For the second time this season the Ramblers attempt at an eighth straight victory fell one run short as Epworth rallied for an 8-7 win on Sunday afternoon in Epworth. Key West (14-2) also won seven in a row to begin this season before a 3-2 loss to Dubuque on May 28.
With several players missing Sunday's contest, Kyle Vanderlee made his first start this season (left field) and Kenny Capesius made his second start (right field) for Key West. These lineup tweaks did not prevent the Ramblers from having a solid offensive day, however.
Vanderlee added a pair of singles and a run scored, but it was Cam Stewart (making his first appearance as an infielder this season) who stole the show offensively. After a Cory Davidson walk, a Vanderlee single and a Capesius walk to begin the top of the fifth, Stewart connected on a grand slam to give the Ramblers a 5-1 lead. It was Stewart's first career home run.
A sixth-inning Key West run made the score 6-2, seemingly a comfortable lead for starting pitcher Ethan Carlson. But the bullpen unraveled late and Epworth ignited for four runs in the eighth and two in the ninth for a walk-off victory a day after the Ramblers defeated Epworth in the Farley Tournament Championship game.
Nick Elsinger got the win for Epworth, while Davidson took the loss. Epworth's Lincoln Gibbs led all players with three hits. Jared Munson (2-for-4), Dan Spain (2-for-5), Stewart (2-for-4) and Vanderlee (2-for-4) collected multiple hits for Key West.
Up next for the Ramblers is Rickardsville on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. EIHL battle at A.J. Spiegel Park in Peosta.
Worthington Tournament Update: The Ramblers will take the field for first round action at the Worthington Tournament on Saturday at 6 p.m. against Farley.
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