Pirate Preview: 25-26 Fall Baseball

The Pirates wrapped up their 2024 fall campaign with a winning record and plenty of high-scoring contests. Crane notched statement wins over Billings (10–4), Blue Eye (8–2), and a dramatic road victory at Purdy (8–6). Their bats exploded in games like a 21–11 rout of Hurley and a 17–4 pounding of Marion C. Early, showing they could pile on runs in a hurry.

The team also proved battle-tested in close ones—edging Spokane 7–6 in extra innings and outlasting Galena 5–4 in the Seymour Wood Bat Tournament. While tough losses to Conway, Purdy, and Spokane in tournament play kept them from advancing deeper, the Pirates demonstrated resilience under second-year head coach Tucker, laying a foundation for continued growth.

The 2025–26 fall season opens with back-to-back home dates against Sparta (Sep 1) and Exeter (Sep 2) before Crane hits the road at Wheaton (Sep 4), Billings (Sep 9), and Hurley (Sep 11). Galena comes to town on Sep 12 in a key early-season matchup, followed by the 17th Annual Crane Fall Wood Bat Tournament (Sep 15–20).

The late-season stretch includes a trip to Spokane (Sep 29) before a home showdown with Southwest (Sep 30). October brings pivotal conference action with Blue Eye on the road (Oct 3), Purdy at home (Oct 6), and the regular season finale at Marion C. Early (Oct 7).

• Home openers: Sparta (Sep 1), Exeter (Sep 2)
• Marquee rivalry: Purdy — home (Oct 6)
• Closing stretch: at Spokane (Sep 29), Southwest (Sep 30), at Blue Eye (Oct 3), Purdy (Oct 6), at Marion C. Early (Oct 7)

The Pirates’ offensive firepower remains their calling card. Returning bats who fueled last year’s double-digit outbursts will be expected to spark rallies, while the pitching staff looks to tighten up against top-tier lineups after allowing big innings in a few tournament losses.

Defensively, Crane showed flashes of consistency and late-game grit—two traits that will be vital in one-run affairs. Under Coach Tucker’s continued leadership, the Pirates are poised to sharpen fundamentals while still playing an aggressive, high-energy brand of baseball.

Pack the stands at the Crane High School baseball field, especially for rivalry nights and tournament play. Pirate players thrive on the energy of their fans—blue and gold in the crowd can make the difference in close games. Bring your voice, your glove for foul balls, and your school spirit all season long.