ABERDEEN, SD (Hub City Radio)- The Aberdeen Smittys pitching was strong, but the bats were quiet in two tight loses 6-1, and 6-4, vs. Harrisburg Gold on Sunday at Fossum Field.
It was a big matchup feel in game one and the Smittys got off to a fantastic start. In the first inning, Casey Vining hit an RBI sacrifice fly, scoring Philip Zens to give Aberdeen an early 1-0 lead.
Carter Gronseth answered in the second for Harrisburg with an RBI single to tie the game at one apiece, and then the Gold took a 2-1 lead thanks to an RBI single from Noah Boschee in the fourth.
Both pitchers were phenomenal in this classic pitcher’s duel. First, for the Smiitys, Zens almost went the distance throwing 6.2 innings and striking out five batters, and only surrendering one earned run. On the other side Darren Safranksi went six innings, allowed one run, and struck out 10 batters
Harrisburg added four insurance runs in the seventh inning to take a 6-1 lead and closed the deal in the bottom of the inning to take game one. The Smittys had four hits in the game, three of them by Drew Salfrank (3-for-4) and Vining led the way with an RBI.
Errors in the field played a factor in game two for Aberdeen. Once again, the Smittys jumped out to an early lead after a two-run first. Vining came through with an RBI groundout and Cooper Eisenbiesz scored on a wild pitch to make it 2-0.
The Gold took charge in the top of the fourth, scoring five runs on five hits and taking advantage of some errors in the field. The Smittys committed seven errors in game two but almost overcame it.
Aberdeen battled back in the sixth, scoring two runs. Grant Beyer ripped a single to left to drive in one, and Jackson Welke followed with an RBI groundout. It was 6-4 heading into the seventh, but Harrisburg was able to hold on in the seventh for the win.
Zane Backous had a gritty performance on the mound throwing six innings, only allowing three earned runs and striking out three Gold batters.
The Smittys despite being swept have an excellent record of 24-9 overall. They will have the day off on Monday and will continue this homestand with a twin bill vs. Post 15 West on Tuesday at 3p and 5p. You can watch all Smittys home games on hubcityradio.com.
Matt McClure, Hub City Radio SportsÂ
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