The Preston Lady Pirates are off to a hot start this season, improving to 7-0 this Tuesday after defeating Eufaula and Kellyville.
— Lady Pirates erupt early in rout of Eufaula Preston wasted no time asserting their dominance Tuesday, exploding for 10 runs in the first inning en route to a 17-0 shutout victory over the Eufaula Lady Ironheads.
The game was effectively decided in the opening frame, as Preston’s lineup sent wave after wave of hitters across the plate. Alynn LeBlanc got things started with an RBI double, followed by a series of clutch hits and defensive miscues that fueled the rally. Olivia Beaver and Taylan Starr each tripled to drive in multiple runs, while Sophia Bunner and Kristin Holuby added RBI hits. Kynlee Martin capped the inning with a run-scoring double.
The Lady Pirates didn’t let up in the second inning, plating seven more runs on seven hits. Tyleigh Edwards and Aiyana Beaver each drove in runs with singles, Starr added a two-run double and Holuby contributed another RBI double. Martin highlighted the inning with a two-run home run to center field.
Holuby was efficient and effective in the circle, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing just four hits and striking out one to earn the win.
Preston once again showcased its offensive depth, finishing with 15 hits. Starr led the team with three hits from the leadoff spot, while Beaver, Martin, Holuby, Aiyana Beaver and Bunner each recorded multiple hits.
Defensively, Preston also turned a double play, adding to an all-around dominant performance.
Rayleigh Peterson led Eufaula with two hits, but the Lady Ironheads were unable to generate sustained offense against the Lady Pirates.
The win continued a strong stretch for Preston, which welcomed Kellyville in its next contest.
— Preston powers past Kellyville behind Martin’s big day A dominant offensive performance, highlighted by a pair of home runs from Kynlee Martin, propelled the Preston Lady Pirates to a commanding 15-4 victory over Kellyville on Tuesday.
Martin delivered one of the most impressive outings of the season, blasting two home runs and driving in six runs to lead Preston’s explosive offense. Her long balls came in back-to-back innings, igniting a Lady Pirate lineup that proved too much for Kellyville to contain.
Kellyville struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on a fielder’s choice to take an early 1-0 lead. However, Preston quickly responded in the bottom half of the frame. Kristin Holuby launched a two-run homer to left field to spark a four-run inning, while Ashleigh Hurt added an RBI single and Brooklyn Gertner chipped in with a run-scoring groundout to give Preston a 4-1 advantage.
Kellyville answered in the second, stringing together two singles to tie the game at 4-4. But the tie was short-lived.
Preston seized control in the bottom of the second when Taylan Starr delivered a clutch triple that plated two runs. Moments later, Martin sent a towering shot to center field, extending the lead to 9-4.
The Lady Pirates continued to pour it on in the third inning, as Martin struck again with another home run to center, helping Preston add three more runs and put the game well out of reach.
Holuby was strong in the circle, earning the win after allowing four runs – none earned – on eight hits over four innings. She also contributed at the plate with multiple hits.
Preston’s offense was relentless, racking up 15 hits. Starr led the charge from the leadoff spot with a perfect 4-for-4 performance, while Holuby, Alynn LeBlanc and Gertner each added multiple hits. The Lady Pirates also showed discipline at the plate, drawing five walks.
For Kellyville, Waltrip drove in three runs, while Lawson collected three hits and Haracek added two.
Preston was set to return to action Thursday at home against Oklahoma Union.
