Ramblers eek out two more one-run victories

The Ramblers began the 2011 campaign by clubbing their first four opponents by a combined score of 52-4. But since then, stiff competition has made one-run ballgames the norm. With Wednesday's 3-2 win over East Dubuque and Thursday's 2-1 victory over Farley, Key West (22-6) moved to 8-3 this season in games decided by a single run. Incredibly, five of the Ramblers' last six wins have come by one run.

Ben Cottrell and Justin Kuhle starred in Wednesday's affair. Cottrell threw seven exceptional innings, allowing just four hits and two runs (both earned) to nab his second win of 2011. Cottrell was even more impressive at the plate, where he went 2-for-2 with a solo home run in the top of the second. Kuhle paced the Ramblers with three hits, including a double and one RBI.

Key West put its first run on the board in the first on a double-steal as Dan Spain plucked second base, allowing Tyler Sincock to trot home from third. Kuhle's RBI single in the third gave the Ramblers a 3-0 lead, proving to be just enough for Cottrell to hold on for the win over East Dubuque.

The Ramblers got another great pitching performance on Thursday as Spain pitched a seven-inning complete game, surrendering only four hits and one run (earned) in the 2-1 win over Farley. Steve McDonough, who filled in with numerous Rambler regulars absent Thursday, had a hand in both Key West runs. His RBI single in the top of the second gave the Ramblers a 1-0 lead. McDonough then reached on an error by the shortstop in the fourth inning, which allowed Cory Davidson to score and put the Ramblers back in front, 2-1.

Matt Knabel was the only Rambler to record multiple hits on the night. Knabel's double in the second and single in the fourth aided both Rambler runs. He also added a stolen base. Key West is now 5-1 versus Farley this season.

The Ramblers return to action on Sunday for a 1:30 p.m. Prairie League battle with Balltown at Table Mound Field in Key West.