ABERDEEN - If it is true that adversity makes one stronger, then the Rapid City Post 320 Stars should be rock solid. The Stars paid their dues Saturday, suffering a disappointing 3-1 loss to the host Aberdeen Smittys, bringing about a tough exit from the 2008 South Dakota American Legion State 'A' Tournament in Aberdeen.

Both teams received solid starting pitching from Justin Kline, Aberdeen's winning pitcher, and the Stars' Tyler Jones, who tossed a complete game.

The game came down to the final inning, when Post 320 loaded the bases with only one out. However, Aberdeen brought an end to the contest, turning a 6-4-3 double play to end the game.

"It was a truly outstanding game to coach, to play in and to watch," said 320 head coach Jim Brandt. "I'm really proud of how the kids played today. They came out and played hard and gave it all they have, and as a coach you can't expect more then that."

Post 320 (46-16 overall) jumped ahead early as the Stars scored an unearned run in the third inning. Reed Rice singled, moved up on a Chris Bingham single and raced home with the game's first run on a throwing error by the Aberdeen second baseman on a Chris Lindemann fielder's choice.

Jones made the single run stand up until the bottom of the fourth when three Aberdeen singles tied the game.

"Tyler pitched a great, great game," said Brandt. "He threw strikes and didn't walk anyone and went right after the batters. An outstanding effort by that young man."

Jones allowed three runs - two earned - while allowing seven hits.

Kline also worked a complete game for the Smittys, giving up a single unearned run and allowing seven hits with five strikeouts in the game.

"Justin struggled a little and threw over 100 pitches in the game," said Aberdeen head coach Mark Gulseth. "But Post 320 is a good hitting team so maybe that was to be expected. Our defense played well behind him today and the three double plays didn't hurt either. We are delighted with our play today and looking forward to playing tomorrow."

Kyle Starkey collected two of the Stars' seven hits and his fourth inning double was the only extra base hit in the game. For Aberdeen, the fifth, sixth, and eighth hitters in the order each had two hits with No. 8 hitter, Bryce Anglin's run-scoring single in the seventh inning proving to be the game-winner.

"That way that game played out, it's tough sometimes that there is a winner and a loser," Brandt said. "Really a fine game that we are proud to have been a part of."