RAPID CITY – It was a scene the Aberdeen Smittys have seen all too often as of late.

The local squad had trouble throwing strikes, making plays, and were forced to play from behind on the way to a 9-3 setback to Rapid City Post 320 during the opening day of a three-day American Legion baseball tournament on Thursday.

The loss was Aberdeen’s sixth straight set, many coming in the same fashion.

“It’s really frustrating to see some of the same mistakes occur over and over again,” said Smittys coach Brandon Kusler. “A lot of our games lately seem to have the same story line – struggling to throw strikes, digging ourselves a hole early, committing errors defensively.”

Against Post 320, the Smittys had five errors, gave up seven walks, hit a batter, and had three wild pitches. Three of Rapid City’s four runs in the fourth inning were the direct results of errors.

“We’ve just continued to shoot ourselves in the foot time after time and it’s just not a recipe for success,” Kusler said. “If the opposing team just plays better than you and beats you, you just have to tip your cap sometimes. Recently, it just doesn’t feel like these teams are beating us, more so that we’re beating ourselves.”

Jaiden Smith and Casey Vining each had a pair of hits for the Smittys. Vining’s two-run double highlighted a three-run fifth inning.

However, Aberdeen was unable to score in any of the other six frames and fell to 16-17 on the season.

The Smittys continue play in the tournament today, facing Sturgis at noon (MDT) followed by a contest against Belle Fourche.

Kusler would like to see the squad get back to playing solid fundamental baseball like it did a couple of weeks ago.

“It’s things that are within our control that we just have to improve at, and we plan to start improving those (Friday),” Kusler said. “(Friday) is a new day and we have to turn the page.”

Aberdeen Smittys 000 030 0 – 3 6 5

Rapid City Post 320 211 410 x – 9 9 5

Brock Martin, Nick Clemens (4) and Andrew Woehl; Jett Wetzler, Brady Fallon (7) and Bryan Roselles. 2B – Aberdeen Smittys, Casey Vining. 3B – Rapid City Post 320, Furchner.