The Preston Pirates rode a wave of strong hitting, smart base running and stellar pitching to a trio of victories over Kiowa, Smithville and Cameron last week, showcasing the depth and versatility of the squad.
— Big 6th leads Pirates past Kiowa Thursday at Preston, the Pirates broke a tight contest with a five-run surge in the sixth inning to claim a 9-1 win over the Kiowa Cowboys. Kiowa jumped out early, scoring a run in the first inning on a Cash Clifft groundout, but Bryce McNac’s sacrifice fly tied the game for Preston in the bottom of the frame.
The Pirates regained the lead in the third inning with timely hitting from McNac, Kaden Dean and Tyler Stevenson, each driving in a run. The decisive sixth inning featured contributions from Pepper Gallup (sacrifice fly), Hunter McElhannon (groundout) and RBI singles from Bryce Mc-Nac, Kaden Dean and Tyler Stevenson, totaling five runs to seal the win.
— Stats & Highlights
• Pitching: Karson Herbert went six innings, allowing just four hits and one run, striking out five and walking one. Cash Clifft started for Kiowa, giving up nine earned runs on 11 hits over five and two-thirds innings.
• Hitting: Preston collected 11 hits with two each from Nick Costanza, Kaden Dean, Jace Basquez, Bryce McNac and Tyler Stevenson. Kaden Dean and Bryce McNac each drove in two runs.
• Base Running: Preston stole five bases, including two by Kaden Dean.
• Fielding: Pirates were flawless defensively, with Peyton Fjeldsted making six plays.
— McElhannon sparks offense in 11-2 win Friday at Cameron, Hunter McElhannon was a one-man hitting machine, going 3-for-3 with singles in the first, second and fourth innings as Preston racked up an 11-2 victory over Smithville Braves.
After opening the scoring in the first inning with a run driven in by Tyler Stevenson, Preston briefly saw the Braves tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the third. However, Preston responded with a four-run fourth inning, highlighted by hits from McElhannon, Kaden Dean, Stevenson and Jace Basquez, taking a commanding 6-2 lead. The Pirates added five more runs in the fifth inning, fueled by hits from Nick Costanza, Hunter McElhannon and Kaden Dean, along with a wild pitch.
— Stats & Highlights
• Pitching: Tyler Stevenson earned the win, allowing seven hits and two runs over five innings with six strikeouts. Ford Jarron started for Smithville, surrendering six runs on 13 hits in three and two-thirds innings.
• Hitting: Preston tallied 16 hits, led by Kaden Dean (3-for-4, 3 RBI), McElhannon (3-for-3), Jace Basquez (3-for-3) and Stevenson (3-for-3). Nick Costanza went 2-for-3.
• Base Running: Pirates stole five bases, with McElhannon and Stevenson each stealing multiple bases.
• Fielding: Preston executed one double play and made no errors. Peyton Fjeldsted recorded seven chances in the field.
— Pirates shut out Cameron to cap weekend Saturday, Preston completed the weekend sweep with a 3-0 shutout of the Cameron Yellowjackets at Cameron, showcasing balanced pitching and timely hitting. Tyler Stevenson’s double in the fifth drove in two runs and an error added another, providing the margin of victory.
Kaden Dean and Jace Basquez combined on the mound to blank Cameron. Basquez earned the win, allowing three hits over four and one-third innings while striking out three. Dean recorded the save by inducing the final out on a groundout. Cameron starter Jax Adcock gave up three runs (two earned) on nine hits in seven innings.
— Stats & Highlights
• Pitching: Eight strikeouts by the Pirates’ pitching staff.
• Hitting: Preston collected nine hits; Kaden Dean led with 3-for-4, Stevenson added an RBI double and Bryce McNac had nine chances in the field.
• Fielding: Two double plays executed, zero errors.
• Base Running: Pirates stole five bases, keeping pressure on the Yellowjackets.
-Preston was scheduled to host Tulsa NOAH on Tuesday in their next matchup.
