Briggs' two-run blast powers first Rambler victory of 2013

A strong wind that blew in had nothing to say to Chris Briggs' monster two-run homer that broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning and led Key West to a 4-2 victory over Dyersville on Monday night. With the victory, the Ramblers (1-1) advanced to the semifinals of the EIHL Preseason Tournament. Key West will take on Cascade at 7 p.m. when the tournament resumes in Rickardsville on Friday.

Much like the season-opening loss, the Ramblers fell behind early as Clarke University pitcher Zane Ridings gave up two first-inning runs. Ridings, a Columbia Falls, Mont., native, buckled down the rest of the way and threw a seven-inning complete game to pick up the victory on the mound.

Key West knotted the score off of Dyersville pitcher Russ Bolibaugh by getting a pair of runs in the third - one by way of an error and one via shortstop Dan Spain's RBI single. Center fielder Tanner Denlinger, who finished the game 2-for-2, scored the tying run.

The score remained the same until the sixth when right fielder Spencer Kuehn led off the frame with a double. That set the stage for Briggs' game-winning homer. It was the first of the season for the powerful lefty, who set a team record with 11 homers in 2012.

Dyersville got a lead-off single to begin the seventh, but Ridings retired the next three hitters - two on flies to the outfield and the final one on a grounder to short.

Key West also debuted a new catcher on Monday as Jose Stelluti handled duties behind the plate. Stelluti walked and scored a run in the third. Third baseman Luis Reyes played for the Ramblers for the first time as well.

In addition to the EIHL Preseason Semifinals on Friday, Key West will also play Saturday and Sunday as part of a busy weekend. Wednesday's scheduled EIHL game at Monticello has been postponed.