The Preston Pirates are heading back to the Class 2A-I State Baseball Tournament, set to begin Thursday, May 15, at Seminole State College. The Pirates will open their state run with a 1:30 p.m. first-round matchup against the Panama Razorbacks.

— Pirates dominate Regional play

Preston earned their state berth in dominant fashion, defeating the Hinton Comets and Wilburton Diggers in commanding performances.

In their opening Regional game, Preston overwhelmed Hinton 15-2 behind a monster day from Kaden Dean. Dean was unstoppable at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a triple, a double and a single, driving in key runs in the Pirates’ explosive nine-run first inning. Hunter McElhannon also had a big day with two hits and multiple RBIs, while Noah Wilson got the win on the mound, allowing just one hit over three shutout innings. The Pirates kept the momentum rolling in the semifinals, blanking Wilburton 7-0. Kaden Dean again played a major role, this time on the mound, where he struck out seven and allowed only two hits over four innings. Offensively, Jayden Herring led the way with a 2-for-3 outing, driving in two runs, while Braxton Clarkson also notched two hits. The Pirates’ defense remained flawless, committing no errors for the second straight game.

In the Regional Championship, Preston overpowered Wilburton once more, this time with a 10-1 victory. The Pirates erupted for six runs in the second inning, fueled by a two-run double from Kaden Dean and a threerun triple by Weston Cope. Hunter McElhannon went the distance on the mound, scattering seven hits while striking out six. Jace Basquez delivered three hits, while Jayden Herring and Noah Wilson added multi-hit games to propel the Pirates back to State.

— The Road Ahead at State

With their eyes set on a gold glove, the Pirates will now square off against Panama in the opening round. The winner will advance to face the victor of Dale vs. Oktaha on Friday, May 16, at 11 a.m., also at Seminole State College.

If the Pirates secure back-to-back wins, they will play for the State Championship on Saturday, May 17, at 12 noon at Shawnee High School.

— 2025 Class 2A-I State Baseball Tournament Bracket Quarterfinals – Thursday, May 15 • 11 a.m. – Dale vs. Oktaha

• 1:30 p.m. – Preston vs. Panama

• 4 p.m. – Cashion vs. Dibble

• 6:30 p.m. – Latta vs. Calera Semifinals – Friday, May 16

• 11 a.m. – Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner

• 1:30 p.m. – Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner Championship – Saturday, May 17 • 12 p.m. – Game 5 Winner vs. Game 6 Winner Tickets for the tournament can be purchased at www.ossaa.com or onsite for $13 (cash option available).