The Shepherd Pirates wrapped up their 2026 season Friday night at home on Senior Night, facing a tough Hardin-Jefferson squad in a 14-3 district loss.
After the game, the Pirates honored their seniors for their dedication and contributions to the program, setting the tone for a night that, despite the final score, carried plenty of meaning for the team and community.
Shepherd came out with energy early, striking first in the opening inning when Kody Pippin delivered a two-run single to give the Pirates a quick 2-0 lead. Hardin-Jefferson responded in the third inning, using timely hitting to take a 4-2 advantage. The game remained competitive until a big sixth inning from the Hawks, who plated seven runs to pull away and secure the win.
Marshall Reeves took the loss for Shepherd, battling through four innings while allowing four runs (three earned). Despite the setback, the Pirates continued to compete throughout, showing effort and determination to the final out.
At the plate, Pippin led Shepherd with three RBIs, while Bryson Goodman, Tyler Scifres, Kyler Syracuse, and Pippin each recorded a hit. The Pirates also stayed aggressive on the bases, swiping four stolen bases on the night.
Head Coach Don Malone praised his squad, saying the team battled hard, highlighted by offensive standout Kyler Syracuse and led on the mound by Marshall Reeves.
Shepherd suffered a similar loss on April 20 in a 9-2 road loss, again to Hardin-Jefferson.
Hardin-Jefferson set the tone early, getting on the board in the first inning, and continued to build momentum in the second, adding two more. The Hawks extended their lead in the third inning on a two-run home run to left field.
Kyler Syracuse took the loss for Shepherd but also contributed at the plate, leading the Pirates with two hits in three at-bats. Marshall Reeves accounted for one of Shepherd’s RBIs, while the team showed patience offensively, drawing six walks.
While the scoreboard didn’t fall in their favor, Shepherd continues to gain valuable experience and build chemistry within a new system.
Despite the outcome, the Pirates maintained their trademark determination and “Royal Blue Pirate Pride,” competing from first pitch to final out against one of the district’s top teams.
“It was an up-and-down season, but the future is looking bright,” Malone said.
In an early-week matchup moved up due to weather concerns, the Coldspring Trojans powered past Crockett 12-8 on April 20 behind a huge performance from Kaden Hubbard.
Hubbard was the difference-maker, driving in five runs on three hits, highlighted by a towering grand slam to left field in the fourth inning. He later added an RBI single in the sixth to cap off a standout night at the plate. Coldspring got on the board in the second inning when James Clark delivered a sacrifice fly to bring in the game’s first run. Crockett answered in the bottom half, taking advantage of a Coldspring error and a wild pitch to briefly move ahead. The Trojans quickly responded in the third inning, regaining control with a three-run surge. McCall Hilton delivered a two-run single, and aggressive baserunning led to another run scoring on a steal of home to make it 4-2.
Coldspring broke the game open in the fourth inning, plating five runs. David McCann started the rally with an RBI single before Hubbard’s grand slam brought the dugout to life and gave the Trojans a commanding lead.
On the mound, Jordan Ash set the tone early, striking out eight over three innings while allowing just two hits and three runs (one earned). Hilton and Hubbard provided relief to help secure the win.
Offensively, Coldspring tallied 12 hits, with Hilton, Ash, and McCann each collecting multiple hits. The Trojans were also aggressive on the basepaths, racking up an impressive 12 stolen bases, with Hilton, Ethan Hamilton, and Ash each swiping multiple bags.
In all, it was a high-energy win for Coldspring, fueled by timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and a game-changing swing from Hubbard.
