Over the weekend, the Watertown Arrows Post 17 and Aberdeen Smittys secured their first South Dakota high school baseball wins of the decade. Both teams returned to the South Dakota High School Baseball Association this spring after several years of absence. Watertown's Post 17 achieved a 2-0 record by sweeping Rapid City Central 11-4 and 15-5, while the Smittys also secured victories with scores of 23-8 and 20-5.
Watertown coach Ryan Neale highlighted the significance of the wins for his team, emphasizing the offensive prowess displayed in both games. The Arrows showcased a strong hitting performance, scoring 26 runs on 22 hits across the doubleheader. Neale praised his team's response after previous losses and credited improved practice sessions for the positive outcome. Additionally, Aberdeen Smittys had a successful return to high school baseball, securing victories in games that were shortened due to the 15-run rule. The team's strong offensive showing, combined with effective pitching, propelled them to victory over Rapid City Central.