ABERDEEN, SD (HubCityRadio.com) – On Thursday night, a well-rested and rejuvenated Aberdeen Smittys squad honored their senior class by a 21-1 drubbing of Huron Post 7. Before the game, head coach Brandon Kusler said it’d be an emotional one, as they paid tribute to nine seniors and they came out smoking.
After the game, the Bryce Anglin award was awarded to Phillip Zens; that award is a tribute to a former Smittys player who passed away from cancer and was on the state title team from 2008, a team coached by John Krogstrand (who’s the founder of the foundation).
After the game, Ryan Martin asked Zens what the award means to him.
Head Coach Brandon Kusler on Zens earning the award:
On the bump, Zane Backous picked up another victory, going three innings and only surrendering a pair of hits and striking out five. In relief, Jackson Welke also pitched the final three frames and didn’t surrender a run, he also struck out five and didn’t walk anybody. Jaden Smith had a day at the plate; going a perfect 4-4 with three runs scored, a grand slam (HR) & SEVEN RBI. Casey Vining was also a perfect 3-3 with three runs scored + 2RBI. Brendan Livermont continued his hot streak, going 1-3 and a 3-run HR.
Drew Salfrank was a stellar 3-4 with four runs scored & a run batted in; while Zane Backous also helped his cause at the plate, going 2-2 with three runs scored and a pair of RBI. It was a total team victory for the Aberdeen Smittys.
Hub City Radio’s own Ryan Martin caught up with Brandon Kusler, as he looks ahead to the regional tournament next week:
With the win, the Smittys improve to 24-15 on the season. They’ll be back in action on Sunday as they take on the Harrisburg Maroon squad for a twinbill at 2p & 4p for military appreciation day.
Legion Baseball
Huron Post 7 1
Aberdeen Smittys 21 – WP: Zane Backous 3IP. 2H. 1ER. 5K. Jaden Smith 4-4, 3 runs scored; 7RBI.
SENIOR DAY
FROM THE AREA:
Redfield Post 92 3 – ND: Seth Siebrecht 5IP. 3H. 3R. 2ER. 6K. Camden Osborn 1-3, RBI.
Lake Norden/Badger 4 F/7 innings
Legion Post 250 13
Post #9 (Milbank) 1
[Game 1]
Legion Post 250 2
Post #9 (Milbank) 13
[Game 2]