SIOUX FALLS – The Aberdeen Smittys had their season come to an end Saturday afternoon dropping a 10-5 decision to Sioux Falls East in American Legion baseball action. East now advances to the State A tourney in Brandon following the two-game sweep of Aberdeen.

East led 3-0 going into the sixth before plating two runs to open a 5-0 advantage.

The Smittys had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded and nobody out. However, Aberdeen managed just one run in the frame, that coming on a bases-loaded walk from Brock Martin.

East then tacked on five more runs in the seventh, three coming on a bases-loaded double by Nathan Olson. Those insurance runs proved pivotal as the Smittys rallied for four runs in the bottom of the seventh. One run scored on a fielder’s choice, two more came in on Martin’s double, and another was added on a wild pitch. However, the rally and the season came to an end with two guys left on base.

Gage Sharping kept Aberdeen at bay for a good share of the game, allowing just one run over the first five innings. However, two walks, a hit batter and an infield single ended his day on the mound. Tate Schafer came on in relief and got out of the jam in the sixth and then navigated the seventh to preserve the victory.

The Smittys managed just four hits total in their final game of the season, two coming from Brian Holmstrom. Martin drove in three of the team’s five runs.

Nate Sprenkle, Myles Rees, Aidan Beck, Patrick Osborn each had two hits for East, which had seven stolen bases in the contest. Olson drove in three runs.

Sioux Falls East 021 002 5 – 10 11 1

Aberdeen Smittys 000 001 4 – 5 4 0

Gage Sharping, Tate Schafer (6) and Nate Sprenkle, Aidan Beck ; Brock Martin, Tyler Hoffman (5) and Max Prehn. 2B – Sioux Falls East, Beck, Nathan Olson, Patrick Osborn; Aberdeen Smittys, Martin.