two hits. Dean’s homer and Winford’s RBI single proved to be the difference-makers in the low-scoring affair.
Despite a strong outing from Kiowa’s starter, Cash Clifft, who allowed only two runs over seven innings, the Cowboys’ offense couldn’t solve the Pirates’ pitching. Clifft struck out four and walked three in the loss. Kiowa managed only four hits and turned one double play, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Preston’s lead.
— Gallup dominates as Pirates defeat Tigers On Friday, the Pirates continued their winning ways with a 4-0 victory over the Wellston Tigers, led by a dominant pitching performance from Pepper Gallup.
Gallup was nearly untouchable, striking out 12 batters while allowing just two hits over five scoreless innings. The Pirates’ ace was in full control, issuing no walks and keeping Wellston’s hitters off balance throughout the game.
Preston struck early, with Bradley Winford driving in a run with a double in the first inning. Hunter McElhannon added to the lead with a double in the third inning, making it 2-0. The Pirates continued to pressure the Tigers, scoring two more runs before the game’s end.
The Pirates’ bullpen continued Gallup’s dominance, with Noah Wilson and Jayden Herring each throwing a scoreless inning of relief. The Pirates’ defense was flawless, with no errors committed in the field. McElhannon, who had 17 chances at first base, anchored the defense with a solid performance.
Offensively, Preston tallied nine hits, with Kaden Dean leading the way, going 2-for-4 at the plate. The Pirates’ aggressive approach on the base paths and timely hitting allowed them to capitalize on their opportunities and secure the win.
For Wellston, Wylee Terrell and Rush McGovran each managed a hit, with Terrell also swiping two bases. Despite their efforts, the Tigers couldn’t crack the Pirates’ pitching and were held scoreless.
– With these victories, the Preston Pirates continued to build momentum as they prepared to host Okay on Tuesday.
On Thursday, the Pirates are scheduled to face Rejoice Christian at 5 p.m. and Friday, travel to Rogers State College Festival for games against Crossing Christian and Wyandotte.
Saturday action will be at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Stadium for two games.
