Ramler, Ramblers rock Rickardsville

The win streak grew to 15 on Tuesday night as Key West thrashed Rickardsville, 12-1, in EIHL action in Peosta. No. 5 hitter Nate Ramler tore apart Rickardsville with a 4-for-5 night that included an eighth-inning three-run homer that enacted the 10-run rule. The Ramblers (16-2, 6-1 EIHL) have not lost since a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Farley on May 15.

Ramler, who drove in five runs, played the part of the ringleader for a potent offensive attack that generated 13 hits on Tuesday. Other Ramblers with multiple hits were Ben Oglesby (2-for-3), Nick Woltkamp (2-for-3), Chris Briggs (2-for-5) and Dan Spain (2-for-5). Woltkamp doubled, tripled and knocked in a pair of runs. He's now hitting .391 on the year.

On the mound, Art Martinez pitched five solid frames (three hits, one run allowed) while earning his first win of the season. Austin Bradley received credit for the save by working scoreless sixth, seventh and eighth innings. Rickardsville's lone run came on a Mike Leibfried sac fly in the third inning.

Since the start of the 2012 season, Key West has won 14 of 17 meetings with Rickardsville. The Ramblers are set to return to action on Sunday with two games. First up is a Prairie League matchup in Peosta with New Vienna at 1 p.m. Key West then sets its sights on the Worthington Tournament where it will take on Farley at 7:30 p.m. in a semifinal contest.