The Preston Pirates delivered back-to-back victories last Thursday, taking down Amber-Pocasset 8-0 and later defeating the Stroud Tigers 6-3. The Pirates showed offensive firepower and solid pitching in both contests, with key performances from multiple players.

— Game 1: Preston 8, Amber-Pocasset 0 The Pirates secured an 8-0 shutout victory over Amber-Pocasset thanks to a crucial five-run surge in the sixth inning. Bradley Winford drew a walk to bring in a run, while Kaden Dean broke the game open with a three-run single.

Preston struck first in the opening inning when Dean hit a sacrifice fly to score a run. Hunter McElhannon added to the lead with a two-run homer to left field in the third.

McElhannon also dominated on the mound, earning the win after throwing four and two-thirds innings, allowing just two hits and no runs while striking out eight. Jayden Herring picked up the save.

The Pirates collected 10 hits in total, with McElhannon, Weston Cope, and Gage Ausbrooks each contributing two. Dean and McElhannon led the offense with two RBIs apiece, and the Pirates played clean defense, turning a double play.

— Preston Stats

• Hunter McElhannon – 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI

• Kaden Dean – 1-for-3, 3 RBI

• Weston Cope – 2-for-4

• Gage Ausbrooks – 2-for-4

• Bradley Winford – 1-for-3, RBI

• Pepper Gallup – 1-for-3

• Noah Wilson – 1-for-3 — Amber-Pocasset Stats • Trace Barry – 2-for-2 — Game 2: Preston 6, Stroud 3

Preston continued their winning ways later that day, defeating the Stroud Tigers 6-3 behind a fourhit performance from Gage Ausbrooks. Ausbrooks went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, collecting hits in the third, fifth, and seventh innings.

The Pirates’ offense erupted in the fifth inning, with Bradley Winford doubling, followed by RBIs from Dean, Wilson, Gallup, and Ausbrooks to secure the lead.

Jace Basquez set the tone on the mound, pitching two innings without allowing a hit while striking out six. Kaden Dean recorded the save, while Jayden Herring and Noah Wilson provided key relief appearances.

Preston tallied 12 hits in total, with Pepper Gallup and Noah Wilson also recording multi-hit games. The Pirates were aggressive on the bases, stealing four bags, including three from Dean.

— Preston Stats

• Gage Ausbrooks – 4-for-4, RBI

• Noah Wilson – 2-for-4, RBI

• Pepper Gallup – 2-for-3, RBI

• Kaden Dean – 1-for-4, RBI, 3 SB

• Bradley Winford – 1-for-3, RBI

• Weston Cope – 1-for-4 — Stroud Stats

• Brayden Davis – 1-for-3, RBI

• Dylan Baker – 4 SB

• Jerry Cropp – 1-for-3

• Jesse Leathers – 3 BB

• Landry Davis – 0-for-2, RBI – The Pirates’ strong start to the season continues as they now set their sights on their upcoming game against Riverside Indian on Tuesday.