ABERDEEN, S.D. — Watertown baseball earned a doubleheader split against Aberdeen on Wednesday at Fossum Field, using a strong start to secure a 7-5 win in the opener before dropping the finale 8-5.
Game 1: Watertown 7, Aberdeen 5
The Arrows built a six-run cushion and weathered a late rally to take the first game of the twin bill. Watertown entered the bottom of the fifth with a comfortable lead, but the Smittys surged back with a four-run frame to pull within two.
Jackson McClemans entered in relief to shut the door, earning the save and preserving the victory. Ashton Rabine earned the win on the mound, striking out eight and allowing three runs on just one hit over four innings of work.
Markus Pitkin led the Watertown offense, going 1-for-3 and scoring three runs. McClemans added three hits, while Cain Everson and Jonathan Lake each tallied two hits as part of a nine-hit attack.
For Aberdeen, Levi Hoffman and JaSean Rivera drove in two runs apiece. Wheeler Malsam allowed four runs on six hits in six innings in the start. Rivera was charged with the loss in relief.
Game 2: Aberdeen 8, Watertown 5
A difficult third inning proved to be the difference in the nightcap. Aberdeen exploded for six runs in the frame, aided by two of Watertown’s four errors on the night.
Joe Cogley went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Smittys, while Jackson Post added a two-RBI single. Ridley Waldo earned the win, pitching five innings and allowing five runs on three hits despite issuing seven walks.
Carter Buisker paced the Arrows at the plate, going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Sam Olson and Pitkin also drove in one run. Everson took the loss, allowing eight runs on five hits while striking out six in 4 1/3 innings.
Up Next
Watertown (6-4) returns home for Hall of Fame Weekend to host Brandon Valley on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Watertown Stadium.
Tickets remain available for Friday night’s “First Pitch Outing.” Contact Ryan Neale at 605-868-3284 to purchase your tickets for $60.
WTNSports.com 