Kelly K's a dozen; Ramblers pound Epworth

Spencer Kuehn ended Sunday's blowout victory early with a three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh, giving the Ramblers a 10-0, run-rule triumph over Epworth. Ryan Kelly starred on the mound for Key West, throwing a two-hit shutout that included 12 strikeouts.

Kelly gave up just a single in the first and third innings in a dominant performance that allowed him to pick up his first win of the season. Epworth threatened by loading the bases in the third inning with two outs, but Kelly fanned cleanup hitter Ryan Hoerner on a 3-2 pitch to end the frame. Epworth would not put another runner in scoring position the rest of the game.

The Ramblers (17-4) got more than enough in the second inning alone, striking for four runs without the benefit of a hit. Three Epworth errors and three walks issued by starter Dan Grosser fueled the big inning that all but put the game on ice with Kelly toeing the rubber.

Dan Spain added an RBI single in the fourth, two batters after a booming double to deep right center by left fielder Kenny Capesius, making the score 6-0 after four innings. Chris Briggs pushed the margin to 7-0 with a run-scoring single to plate Spain in the sixth. An inning later, Kuehn, who entered the game in the sixth inning, cracked the game-ending three-run homer that easily cleared the left field fence at Table Mound on a 1-0 pitch.

Spain enjoyed another stellar game at the plate after a recent 0-for-17 slump. The Rambler shortstop led the way with a 3-for-3 effort. Catcher Chad Crabill went 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI as part of an 11-hit performance by Key West.

The Ramblers, who improved to 7-0 in Prairie League play with Sunday's victory, return to action on Tuesday when they host Dyersville at A.J. Spiegel Park in Peosta. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.