The Preston Pirates showcased their pitching power on Sept. 12, as Hunter McElhannon led the team to an 8-0 shutout victory over the Stonewall Longhorns. McElhannon was nearly untouchable on the mound, throwing five no-hit innings and striking out 10. He allowed just one walk, controlling the game from the start.

The Pirates’ offense got to work early, scoring in the first inning when Kaden Dean grounded out, bringing in one run. They continued to build on their lead in the second inning with key hits from Jayden Herring and Bradley Winford, and a fielder’s choice by Noah Wilson, each driving in a run to make it 4-0.

Stonewall’s starter, Landon Gutierrez, struggled to contain the Pirates’ bats, allowing six runs on five hits over three and two-thirds innings. Kaden Dean led Preston’s offense with a 2-for-4 performance, collecting three RBIs. Jayden Herring also added two hits and stole two bases in the game, as the Pirates put pressure on the base paths with four total stolen bases.

The Preston Pirates played flawless defense, committing no errors, while Pepper Gallup led the way with 10 chances in the field.

— Dean’s big day leads Pirates to 13-1 win

Kaden Dean continued his stellar week for the Preston Pirates, driving in five runs on four hits in a 13-1 rout over Okay on Friday. Dean’s big day included a three-run double in the fifth inning and two singles that drove in additional runs, helping the Pirates secure the lopsided victory.

The Pirates broke the game open in the fifth inning, scoring nine runs. A string of hits from Pepper Gallup, Noah Wilson, and Weston Cope, along with an error and a walk, contributed to the offensive explosion. Wilson’s two-run home run to left field was a highlight of the inning, while Cope’s double added another run to the tally.

Pepper Gallup earned the win on the mound, striking out eight batters over four innings, allowing just two hits and one unearned run. Despite issuing seven walks, Gallup kept the Okay offense in check. Karson Herbert came in to collect the save, preserving the Pirates’ big lead.

The Pirates collected 10 hits in the game, with Weston Cope going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. Jayden Herring led the team in patience, drawing two walks as the Pirates amassed eight walks overall.

Okay’s Henderson led his team with two hits in three at-bats, while Burk and Davidson contributed two walks each. However, it wasn’t enough to stop Preston’s dominant performance.

The Pirates will be competing at the Ripley Tourney Thursday through Saturday.