Old Pueblo edges Aces, 9-8

Southwest Old Timers Baseball League

60-and-over baseball


Mike Morales knocked in Lou Russo with a bases-loaded single to left field in the bottom of the seventh inning as the Old Pueblo Club edged the 60-and-over Tucson Aces 9-8 today at Santa Rita Park.

The Aces led 7-4 in the fourth inning and led 8-7 when they tacked on the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning. The Old Pueblo Club rallied in the bottom of the inning with an infield single by Russo, followed by three consecutive singles off Aces' lefty Dennis Crowley to grab the walk-off win.

Crowley was saddled with the loss and Old Pueblo reliever Gary Williams pitched the final two innings to pick up the victory. Williams, also a lefty, played in the Kansas City Royals' organization in the early 1970s and pitched in the Mexican Leagues in the late 70s and early 80s.

Players on both teams used the game as a tuneup in preparation for the Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series, which will be held later this month in Phoenix, Arizona.

George Gafner, who will pitch for the Aces in the 65-and-over division at the senior World Series, hurled the first three innings for the Aces today, while Joe Jimenez, who will pitch in the 60-and-over and the 65-and-over division at the senior World Series threw the first three innings for the Old Pueblo Club.

In a final tuneup, the two teams will meet again next Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at Udall Park.