Saeugling no-hits Ramblers at Peosta Tournament

After having an incredible run of success in one-run games in the first two weeks of July, the Ramblers' luck has run dry. Key West (33-13) has dropped three-straight one-run decisions, including Saturday's 1-0 loss to Dubuque in the first round of the Peosta Tournament. Dubuque standout Aaron Saeugling fired a eight-inning no-hitter and blasted a solo homer in the top of the eighth to lift the Blues.

After Key West starter Ryan Kelly delivered seven and two-thirds innings of shut out ball, Saeugling stepped up in extra innings and delivered the game-winning longball as he helped himself to a win on the mound. It was Dubuque's third-consecutive win over the Ramblers.

Key West managed only one baserunner the entire night. Cory Davidson reached first after being hit by Saeugling's pitch to lead off the bottom of the second. Saeugling struck out 14 hitters in perhaps the most impressive pitching display of the Eastern Iowa semi-pro baseball season.

Kelly threw a great game in defeat. The right-hander had given up only one hit until Saeugling's eighth-inning bomb. Kelly struck out seven in an eight-inning complete game of his own.

Saturday's loss came on the heels of an extra-inning loss to Bellevue in a road Prairie League game on Wednesday. The Ramblers blew a 4-2 sixth-inning lead before defensive gaffes allowed Chet Knake to score the walk-off run in the eighth. Chris Briggs (3-for-4), Tanner Denlinger (2-for-3), Cody Leach (2-for-4) and Kelly (2-for-5) all collected multiple hits in defeat.

The Ramblers will have their last chance to get back to their winning ways when the Prairie League playoffs begin Tuesday. Key West will take on Epworth at 8:30 p.m. at Farley in one semifinal match-up. The other semifinal game pits Dubuque against Farley at 7 p.m., also on Tuesday. The two winners will meet on Wednesday in the championship game.