News Summary

This past weekend marked a significant achievement for high school baseball fans in Watertown and Aberdeen, as both the Watertown Arrows Post 17 and the Aberdeen Smittys registered their first wins of the decade. After long gaps from competition, both teams returned with exceptional performances, illustrating their determination and skill on the field. The Arrows swept their doubleheader against Rapid City Central, while the Smittys dominated their games against Rapid City Cobblers, marking an impressive start to the season for both teams.

Watertown and Aberdeen Celebrate First Wins of the Decade in High School Baseball

This past weekend was a celebration for baseball fans in Watertown and Aberdeen as both the Watertown Arrows Post 17 and the Aberdeen Smittys marked their first victories in high school baseball for the decade! After a long hiatus from the South Dakota High School Baseball Association, these teams returned to the field with impressive performances that left their supporters cheering.

The Watertown Arrows Make a Splash

In Watertown, the Arrows Post 17 took to the diamond at the Watertown Stadium, eager to shake off the dust after last playing in 2019 and suffering from prior tough losses against Madison-Chester. Not letting that get them down, they came roaring back with a doubleheader sweep against Rapid City Central, scoring wins of 11-4 and 15-5.

After a slow start in the first game, where Watertown found themselves down 2-0, the momentum shifted in a dramatic fifth inning. The Arrows exploded with seven runs, showcasing their determination and skill. Throughout the two games, they tallied a remarkable 26 runs on 22 hits across just 10 innings, highlighting their offensive prowess in a comeback spirit.

Players like Talan Jurgens were standout contributors, proving crucial in the first game by hitting 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Additionally, the lineup included strong plays from Treyton Himmerich, Markus Pitkin, Kaden Rylance, and Mitch Olson, each stepping up to support the team effort.

The Pitching Stars Shine

On the mound, the Arrows had a stellar performance too. Nash Berg pitched four innings of shutout ball, followed by Luka Lessin, who earned the win in relief. Catching the final inning was Jonathan Lake, who helped secure the win and keep Rapid City at bay.

The second game was no less exciting, with Watertown overcoming an early run from Rapid City and pulling ahead thanks to strong performances from Berg and Lake once more. With their ace pitching and powerful batting, Watertown showed promising potential this season.

The Aberdeen Smittys Make Their Comeback

Meanwhile, over in Aberdeen, the Smittys were also making headlines with their triumphant return to the diamond after their last appearance in 2016. Competing against Rapid City Cobblers, the Smittys had a thrilling doubleheader of their own, clinching victories with scores of 23-8 and 20-5. Both games concluded early due to the 15-run rule, marking a phenomenal start to their season with a sharp 2-0 record.

In their first game, the Smittys found themselves tied at 4-4 before breaking away decisively. They scored nine runs in the third inning and a remarkable ten runs in the fourth inning, demonstrating their offensive capabilities and ability to seize opportunities. Jehiel Aviles and Michael Dutenhoffer were vital players, each achieving 3-for-4 performances with three RBIs. Dutenhoffer even showcased his hitting talent with a triple and a double!

A Historic Return to Baseball

As for the second game, Karson Borge took center field excitement, ending the game with an impressive inside-the-park homer and four RBIs to add to his accolades. Jaxon Ladner also joined in on the fun with a few multi-RBI performances, proving that Aberdeen’s lineup is one to watch out for.

Looking ahead, fans can catch the Smittys in action again when they take a trip to Pierre for another doubleheader on Thursday. With both teams displaying such remarkable talent and spirit, the rest of the season is sure to be one for the books in the South Dakota high school baseball scene. Whether you’re a fan of the Arrows or the Smittys, there’s no denying that the decade has kicked off with a bang!

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