Eagles, Pirates open baseball season with pair of wins

Morris falls in season openers, while Preston cruises to victory

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The 2026 high school baseball season got underway on Monday with mixed results for Okmulgee County teams. While Morris endured tough losses against Dewey in both junior varsity and varsity action, Preston delivered an emphatic home victory over Stroud behind dominant pitching and timely hitting.

Why it matters

The opening games provided an early glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of the local baseball teams, setting the stage for the rest of the season. Morris will look to regroup quickly, while Preston's strong start could be a sign of things to come.

The details

In the varsity matchup, Dewey capitalized on a six-run fourth inning to secure a 10-0 victory over Morris. 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's tone was set on the mound by Kaden Dean, who struck out 11 batters over five no-hit innings, allowing no runs and walking three. Preston wasted little time providing run support, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding another in the third.

  • The 2026 high school baseball season got underway on Monday, March 4.
  • Morris opened its season on the road against Dewey.
  • Preston defeated Stroud 10-2 at home on Monday.

The players

Kaden Dean

The right-handed pitcher for Preston, who struck out 11 batters over five no-hit innings, allowing no runs and walking three.

Gage Ausbrook

The starting pitcher for Morris in the varsity matchup against Dewey, working 3 2/3 innings and allowing 11 hits and 10 runs, with only two earned.

Easton Davis

The starting pitcher for Dewey in the varsity matchup against Morris, tossing two hitless innings with two strikeouts and one walk.

Pepper Gallup

The Preston player who went 1-for-3 with a team-high three RBIs.

Gage Bailey

The Stroud player who launched a two-run home run in the sixth inning 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 opening games provided a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of the local baseball teams, setting the stage for the rest of the season. While Morris endured early growing pains, Preston's strong start could be a sign of things to come for the Pirates.