Preston’s Win Over Crowder
The Preston Pirates claimed victory in a hard-fought battle against the Crowder Demons, emerging triumphant with a 4-1 win last Thursday.
Crowder took an early lead in the third inning when Gunner Brannon scored on a walk, putting them ahead momentarily. However, the Pirates quickly turned the tide in the bottom of the third. Ricky Henson’s savvy baserunning and Noah Wilson’s groundout helped Preston regain the lead, each contributing to a run scored.
Pitcher Karson Herbert’s standout performance was instrumental in Preston’s success on the mound. Herbert, a right-handed pitcher, allowed just one hit and zero runs over four innings, striking out six and walking two. His stellar efforts earned him the well-deserved win for the Pirates. On the opposing side, Daxton Weiher of the Crowder Demons faced a tough outing, surrendering four runs on eight hits over six innings.
Preston’s offensive prowess was led by leadoff hitter Jayden Herring, who had a perfect day at the plate with three hits in three at-bats. Kaden Dean, Hunter McElhannon, Bradley Winford and Noah Wilson each contributed with an RBI, showcasing the Pirates’ balanced attack. Defensively, Preston displayed flawless fielding, committing no errors throughout the game.
In the second game in the winner’s bracket, the Pirates faced Howe.
— McElhannon’s Mastery Against Howe Lions Thursday’s game saw a standout performance from Hunter McElhannon, who led the Pirates to victory over the Howe Lions. McElhannon was electric on the mound, striking out 12 batters over six innings. He allowed only three hits and four runs while battling through five walks, securing the win for the Pirates.
The Lions were the first to strike, scoring a run in the first inning off a single by Wesley Toney. However, the Pirates quickly responded in the bottom of the inning, tying the game at one when Gage Ausbrooks hit a sacrifice fly.
The game took a decisive turn in the bottom of the third inning when Preston’s offense exploded for six runs on five hits. The highlight of the inning was a triple by Weston Cope, which drove in two crucial runs and put the Pirates ahead 7-1.
Despite a strong effort, Howe’s starter Shayne Mead couldn’t contain the Pirates’ bats. Mead allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits over two and twothirds innings, striking out three and walking two. The Lions managed to turn a double play in the game, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Pirates’ momentum.
Preston accumulated 11 hits, with Kaden Dean leading the charge with three hits in three atbats. McElhannon, Ausbrooks, and Cope each drove in two runs, while Bradley Winford contributed two hits. The Pirates were aggressive on the basepaths, stealing five bases, including two by Dean.
— Offensive Onslaught Against Stuart Hornets The Pirates carried their momentum into Saturday’s game against the Stuart Hornets, where they dominated from start to finish with a 13-5 victory.
Preston wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating six runs in the first inning. Key hits by Kaden Dean, Pepper Gallup, Weston Cope, Ricky Henson, and a sacrifice fly by Jayden Herring put the Pirates in control early.
The Pirates continued to pile on runs, adding one in the second and another in the third to extend their lead to 8-4. They delivered the final blow in the fifth inning, scoring five more runs on five hits. Dean and Gallup each drove in three runs, while Henson’s two-run single capped off the scoring spree.
Jayden Herring earned the win for Preston, pitching five innings and allowing seven hits and five runs (three earned). He struck out five and walked only one, securing the Pirates’ second victory of the week.
Preston’s offense was firing on all cylinders, collecting 15 hits in the game. Gallup led the team with three hits, while Dean, Henson, Winford, and Ausbrooks each recorded multiple hits.
For the Stuart Hornets, Nolan Stewart led the way with two RBIs, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the relentless Pirates. The Hornets managed to scatter seven hits across the game but struggled to find consistent offense.
The Preston Pirates have built strong momentum as they headed into their next matchup against the Moss Pirates on Tuesday.
