Capesius delivers game-winning hit in extra-inning win

Kenny Capesius continues to surprise for a Key West Ramblers team that has shown considerable depth this season. Capesius' RBI single put Key West up 3-2 in the eighth inning (scheduled for seven innings) and proved to be the game-winner in a 4-3 road victory over Dyersville on Wednesday night.

Both teams were held scoreless until Dyersville finally broke through with a single run in the fifth inning off of Rambler starter Dan Spain. Key West (19-5) answered right back with a Chris Briggs solo blast in the top of the sixth to tie the score, 1-1.

Matt Knabel then gave the Ramblers a 2-1 lead with a RBI fielder's choice that scored Cam Stewart. Stewart (single), Jared Munson (single) and Spain (walk) had loaded the bases with one out prior to Knabel's RBI grounder. But Dyersville matched that run in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to an eighth inning.

That's when Capesius shined brightest. Davidson led off the inning with a single, stole second and advanced to third on Justin Kuhle's sacrifice bunt. Capesius then followed with his sixth RBI of the season. Cottrell added what turned out to be a crucial insurance run with a RBI double to score Capesius and give Key West a 4-2 lead.

After a Dustin Jaque double to begin the bottom of the eighth, Spain was lifted for Cottrell, who began the game at first base. Cottrell allowed Jaque to score, but struck out Beau Ellison with two on and two outs to end the rally.

Spain pitched seven strong innings, giving up three earned runs while striking out six in grabbing the win. Cottrell, who had a pair of doubles at the plate, was credited with his first save of the season after closing the door in the eighth.

The Ramblers open up play in the Rickardsville Tournament on Friday at 7 p.m. against Dubuque. It will mark the third time this season Key West will take on Dubuque in the first round of a tournament.