Knabel keys comeback win over Balltown

Exactly two weeks ago the Ramblers, led by Matt Knabel's go-ahead two-run single, put together a miraculous seventh-inning rally to erase a late four-run deficit at Balltown and win, 8-7. Sunday's 6-5 home victory over Balltown at Table Mound followed a similar plot-line. However, in this contest Key West (23-6) took the lead an inning earlier.

Cory Davidson's sixth-inning sacrifice fly brought home Tyler Sincock to give Key West a 6-5 lead after trailing 5-0 as late as the bottom of the fifth. But it was Knabel's big hit once again that turned the game around. His bases-loaded triple in the fifth got the Ramblers within one run and facilitated yet another nail-biting win in what was a seven-inning game.

Sean O'Connor, making his first appearance on the mound since June 25, relieved starter Greg Farrey in the sixth inning and moved to 7-0 on the season. O'Connor retired all six batters he faced in his two innings of work, showing off nasty stuff opposing Eastern Iowa hitters have become accustomed to this season.

Farrey tossed five innings, again struggling with wildness in the first inning before settling in. He gave up all five Balltown runs, but just two of them were earned. Farrey allowed four hits and struck out three.

Down 5-0 at the start of the bottom of the fifth, the Ramblers' patient approach paid off. Alex Miklo, Chris Briggs and Cory Davidson (bases-loaded walk) all walked and Tim Carty sandwiched in a single as Key West got on the board with the score at 5-1. After Justin Kuhle popped out, Knabel smacked a three-run triple. Knabel was then thrown out at the plate attempting to score on Kenny Capesius' fly ball to right.

Key West again loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth after Cam Stewart singled, Tyler Sincock reached on catcher's interference and Miklo singled again. Chris Briggs came through with an RBI single and Davidson poked the game-winning sacrifice fly to right field.

O'Connor dominated the top of the seventh and the Ramblers celebrated their ninth one-run win of the season. Six of the team's last seven wins have come by a single run. Overall, the Ramblers have won four straight.

Knabel (2-for-2, triple, double, walk) and Miklo (2-for-3) each picked up two hits for Key West. Balltown managed only four hits as a team.

Next up for the Ramblers is a double-dose of Worthington. The two teams will meet Tuesday for a 7 p.m. duel in Peosta and on Thursday for a 7 p.m. match up at Worthington.