The Preston Pirates didn’t just win the Ketchum Hardball Classic – they overwhelmed it.
Behind explosive first innings, relentless offensive pressure, and dominant pitching performances, Preston stormed through the tournament field with authority, capping off an impressive four-game run that showcased both depth and firepower. The Pirates outscored their opponents 59-10 across the tournament, using early- game surges to seize control and never look back.
— Historic first-inning explosion sets the tone
Preston opened tournament play with a statement victory, dismantling Aspire Home-School 19-6 behind a staggering 15-run first inning – a frame that set the tone for the entire tournament.
The Pirates sent waves of hitters to the plate in the opening inning, piling up runs in nearly every way imaginable. Kaden Dean doubled and later singled twice, driving in three runs. Jace Basquez added a two-run single and an RBI walk, while Karson Herbert delivered one of the most dominant performances of the tournament, going 3-for-3 with six RBIs.
Additional damage came from Weston Cope, Nick Costanza and Bryce McNac, each contributing extra-base hits and RBIs as Preston racked up 13 hits and eight walks.
On the mound, Herbert also earned the win, allowing just two hits and two runs (one earned) over two innings, while Ethan Bunner provided relief.
Despite Aspire’s efforts – led by Zaden Longoria, who went 2-for-2 with three RBIs – the early deficit proved insurmountable.
— Another fast start fuels win over Pocola The Pirates carried that momentum into their next matchup against Pocola, where they once again struck early – this time with a ninerun first inning en route to a 14-2 victory.
Preston capitalized on patience and timely hitting, with Basquez driving in a run after being hit by a pitch, followed by a string of RBI hits from Pepper Gallup, Weston Cope, Nick Costanza and Hunter McElhannon, who each knocked in two runs.
McElhannon also led the team at the plate, going 2-for-2, while five different Pirates recorded multiple RBIs in a balanced offensive attack.
Bryce McNac earned the win, striking out four over three innings while allowing just two hits and two runs.
Pocola’s offense was limited to a two-run homer by Aiden Howard, but by then, the Pirates had already built a commanding lead. — Balanced attack overwhelms Adair
In the semifinals, Preston continued its dominant run with a 12-0 shutout of Adair, highlighted by a seven- run second inning.
The Pirates struck early once again in the first inning, taking advantage of an error before Jace Basquez doubled in two runs and Braxton Clarkson launched a two-run home run.
The second inning saw Preston’s lineup continue to produce, with Kaden Dean delivering a two-run triple and Cope adding a two-run double. McElhannon and Gallup each contributed RBIs, while Clarkson added another run with a bases-loaded walk.
Basquez was equally impressive on the mound, striking out six batters over two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit. Tyler Stevenson added a clean inning in relief to preserve the shutout.
Eight different Pirates recorded hits in the win, highlighting the team’s depth and consistency throughout the lineup.
— Third-inning surge seals tournament title In the championship game against Life Way Christian, Preston saved one of its most dominant innings for last – an 11-run explosion in the third inning that broke the game open and secured a 14-2 victory.
After building an early lead in the first inning thanks to a double by McElhannon and two defensive miscues by Life Way Christian – the Pirates erupted in the third.
Gallup drove in two runs with a single, while Mc-Nac, McElhannon and others added RBIs through a mix of hits, walks and hit-by-pitches. The Pirates displayed exceptional plate discipline, drawing 10 walks in the game.
McElhannon and Gallup each finished with three RBIs, while Basquez added speed on the bases with two stolen bases.
On the mound, Kaden Dean earned the championship win, striking out six over three innings while allowing just two unearned runs.
— Complete team effort drives championship run Throughout the tournament, Preston’s success was fueled by a combination of explosive offense, aggressive baserunning and strong pitching.
— Top Performers
• Karson Herbert: 3-for-3, 6 RBIs (Game 1), winning pitcher
• Hunter McElhannon: Multiple multi-hit games, key RBIs, strong defense
• Jace Basquez: Dominant on mound (6 Ks vs. Adair), clutch hitting, stolen bases
• Kaden Dean: Extra-base hits, 2-run triple, championship winning pitcher • Pepper Gallup: Consistent run producer, multiple RBIs in key games
• Weston Cope & Nick Costanza: Reliable contributors in middle of lineup
• Bryce McNac & Braxton Clarkson: Timely hitting, extra-base power As a team, the Pirates consistently scored early and often, showed plate discipline with high walk totals, received strong, efficient pitching performances and produced contributions from throughout the lineup.
With the Ketchum Hardball Classic title secured, the Preston Pirates now turn their attention to upcoming matchups. They were scheduled to play Regent Prep on Monday, but that game was cancelled.
— Undefeated Pirates set sights on Stroud Tournament title
Riding the momentum of a flawless 10-0 start to the season, the Preston Pirates will look to continue their early dominance this week as they head to the Stroud Baseball Tournament, scheduled for March 26-28.
Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Hudson, the Pirates have quickly established themselves as one of the area’s most formidable teams, combining explosive offense with disciplined pitching and steady defense. Now, they’ll test that unbeaten record against a competitive field in a three-day bracket that promises plenty of high-stakes action.
Preston opens tournament play Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. on Field 1 against host team Stroud JV in Game 1. A win would advance the Pirates into Friday evening’s semifinal matchup (Game 5) at 6:30 p.m., while a loss would push them into the consolation side of the bracket.
The eight-team tournament includes Preston, Stroud JV, Cushing, Holdenville, Stroud, Allen, Kellyville and Cushing JV. With multiple strong programs in the field, the road to a championship will require consistency and depth – two qualities the Pirates have displayed throughout their unbeaten start.
If Preston continues its winning ways, the championship game is set for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. on Field 1. Teams falling short of the title game will still have opportunities to compete for placement, including a third-place contest Saturday at 3 p.m. and other classification games throughout the day.
Beyond the wins and statistics, Preston’s success has been fueled by team chemistry and a focused approach each time they take the field. That mindset will be put to the test in Stroud, where quick turnarounds and unfamiliar opponents can challenge even the most experienced teams.
For Preston, however, the goal remains clear: keep the streak alive and bring home a tournament championship.
First pitch for the Pirates is set for Thursday at 3:30 p.m., as Preston begins its pursuit of another milestone in what is already shaping up to be a special season.
