SIOUX FALLS – The Aberdeen Smittys erased a three-run deficit to earn a 7-3 come-from-behind win over Lee’s Summit (Mo.) Outlaws Post 189 at the Dakota Classic in American Legion baseball on Friday.

The Smittys fell behind early after giving up a pair of runs in the first inning and another run in the second, putting themselves in a 3-0 hole.

Smittys coach Brandon Kusler said the team had to fight back after falling behind early.

“After a little rough start, we found a way to battle back and continue to add on throughout the game,” Kusler said.

The bats started swinging in the third. With the bases loaded, Casey Vining stepped to the plate and connected on a three-run triple to right field, tying the game with just one swing.

Kusler noted that Vining’s hit kickstarted the Smittys’ offense.

“Vining came through with a big bases clearing triple in the third inning to tie the game,” Kusler said. “That was huge for us to get our scoring started. After that, there was a lot of different guys contributing with some good situational hitting to give us some additional run support.”

The Smittys took the lead for good on the next at bat, as Andrew Woehl hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield, driving in Vining, and giving the Smittys a 4-3 lead.

After a scoreless fourth inning, the Smittys extended their lead to 5-3 after Vining scored on a wild pitch. Later, in the seventh inning, Vining smacked an RBI double, sending Phillip Zens home, before Jaiden Smith brought in Vining via a sacrifice fly, for the final run of the contest.

Vining provided the spark for the Smittys on the mound as well, pitching five innings in relief, allowing no runs on just four hits, while striking out six.

Kusler was proud of the effort Vining gave on the mound.

“Casey was also big for us on the mound coming in relief,” Kusler said. “He was lights out and continued to throw zeros on the scoreboard.”

At the plate, Vining had three hits in four at bats and drove in four.

The Smittys continue play in the Dakota Classic today as they square off with Yankton Post 12 at 10:30 a.m. before tangling with Huron Post 7 at 1 p.m.

Kusler said he was happy with the team’s efforts and is looking forward to today’s contests.

“Really happy with the way we competed for all seven innings today. All-around team effort to get the tournament started,” Kusler said. “Looking forward to two more opportunities (Saturday).”

Aberdeen Smittys 004 010 2 – 7 8 2

Lee’s Summit Outlaws 210 000 0 – 3 9 0

Drew Salfrank, Casey Vining (3) and Andrew Woehl; Max Hill, Mbuso Nkomo (6) and A. Abernathy. 2B – Aberdeen Smittys, Vining. 3B – Aberdeen Smittys, Vining.