Eagles, Pirates open baseball season with pair of wins

Morris battles in losses, while Preston cruises in home opener

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The 2026 high school baseball season got underway Monday with a pair of tough road contests for Morris and an emphatic home victory for Preston, giving Okmulgee County fans an early glimpse of what each club may bring to the diamond this spring. While the Eagles endured challenging losses against Dewey, the Pirates made a strong opening statement behind dominant pitching and timely hitting.

Why it matters

The season-opening games provide an early look at the strengths and weaknesses of the local high school baseball teams, setting the stage for what could be an exciting and competitive season in Okmulgee County.

The details

Morris opened its season on the road against Dewey, where a pair of big innings proved costly in two losses. In the varsity matchup, Dewey capitalized on a six-run fourth inning to secure a 10-0 victory. Earlier in the day, Morris also fell in junior varsity action, 12-1, as Dewey used a nine-run second inning to take control. Meanwhile, Preston delivered one of the area's most complete performances of opening day, defeating Stroud 10-2 at home. Preston's tone was set on the mound by Kaden Dean, who was nearly untouchable in his first start of the season, striking out 11 batters over five no-hit innings.

  • The 2026 high school baseball season got underway on Monday, March 4, 2026.
  • The varsity matchup between Morris and Dewey took place on Monday, March 4, 2026.
  • The junior varsity matchup between Morris and Dewey also took place on Monday, March 4, 2026.
  • Preston's home opener against Stroud occurred on Monday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Gage Ausbrook

The starting pitcher for Morris in the varsity matchup against Dewey.

Easton Davis

The starting pitcher for Dewey in the varsity matchup against Morris, who set the tone early with two hitless innings.

Kaden Dean

The starting pitcher for Preston in their home opener against Stroud, who struck out 11 batters over five no-hit innings.

Gage Bailey

The Stroud player who launched a two-run home run in the sixth inning against Preston.

Stryker Bray

The starting pitcher for Stroud in their matchup against Preston.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Morris will look to regroup quickly as the Eagles return home Tuesday to face Haskell, aiming to turn early lessons into improvement as the young season unfolds. Preston will look to carry their momentum into Saturday's matchup against Roff.

The takeaway

The season-opening games provided an early glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of the local high school baseball teams, setting the stage for what could be an exciting and competitive season in Okmulgee County.