Dubuque eliminates Key West from Dyersville Tournament

In a battle of aces in the first round of the Dyersville Tournament, Dubuque's Mark Hennessy got the best of the Ramblers' Andrew Redman as the Blues shut out Key West, 2-0, on Sunday evening. The Ramblers (17-16) fell once again to Dubuque despite holding a 6-4 advantage in the hit column.

The Blues got on top in the first with Andy Danna's sacrifice fly and then added a third-inning run thanks to Kevin Carkeek's RBI single. Redman shut down Dubuque the rest of the way, but the Rambler bats failed to cash in with runners in scoring position.

Key West had opportunities with two men on base in each of the second, sixth and seventh innings. Back-to-back two-out walks in the seventh by Cory Davidson and Dan Spain gave the Ramblers life, but Tim Carty was fanned to end the threat.

Davidson continued his fine work in the leadoff spot. His first inning single extended his stretch of reaching base to 10-straight plate appearances over four games (6-for-6 with four walks). That streak was snapped in the third when he struck out. Davidson finished 2-for-3 with a walk.

Redman threw all six innings, allowing two runs (both earned) on four hits and three walks. He struck out six.

Bernard 6, Key West 4

The Ramblers also fell on Saturday to Bernard in a Prairie League game played at Cascade. Bernard got all six of its runs in the first inning and held on for a 6-4 victory.

Kenny Capesius' excellent outing (5.1 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K) in relief gave the Ramblers a chance despite the nightmarish start.

Key West made things interesting with a pair of runs in the seventh after entering the inning down 6-2. However, Gabe Wingert and Austin Bradley were retired to end the game while representing the tying run.

Three Ramblers collected two hits apiece: Matt Bedell (2-for-2), Austin Bradley (2-for-4) and Anthony Ruden (2-for-4).

UP NEXT: The Ramblers hit the road to take on Dyersville at 7 p.m. on Monday in an EIHL two-for-one battle.