Ramblers climb above .500

Surprisingly, Sunday marked the first time all season that the Ramblers have been above .500 overall. Key West pounded both East Dubuque (12-2 on Saturday) and Placid (13-3 on Sunday) to push its record to 10-9. The win over East Dubuque advanced the Ramblers to the quarterfinals of the Rickardsville Tournament, while the victory over Placid bumped Key West's Prairie League record to 5-2.

Four Ramblers tallied at least two hits as Key West won decisively in the first round at Rickardsville. Catcher Jose Stelluti (pictured) led the way with a 3-for-3 effort that included a pair of RBIs. Meanwhile, Chris Briggs ended a power drought by drilling a two-run homer (team-leading second homer) in the third inning that gave Key West a 4-2 lead.

The Ramblers put the game well out of reach with a seven-run fourth inning that featured an RBI double from Briggs and run-scoring hits by Tim Carty, Matt Knabel, Stelluti and Dan Spain.

The outburst helped make a winner out of lefty starting pitcher Matt Lozano. He threw all five innings in the run-rule shortened affair to move his mark to 3-1. He allowed two runs (both earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out two.

Key West 13, Placid 3 (7 innings)

The Ramblers continued the weekend run-scoring binge by clubbing Placid in another game decided by a run rule. Key West wasted little time in jumping out to a 4-0 lead by batting around in the first inning that was aided largely by the wildness of Placid pitching and shaky defense.

The Ramblers tacked on two more runs in the second and four in the third for a comfortable 10-1 advantage. Both Spain and shortstop Andrew Redman turned in three-hit days in what was Redman's first start this season other than on the mound.

Left fielder Cory Davidson stayed hot, connecting for a double and a triple to fuel a pair of RBIs. Trent Bollman made his Rambler debut and went 2-for-2 while reaching base in all four plate appearances.

Spain took the ball on the mound and navigated six innings despite giving up six hits and five walks. He flashed outstanding stuff as evidenced by his 10 strikeouts. He got his first win of the season.

Key West has now scored 10 or more runs six times this season. The Ramblers are averaging 6.2 runs per game through 19 contests. They have now won five of six games, during which they have out-scored opponents 39-18.

Up Next: The Ramblers get another shot at rival Dubuque on Tuesday night in the quarterfinals of the Rickardsville Tournament. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. from Rickardsville. Dubuque advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Epworth 7-0 on Saturday night. Mark Hennessy pitched a seven-inning complete game shutout for the Blues. With Hennessy throwing on Saturday, Aaron Saeugling would appear to be the likely starting pitcher for Dubuque on Tuesday. Key West will counter with ace Andrew Redman.