TOTS' hurlers sizzle at Udall

TOTS Senior Baseball Network (TSBN)

60-and-over baseball

Chances are when 68-year-old Ron Petersen (top photo) and 70-year-old DeLon "Doc" Thompson (bottom photo) square off as the pitchers of record in a Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) game at Udall Park, you can expect a fast-paced game with a lot of strikes thrown and very few walks issued.

Both pitchers are consistent, hits are hard to come by and you can expect a low-scoring affair.

At Udall this morning, Petersen, a lefty, and Thompson, a hard-throwing right-hander, found themselves in another pitching duel. The result: Petersen's Team Blue edged Thompson's Team White, 3-2, in a game that lasted just one hour and ten minutes.

Both pitchers mowed 'em down. Thompson struck out seven of the first nine batters he faced. Petersen struck out two and walked two. Both pitchers did not allow an earned run.

Team White led 2-1 early in the game, but a fielding error and a throwing error in the fourth inning put Team Blue in the lead for good at 3-2.

With the temperature already in triple digits, the TOTS' players were happy with the quick pace of the game. The two pitchers were sizzling right along with the temperature.

Still, the game was in doubt when Team White had runners at first and second with one out in the final inning. Petersen faced Jerry Hamelin, needing a double play to end the game. Hamelin caught the defense playing back and dropped a perfect bunt down the first base line. Hamelin was thrown out, but the runners advanced.

Pigpen Price, who singled to right field in his last at bat, stepped to the plate with a chance to give Team White the lead. But Price drilled a two-hopper to shortstop Lloyd Barzell and was thrown out at first to end the game.

There are a couple of things written in stone when it comes to the TOTS in the summer time. There are plenty of games left to be played and the temperature will be rising.

Hats off to Petersen and Thompson for throwing the HEAT today!