LaMere homers for second-straight game; Ruden shuts out Packers

Anthony Ruden fired a three-hit shutout and catcher Brett LaMere homered for the second-straight game to lead Key West (21-5-1) to a 5-0 victory over the Dubuque Packers in the first round of the Rickardsville Tournament on Sunday. The Ramblers are seeking their first Rickardsville Tournament title.

Key West did all of its offensive damage in the second and third innings. Luis Ravelo collected an RBI single and Ben Oglesby (bases-loaded hit by pitch) and Dan Spain (bases-loaded walk) forced in runs as part of a three-run second frame. LaMere then connected on a two-run blast (third home run of the season) an inning later.

Ruden took it from there. He retired the first seven Packer hitters before a third-inning single. Ruden did not allow another hit until the seventh inning. The Rambler righty walked just one and struck out eight in one of his best performances of his semi-pro career.

Key West managed just three hits of its own. Chris Briggs was responsible for the Ramblers' additional hit. He doubled and scored on LaMere's homer.

The Ramblers have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Rickardsville Tournament. Key West has advanced to take on Farley in Rickardsville at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday (July 7).