Wisconsin edges USC at Holiday Bowl

Wisconsin edged USC 23-21 last night at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

It was the second postseason loss by a team from the Pac-12 Conference.

Heading into play today, the Pac-12 teams are 5-2 in bowl games with three games remaining.

Bookemdanosports reaches 2,500 posts

A big "thank you" to all my readers and I wish all of you a  Happy New Year.

Bookemdanosports just hit the 2,500 mark in posts and I hope to add a few more posts in 2016. The sports blog has been around since 2009 and as long as my Arthritis doesn't get any worse, I'll continue to keep you POSTED, so to speak.

Once again, HAPPY NEW Year!

Pac-12 Conference at 5-1 in bowl games

Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 467 yards and six touchdowns  yesterday at the Armed Forces Bowl as California beat Air Force 55-36 and in doing so improved the Pac-12 Conference's record to 5-1 in postseason bowl games.

USC could grab a sixth win for the Pac-12 tonight when the Trojans take on Wisconsin at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

Daliege tosses a 4-hitter

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)


60-and-over baseball

It was a cold, cold morning, but that didn't stop the Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) from playing their final game of the year today at Udall Park.

Team White won the game 8-0 over Team Blue, behind a four-hit, shutout from right-hander Bob Daliege. Team White got all the runs they needed in the first inning, thanks to back-to-back RBI  singles from Tim Tolson and Joe Opocensky.

As for Team Blue, their bats were as cold as ice. All Team Blue could muster were singles by Tim Boyd, Pete Peters, Jesse Ochoa and Dick Ducklow.

The TOTS ended another season today and will be begin the 60-and-over baseball club's 49th season on Monday.

Photo: The winning pitcher, Bob Daliege.

No.1 Michigan State loses at Iowa City

College Basketball


The No.1 collegiate basketball team in the land loses at Iowa City.

Iowa beat Michigan State yesterday 83-70. The Spartans (13-1) played without their star Denzel Valentine.

Nevada wins first Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl

Nevada  28  Colorado State  23


Nevada won the first ever Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl tonight at Arizona Stadium 28-23 over Colorado State University.

The attendance: 20,425.

Congrats, to all the folks who made the bowl game a reality. The fans who showed up had to bundle up. The game was a bit nippy...39 degrees midway through the fourth quarter.

Warriors on course to shatter single season wins record

The Golden State Warriors are on course to shatter the single season wins record in the National Basketball League.

It's mind boggling how the Warriors continue to produce win after win after win. With a record of 29-1, the Warriors could shatter the record of 72-10, set during the 1995-96 season by the Chicago Bulls.

Of course, the Warriors aren't quite halfway to the playoffs and when they reach the playoffs, another season begins. The second-best won and loss record in the NBA belongs to the San Antonio Spurs at 27-6.

That's crazy. Here's a team playing at an unbelievable pace and they look over their shoulder and there's the Spurs, a team from the same Western Conference, with 27 wins!

Amazing!

TOTS enter 49th season in 2016 with 50 active players

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

The 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) will enter its 49th season in 2016. The TOTS will enter the new year with 50 active players on the roster, ranging in age from 60 to 90.

The amateur baseball club was formed in 1968 by Joe Gorman and has survived year after year with players who play for the love of the game, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (year in, year out) at Udall Park.

The youngest member of the TOTS is 60-year-old Tim Boyd from Tucson. The oldest member is Floyd Lance, 90, from Glen Gardner, New Jersey.

Photos: (top) Tim Boyd, (bottom) Floyd Lance

Cardinals rolling at 13-2

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona dominated over the Packers 38-8 on Sunday in Glendale. That's nine straight wins for the Cardinals.

With Carolina's loss to Atlanta, the Cardinals now own the second best record in the NFL at 13-2. The Panthers are 14-1. Are the Cardinals and the Panthers the best teams in the NFL?

Arizona has scored 483 points in 15 games, while Carolina has scored 462. On defense, the Cardinals have the edge there as well, allowing just 277 points, while the Panthers have given up 283.

On paper, the Cardinals have the best offense in the NFL and the sixth best defense.

Next Sunday Arizona will be at home against Seattle. The Seahawks' defense is the best in the NFC and the third best in the NFL.

Should be a good game on Sunday. Go, Cardinals!

Note: The Arizona Cardinals have scored a franchise record 57 touchdowns this season.

1,008 receptions and counting...

When Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald takes the field today in Glendale against Green Bay, he'll be looking for a few more receptions.

Fitzgerald has hauled in 1,008 receptions since 2004, and he's not done yet. It's very possible Fitz will pass Dallas tight end Jason Witten today and reach the top ten for all-time career receptions in the history of the National Football League.

Go get 'em, Fitz!

Fitz update:  Fitzgerald caught four passes and had a touchdown on Sunday. Fitz is at 1, 012 career receptions. Still two receptions behind Witten.

Pac-12 improves to 4-1 in bowl games

The Pac-12 Conference is off to a good start in postseason bowl games with four wins thus far, including a 45-37 win by the Arizona Wildcats over the Lobos at the New Mexico Bowl, a 35-28 Utah win over BYU at the Las Vegas Bowl, a 20-14 win by Washington State at the Sun Bowl over Miami and a 44-31 victory by the Washington Huskies at the Heart of Dallas Bowl over Southern Miss.

The only loss occurred yesterday as Nebraska beat the UCLA Bruins 37-29 at the Foster Farms Bowl in Santa Clara, California.

Look for a little tougher road the rest of the way. The Pac-12 will have five teams play in bowl games in the next six days with California taking on Air Force at the Armed Forces Bowl in Forth Worth on Tuesday, USC vs. Wisconsin at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego on Wednesday, followed by the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Friday, which pits the Stanford Cardinal against Iowa. Next Saturday, it'll be Oregon vs. TCU at the Alamo Bowl and later in the day at the Cactus Bowl as Arizona State takes on West Virginia.

As for the first ever Arizona Bowl on Tuesday, it'll be Nevada vs. Colorado State. The temperature at kickoff: the high 40s! Is it ever gonna warm up?

Trier leads Wildcats to win over Long Beach State

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

Allonzo Trier led the way with 20 points and the Arizona Wildcats knocked off Long Beach State 85-70 tonight at McKale Center. Six players scored in double figures as 8th-ranked Arizona improves to 12-1 on the year.

Once again, it was Ryan Anderson with a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds, while Dusan Ristic and Kadeem Allen matched Anderson with 11 points apiece. Mark Tollefsen added 12 points, four rebounds and two assists and Gabe York hit a couple of key 3-pointers and finished with 12 points as well.

The Wildcats take a well-deserved break and then return to action on Jan. 3 in their Pac-12 opener against ASU in Tempe.

TOTS lose teammate Richard McAnally

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

The Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) lost another teammate last Friday. Richard McAnally passed away at the age of 83.

McAnally was one of the top catchers for the TOTS for more than 18 years. He became a TOT in 1994 and put his catching gear away in 2012, but continued to show up at the ball park the last few years and root on his teammates. In recent years, he spent his winters in Tucson and his summers in Flagstaff. In fact, Richard showed up at Udall Park and sat in the dugout last Friday morning. He passed away just hours later near his home in Tucson.

The following was published in Richard's home town newspaper, The Casa Grande Dispatch, just six years ago, just a few days after he was inducted into his high school wall of fame.

Richard McAnally graduated from Casa Grande Union High School in 1950. He played football and baseball all four years, lettered all four years, competed in oratorical contests all four years and went to Boys State his junior year. He sang in the boys chorus and was in the Honor Society his junior and senior years, the last year as president. He was freshman council representative, sophomore vice president and senior council representative and he joined the dramatics club his senior year.

McAnally attended the University of Arizona, played varsity baseball for the Wildcats and was admitted to the UA College of Law. He was called to active duty in the Army and given a permanent assignment as a Special Courts martial council in Fort Knox. After leaving the service, he worked full time as a claims adjuster for an insurance company while he completed his law degree. He began practicing law in 1959 and was a personal injury trail attorney before his retirement in 1994. His favorite case was brought pro bono against an insurance company that refused to provide a heart transplant until he stepped in.

After retirement, he became judge pro tempore when Pinal County Superior Court Judge Frank Coxon retired. Today he assists as a settlement conference judge in civil cases. At age 77, he still plays baseball with the Tucson Old Timers 60-plus team as a catcher.

Judge Gilbert Figueroa called McAnally an "excellent example that dedication, perseverance and plain old hard work does lead to great success."

Like so many members of the TOTS, Richard was a success story in life, long before he ever became a Tucson Old Timer. Rest in Peace, Richard. You will be missed.

Note: Funeral service arrangements are pending.

Team Priceless eliminated from fantasy playoffs

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless

It's all over for me and my Team Priceless in the UPC Hood Fantasy Football League.

I couldn't muster up enough fantasy points in the the first round of the playoffs this week and lost to the Lazar Kats. I'll have to settle for the fourth seed in the playoff this year, after reaching the championship game and finishing second in 2014.

Maybe 2016 will be my year. At least I can sit back and enjoy the rest of the NFL season without worrying about how my fantasy players are doing.

It's is time to concentrate on the Arizona Cardinals. They certainly are in the hunt, along with Carolina, New England, Green Bay and Denver.

My guess: Carolina will run the table and get it done, especially if Cam Newton continues to shine week after week. Of course, if you happen to have a Tom Brady, you have a shot to win it all.

I would love to see the Cardinals do it. Arizona needs a champion! Carson Palmer and Company have it going.

The next few weeks should be very interesting.

TOTS played game today in honor of Jim Pagels

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Twenty four members of the Tucson Old Timers participated in today's baseball game  at Udall Park in honor of fellow teammate Jim Pagels, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 67. Team White won the game 4-3 over Team Blue and everyone gave it their all for two and half hours.

It turned out to be a hard fought contest from the get go as Team White's starting pitcher Dennis Crowley took a shot off his ankle in the first inning, thanks to a hard hit ball off the bat of Ted Davis. Crowley sat on the bench for an inning and then returned to the game and picked up the win.

If that wasn't enough action, there were two collisions, one at first base, due to a pick off attempt, when the runner, Mike Steele, was caught off base and was tagged out by first baseman Floyd Lance. The other, a collision at second base when shortstop Tim Tolson collided with the runner, Pete Peters. The play resulted in an unusual double play from 9 to 2 to 6. The play started out on a pop fly to right fielder, Billy Heiny, who caught the ball and over threw first base, trying to double up the runner, but Davis, the catcher, retrieved the ball and threw a strike to second base to get Peters and complete the twin killing.

Note: On Tuesday, December 22, there will be a viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. for Jim Pagels at Brings Funeral Home, located at 6910 E Broadway. 

The Mass will take place at 2 p.m. at St Pius X Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 23, The church is located at 1800 N. Camino Pio Decimo.

Arizona reaches No. 8 in AP Poll

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


Arizona (11-1) moved up to No. 8 this week in the Associated Press college basketball poll.

Michigan State (12-0) stays at No. 1.

Congrats, Wildcats!

Pac 12 Conference at 100 non-conference wins

The Pac-12 Conference is off to a good start in basketball.

The teams in the conference, heading into action on Tuesday, are a combined 100 wins and 28 losses with our own Arizona Wildcats at the top of the heap with an 11-1 record.

Colorado follows at 10-1 and the worst showing in the conference thus far is Stanford at 5-4.

Anderson, Ristic lead Wildcats to 82-70 win over UNLV

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


Dusan Ristic poured in a career-high 20 points and Ryan Anderson scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for another double-double as the Arizona Wildcats beat UNLV 82-70 at McKale Center tonight.

The 13th-ranked Wildcats improved to 11-1 and kept their home court winning streak alive with their 46th consecutive win at McKale.

All five starters scored in double figures as the Wildcats led 44-36 at the end of the first half and then held off the Rebels in the final 20 minutes. Kadeem Allen and Allonzo Trier scored 15 points apiece, while Gabe York chipped in 11.

Scooby to the rescue

Arizona Wildcats Football

Gildan New Mexico Bowl

With 6:42 left in the game at the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright barrels through the Lobos' defensive line and sacks quarterback Austin Apodaca to preserve a 45-37 win today over New Mexico in Albuquerque.

Wright, injured for most of the regular season, stepped up for the Wildcats and finished the bowl game with 15 tackles and two sacks -- including the stopper on Apodaca, as Arizona finishes the 2015 season with a 7-6 record.

It was a tough outing for Wright and the Arizona defense. New Mexico dominated the possessions on offense, holding on to the ball for close to 41 of the 60 minutes.

Thanks to Wright, Arizona took the ball over on downs after his final take down of his college career and the Wildcats were able to take valuable time off the clock the rest of the way. The Lobos did get the ball back with less than two minutes remaining, but  Cam Newton made the final defensive play of the year for the Wildcats with an interception.

Arizona ran out the clock and the Wildcats came away with the victory.

Way to go, Scooby and the Wildcats!

A Twin Bill for our Wildcats

It'll be a busy day for the University of Arizona and the fans of the Wildcats.

A twin bill, if you will: At high noon a bowl game in Albuquerque between the Arizona Wildcats and the New Mexico Lobos. The nightcap, back at McKale Center, will pit the visiting Rebels from UNLV and our 13th-ranked Wildcats. Tip off 7:30 p.m.

A football-basketball doubleheader!

Go, Wildcats!

The Silent Dugout

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

One constant with the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) is the chatter in the dugout. The club can send only a certain number of players out to the playing field at Udall Park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while the bench in the dugout is filled with club members, who for one reason or another, albeit an injury or other heath reasons, remain on the sideline, so to speak, to cheer on their teammates with support, following a good play or a friendly jibe when a fellow TOT makes an error and can't find the handle on a bouncing ball hit his way.

For the last six years, the "leader in the dugout" has been scorekeeper Jim Pagels. Jim's job: Record the hits and the runs for two and a half hours, while participating in the dugout chatter, which over the years has become just as important and necessary as the oldtimers' game being played on the field.

The TOTS' dugout will remain silent for a while. It may take weeks or months before the "chatter" returns. The TOTS lost their scorekeeper, their teammate and their good friend on Dec. 17. Jim Pagels passed away at the age of  67.

Jim, a diehard Green Bay Packer fan, was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, but like so many of the TOTS,  settled in Tucson. He became a member of the TOTS in 2009, but for health reasons left the field of play in 2010 to become the club's No. 1 scorekeeper.

Every member of the TOTS has tried, at one time or another, to talk Jim into changing the score book. "Come on, Jim," they would say. "That was a hit, not an error!"

Rest in Peace, Jim Pagels. You will be missed.

Photo: Jim Pagels

Note: Service arrangements will follow and will be posted on this blog.

Arizona makes it 45 straight at McKale

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

The 13th-ranked Arizona Wildcats kept their home winning streak alive at McKale Center tonight as they rolled to a 92-37 win over Northern Arizona.

Arizona extends the streak to 45 games -- the nation's best home court winning streak in college basketball.

The Wildcats improved to 10-1 and tonight they relied on their inside game as starters Dusan Ristic and Ryan Anderson, along with an impressive performance off the bench from Mark Tollefsen to get the job done.

Anderson scored 18 points, Tollefsen, a season-high 19 points and Ristic added 10 points. The three players combined for 27 rebounds with Anderson leading the way with 13 boards for a double-double. Allonzo Trier chipped in 11 points, while Kadeem Allen dished out seven assists, added five steals and scored seven points.

Arizona led 40-24 at the end of the first half and went on a 34-4 run in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Up next: UNLV at McKale on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Team Priceless grabs 4th seed for fantasy playoffs

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless


Team Priceless won a close battle in Week 14 of the UPC Hood Fantasy Football League to finish the regular season with a 9-5 record and in doing so grabs the fourth seed in the six-team playoff, which gets underway next week.

It'll be win and advance or lose and go home as Team Priceless takes on the fifth-seeded Lazar Kats in Week 15. Team Priceless is three wins away from the fantasy title. Last year, Team Priceless finished in second place.

The starters for Team Priceless next week:

QB  Tom Brady

WR DeSean Jackson

WR Eric Decker

WR Tyler Lockett

RB Eddie Lacy

RB Frank Gore

TE Kyle Rudoplh

K   Graham Cano

DEFENSE  Denver

13th-ranked Wildcats roll past Missouri

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


The 13th-ranked Arizona Wildcats had an easy time of it tonight at McKale Center as they rolled past Missouri 88-52 behind the play of Ryan Anderson, who took a seat on the bench late in the second half after scoring 14 points, grabbing nine rebounds, picking up two steals and dishing out an assist.

Arizona improved to 9-1 in non-conference play and once again received balance scoring as six players finished in double figures. York finished with 16, Allonzo Trier netted 15, Mark Tollefsen came off the bench to score a season-high 17 points, Justin Simon contributed a career-high 10 points and Dusan Ristic added 12 points to go along with Anderson's performance.

The Wildcats led by 19 at the end of the first half, 42-23. Arizona shot 56.4 percent (31 of 55) from the field and 41.2 percent (7 for 17) from three-point land.

Wildcats beat Fresno State, 85-72

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


Allonzo Trier pumped in a career-high 27 points and grabbed six rebounds as the 13th-ranked Arizona Wildcats beat Fresno State tonight at McKale, 85-72.

It wasn't easy. Arizona, behind 46-43 at the end of the first half, clamped down defensively in the second half and held Fresno State to 26 points. Ryan Anderson added 17 points and eight rebounds, Gabe York drilled a couple of clutch three-pointers late in the second half and finished with 12 points, while Kadeem Allen chipped in 13 points before leaving the court in the second half with an ankle injury.

Arizona (8-1) hit 52.6 percent from the field, canning 30 of 57 shots -- including 8 for 21 from three-point land for 38.1 percent. The Wildcats are still struggling from the charity stripe, making 17 of 28 attempts. Dusan Ristic, starting in place of the injured Kaleb Tarczewski, had six points and six rebounds but missed all five of his free throw attempts.

Missouri comes to town on Sunday.

Team Priceless improves to 8-5 in fantasy league

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless

I still have a shot at all the glory in the 14-team UPC Hood Fantasy Football League. Team Priceless held on for a win in Week 13 to improve to 8-5 on the season.

Fantasy points were hard to come by this week but I did receive 33.78 fantasy points from New England quarterback Tom Brady and a 23-point effort from the Denver defense -- good enough to pull out a win and good enough to remain in fifth place in the league.

The top six teams advance to the playoffs in Week 15.

Next week  -- the final week of the league's regular season -- Team Priceless will take on the Clam Jammers (6-7).

Opocensky singles in game winner in TOTS game

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Left-handed power hitter Joe Opocensky singled to right field and knocked in the winning run as Team White edged Team Blue 7-6 today at Udall Park in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers baseball game.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Pete Peters singled to left field and Arnie White followed with a perfect bunt which came to rest halfway up the third base line. Hard-hitting Tim Tolson grounded out to first to move the runners to second and third and Opocensky followed with his walk-off single.

White pitched all seven innings for Team White and picked up the victory, while Team Blue's Dan Lundwall was saddled with the loss.

The TOTS will be back in action on Wednesday and Friday with games scheduled for 10 a.m. at Udall.

Wildcats No. 13 in AP Poll

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


The Arizona Wildcats (7-1) are ranked No. 13 this week in the AP College Basketball Poll. The Wildcats moved up six spots thanks to their come-from-behind win over Gonzaga last week in Spokane.

The Michigan State Spartans  (9-0) are No. 1 this week.

Arizona returns to New Mexico Bowl

Arizona Wildcats Football

The Arizona Wildcats are heading for Albuquerque on Dec. 19 for the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. Game time will be 12 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN.

New Mexico will take a 7-5 record into the bowl game. The Wildcats are 6-6.

Wildcats stun Zags in Spokane

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

The 19th-ranked Arizona Wildcats (7-1) stun 13th-ranked Gonzaga (5-2) today in Spokane 68-63 as they battle back from a 10-point halftime deficit to come away with the non-conference road win.

Gabe York led the Wildcats with 18 points, including a 4-for-6 effort from three-point range in the second half as Arizona, down 38-28 at the half, outscored the Zags 40-25 in the final 20 minutes.

Playing without starting center Kaleb Tarczewski, the Wildcats needed someone to step up and they found their man in York, along with Allonzo Trier, who pumped in 14 points, and Ryan Anderson, who finished with 13 points and six rebounds.

Way to go, Wildcats!

Barzell, Ducklow, Petersen top hitters in November for TOTS

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Lloyd Barzell, Dick Ducklow and Ron Petersen were the top hitters on the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) for the month of November.

Barzell played in eight games and went 17 for 30 for a .567 batting average. He also scored 10 runs to lead the club in that category.

Ducklow, who spends his summers in Wisconsin and his winters in Arizona, is off to a hot start since his return to the club with 14 hits in 25 trips to the plate in November for a healthy .560 average, while Petersen, a year-a-round player for the TOTS, made the most of his 17 trips to the plate count as he banged out 13 hits and a club-leading 15 RBI to go along with a .765 batting average.

Photos: top, Barzell, middle, Ducklow, bottom, Petersen

Arizona drops to 19th in AP Poll

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


The Arizona Wildcats (6-1) dropped to No. 19 in the latest AP Poll and received some more bad news today. It looks like the injury to Kaleb Tarczewski is bad enough to keep him out of the lineup for four to six weeks.

Not good. It seems like the old "injury bug" keeps raising its ugly head. First, football and now basketball. As for Arizona coach Sean Miller, he will be forced to shuffle up and deal. We'll see a lot more of Dusan Ristic and Chance Comanche during the month of December.

Up next: Gonzaga on Saturday in Spokane. The Wildcats first Pac-12 game is slated for Jan. 3 in Tempe against Arizona State. That's 33 days from now. Let's hope Tarczewski is ready by then.

Team Priceless falls to 7-5 in fantasy league

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless


Team Priceless suffered its worst loss of the season in Week 12 and falls into fifth place in the UPC Hood 14-team fantasy football league. The good news is I'm just one game out of first place with two weeks left before the playoffs begin.

I've now lost Arizona running back Chris Johnson, who had been a pleasant surprise this season. The good news is I can pencil in Green Bay's Eddie Lacy in my lineup. I kept him out of the lineup last week and, of course, he puts up 17 fantasy points, Maybe, Lacy is back and ready to roll the remainder of the season.

And I still have New England quarterback Tom Brady available to lead Team Priceless to the UPC Hood Fantasy Football playoffs.

A win in Week 13 and a win in Week 14 will get me into the playoffs. I go into Week 13 with a 7-5 record. Here's hoping for a 9-5 regular-season record and a great run in the playoffs.

Wildcats beat Broncos, again!

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

DirectTV Wooden Legacy Tourney


The Arizona Wildcats captured third place at the DirectTV Wooden Legacy Tournament today in Anaheim with a 68-59 win over Boise State and improve to 6-1 on the season.

It was the second meeting in 10 days with Boise State. The Wildcats beat the Broncos at McKale Center, 88-76, on Nov. 19. Today, the Wildcats were forced to play the Broncos without Kaleb Tarczewski and they received balanced scoring as five players scored in double figures, led by 13 points apiece from Kadeem Allen and Allonzo Trier. Ryan Anderson chipped in 11, while Gabe York and Mark Tolleson finished with 10 points apiece.

It was a tough tourney for the 11th-ranked Wildcats, who escaped with a 75-73 overtime win over Santa Clara in the first round and lost to Providence in the semifinals 69-65.

Arizona loses to Providence, 69-65

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

DirectTV Wooden Legacy Tourney

The Providence Friars knocked off 11th-ranked Arizona 69-65 in Fullerton, California tonight in the semifinals of the DirectTV Wooden Legacy Tournament

Ryan Anderson scored 27  points and hauled in 11 rebounds to lead the Wildcats. Gabe York hit two 3-pointers late in the second half and finished with 10 points.

Arizona had 21 turnovers in the game and didn't have an answer for Kris Dunn, who led the Friars with 19 points and eight assists.

Providence (6-0) moves on to face third-ranked Michigan State in the tourney final on Sunday, while the Wildcats take on Boise State for third place at 2:30 p.m.

Arizona falls to 5-1.

Wildcats win in overtime over Santa Clara

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

DirectTV Wooden Legacy Tourney


The 11th-ranked Arizona Wildcats (5-0) survived a scare from winless Santa Clara (0-6) Thanksgiving night in Fullerton, California with a 75-73 overtime win to advance to a semifinal matchup Friday against Providence.

The Friars (5-0) knocked off Evansville 74-64 earlier in the day.

The Wildcats found themselves in a real barnburner against Santa Clara as everything went right for the Broncos and everything seemed to go wrong for Arizona. The Broncos trailed the Wildcats at the half, 34-27.

The Broncos never went away. Santa Clara tied the game in regulation at 65-65.

Ryan Anderson led the Wildcats with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Team Priceless holds on to 3rd place in fantasy league

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless


Team Priceless didn't receive huge individual fantasy point totals in Week 11 of the UPC Hood Fantasy Football League. In fact, my top point-getter was my kicker --  Carolina's Graham Gano, who kicked enough field goals and PATs to keep the Panthers unbeaten.

Gano garnered 16 fantasy point and coupled with 14.70 points from Washington's receiver DeSean Jackson (87 receiving yards and a TD), Team Priceless gets a 30-point win over Mega Powers and holds on to third place in the fantasy league with a 7-4 record.

Team Priceless takes on the Lazer Kats (5-6) in Week 12.

Wildcats move up a notch to No. 11

AP College Basketball Poll


The Arizona Wildcats (4-0) moved up a notch to No. 11 in this week's AP College Basketball Poll. Kentucky, also 4-0, takes over the No. 1 spot.

Arizona wins 42nd straight game at McKale

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

It wasn't pretty as the Arizona Wildcats kept their home winning streak alive with a 61-42 victory over Northwestern State tonight at the McKale Center.

The 12th-ranked Wildcats (4-0) had to deal with the slow play of Northwestern State, but Arizona prevailed behind an 18-point effort from Gabe York. Allonzo Trier added 10 points as the two Wildcats were the only players to score in double figures.

Northwestern took the air out of the ball on every possession. Not exactly what the 14,000-plus  Wildcat fans wanted to see. Not a great shooting night for the Wildcats as they shot 36.7 percent from the field and canned only 12 of 24 free throws.

Congrats to the Wildcats on their 42nd consecutive victory at home.

Arizona State 52 Arizona 37

Territorial Cup


The Arizona State Sun Devils took back the Territorial Cup today in Tempe with a 52-37 win over the Arizona Wildcats.

The Wildcats, down 31-10 at halftime, turned to quarterback Brandon Dawkins to lead a comeback...and for a short while he did. Dawkins threw for 305 yards and rushed for 78 yards. He completed two touchdowns passes, including a 95-yard connection to Trey Griffey at the end of the third quarter and a 17-yard toss to Tyrell Johnson with 6:50 remaining in the fourth quarter. Dawkins  also rushed for a score.

Dawkins threw two interceptions late in the fourth quarter before he reeled off a 24-yard TD run with 32 seconds left in the game. Battered and bruised, Dawkins battled to the end, as did his teammates.

Arizona finishes 6-6 overall and 3-6 in the Pac-12 Conference.

Up next: a bowl game somewhere.

Come on Wildcats... make my day!

Arizona Wildcats Football


Come on Wildcats! Make my day!

The Territorial Cup is six hours away. The Wildcats take on Arizona State in Tempe and will battle not only the Sun Devils but a hostile crowd.

As for me, I've been down and out with all kinds of health issues since the first of November. I'm feeling better. I've followed the doctors orders and -- as of this morning -- I feel like I'm on the mend.

I could use one final shot of medicine to get over the hump and that would be an Arizona win over state rival, ARIZONA STATE!

Throw all the won-loss records out the window. Forget the injuries. In just a few hours, the players on the field will decide the outcome.

Go, Wildcats!

York nets career-high 23 as Wildcats beat Boise State

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

Gabe York led Arizona with a career-high 23 points as the Wildcats beat Boise State 88-76 tonight at McKale Center.

Boise State came to play and battled the Wildcats for 40 minutes, but in the end it was Arizona's depth which finally silenced the Broncos. Arizona received 38 points off the bench -- including 14 points from Parker Jackson-Cartwright and 13 from Allonzo Trier. Starting guard Kadeem Allen added 10 points to complete the double-figure scoring.

Ryan Anderson hauled in 15 rebounds and scored eight points.

The 12th-ranked Wildcats improve to 3-0 and take on Northwestern State on Sunday at McKale.
  

Team Priceless falls to 6-4 in fantasy league

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless


Team Priceless suffered its second straight loss in Week 10 of the UPC Hood Fantasy Football League. I didn't get enough fantasy points from New England's Tom Brady, but the big stinger was the performance of the Denver defense. The Broncos were just horrible (one fantasy point!). I'm glad I didn't have any Denver players on my team. The Broncos offense was even worse.

As for Brady, I'm just spoiled. He threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns, just a little shy of 20 fantasy points. The Patriots are happy. Brady led them to a comeback win over the New York Giants.

So, I fall to 6-4 in the league, good enough for third place as we head into Week 11.

Wildcats roll over Bradley, 90-60

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

Allonzo Trier poured in 22 points to lead the Arizona Wildcats to a 90-60 win over Bradley at McKale Center tonight. Ryan Anderson scored 15 and Kaleb Tarczewski chipped in 11, while Gabe York and Dusan Ristic contributed 10 points apiece.

Trier, who left the game with six minutes remaining, hit 14 of 14 from the foul line.

Arizona (2-0) struggled in the first half and went to the locker room with a 39-33 lead over the Braves. Coach Sean Miller substituted freely in the second half and the Wildcats gradually pulled away, outscoring Bradley 51-27 in the final 20 minutes.

Bradley up next for Wildcats

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

Fresh off a season-opening win over Pacific last Friday, the Arizona Wildcats will host the Bradley Braves (1-0) on Monday night.

Bradley won its opener last Friday in Peoria 54-53 over Ball State.

Arizona knocked off Pacific, 79-61, as ten players saw playing time. Only Elliott Pitts, nursing an injury, failed to see action. Ryan Anderson led the way with 18 points in 26 minutes of playing time.

Arizona stuns 10th-ranked Utes in double overtime

Arizona Wildcats Football

Nate Phillips hauled in a 25-yard TD pass from backup quarterback Jerrard Randall tonight and the Arizona Wildcats upset the 10th-ranked Utah Utes, 37-30, in double overtime.

The fans at Arizona Stadium stormed the field.

What a sight to see!

Arizona improves to 6-5 overall and 3-5 in the Pac 12...and become bowl eligible.

Anu Solomon left with a head injury in the fourth quarter. Enter Randall, who promptly threw an interception. Randall rushed four times for a minus three yards in the game, while completing 1 of 5 passes, but the completion was a game winner. As for Solomon, he played well before his injury, completing 17 of 27 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown.

Next up: Arizona State (5-5, 3-4) in Tempe on Saturday.

Trojans come from behind to beat Wildcats

Arizona Wildcats Football


A win is just not in the cards for the Wildcats.

The Arizona Wildcats jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, but in the end the Trojans prevail 38-30 at USC last night, thanks mainly to a 21-point fourth quarter.

Arizona (5-5, 2-5) has been dealt a terrible hand this year with all the injuries and the Wildcats just can't hide all the holes in their defense.

Make no mistake about it, the Wildcats battled and at first put a real scare into USC (6-3, 4-2), but the results are the same: another loss.

Anu Solomon threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Wildcats.

Utah (8-1, 5-1) comes to town on Saturday.

College basketball just around the corner

Arizona Wildcats Basketball

It's just nine days away from Arizona's regular-season basketball opener against Pacific at McKale. Nine days! Can't wait.

It's like boarding a train. Destination unknown. Will it be a Pac-12 title? Will it be an NCAA bid, a sweet sixteen appearance, an Elite 8, a Final Four...a National Championship?

The preseason AP Poll says we are the 12th best team in the country. USA Today has us at No. 10. Can we improve on that?

Some of those answers will come quickly, while the answers to many of the above questions will have to wait til February, March and April of 2016.

The good news is we all have our own seat on the train with plenty of countryside to look at along the way.

It should be fun!

80-somethings still swinging away

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball


October was a slow month as far as action goes for the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers (TOTS).

The rain caused a few cancellations at Udall Park and many of the "young studs" spent one or two weeks in Phoenix participating in the 2015 Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series.

In fact, only six official games were played by the "old-timers" in October.

It was the usual suspects leading the way. Doc Thompson and Ted Davis were the top hitters. Davis played in five games and went 10 for 15 for a .667 average. He scored five runs and knocked in nine runs. Thompson played in all six games and went 12 for 18, also a .667 average. Thompson scored five runs and collected 10 RBI. He led the team in doubles with six.

And how about those 80-somethings?

Once again, it was 90-year-old Floyd  Lance as the "top gun" with eight hits in 19 trips to the plate, a respectable .421 average. He drove in seven runs! Jerry Smarik, 83, batted .333 and Archie Burke, 83, had three hits and a .231 average for the month.

Floyd Lance, 90, batted .421 in October

Jerry Smarik, 83, batted .333 in October

Arhic Burke, 83, batted .231

Team Priceless wins a close one in fantasy league

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless


Team Priceless is tied with two other teams in the UPC Hood Fantasy Football League with a 6-2 record.

I went to bed early, long before Monday Night Football was over, thinking I had fallen to 5-3. After all, it was raining cats and dogs back in Carolina as the Panthers and Indianapolis fumbled their way through four quarters tied at 23-23.

I had one player left on my roster and it just happened to be Carolina's field goal kicker Graham Gano. So, what does he do? While I'm sleeping, he kicks two field goals in overtime -- including one from 52 yards out to win the game, 29-26.

That turns out to be 14 fantasy points, just enough to give me the edge over Blitzed, 84.04 - 83.38. A margin of just .66 of a fantasy point!

Lucky me!

Once again, I received a 30-plus fantasy point performance from New England quarterback Tom Brady (4 TD passes, 356  yards). Brady, so far, has been steady...steady...steady.

In Week 9, I take on Three Feet Right (5-3), currently in a tie for fourth place.

Royals celebrate World Series win in the Big Apple

MLB World Series

Game 5

It's over!

The Kansas City Royals scored five runs in the top of the 12th inning tonight in Game 5 of the World Series and defeated the New York Mets 7-2 to claim the championship.

The entire series the Royals found a way to finish on top and tonight was no exception as Lorenzo Cain put the finishing touches on the comeback with a three-run double in the 12th.

The Royals scored two runs in the ninth to tie the game at 2-2 and saved all the fireworks for the 12th inning. The disappointed Mets' fans watched in disbelief as Wilmer Flores struck out in the bottom of the 12th for the final out of the World Series.

Huskies devour Wildcats

Arizona Wildcats Football


The Washington Huskies demolished the Arizona Wildcats in Seattle tonight.

The final: 49-3

Arizona opened the scoring in the first quarter with a field goal. After that it was all Huskies as they ran over and around the Wildcats' defense for 49 unanswered points.

The Wildcats return home with a 5-4 record, 2-4 in the Pac-12 Conference.

What is left:

Nov. 7 --   USC away

Nov. 14 -- Utah at home

Nov. 21 -- Arizona State away

Mets bullpen falters in 8th inning

MLB World Series

Game 4


The Mets had the Kansas City Royals on the ropes in Game 4 tonight in New York.

And then the rope tightened.

Leading 3-2, the Mets bullpen gave up three runs in the top of the eighth inning and the Royals went on to win Game 4 by the score of 5-3 to take a 3-1 advantage in the World Series.

MSBL 65-and-over Update

Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series

65-and-over Central Divisions


The St. Paul Saints went wire-to-wire at the MSBL World Series this year.

The Saints went 8-0 in the 65-and-over Central Divisions, included a 21-5 thumping in the title game last Friday against the Ports.

There were 18 teams in the Central 1 and Central 2 divisions and the Saints were the only team left standing. Our own Tucson Aces finished 3-2 at the senior World Series.

The Saints will be forced to move up to the American division in 2016. As for the Aces, they'll be back to give it their all next year.

Mets get one back

MLB World Series

Game 3


Curtis Granderson homered and scored three times, while David Wright homered and drove in four runs as the Mets picked up their first win at the World Series with a 9-3 win tonight over Kansas City in front a full house in Citi Field in New York.

Noah Snydergaard got the job done on the mound with six strong innings and the Mets are back in it.

MSBL 70-and-over division update

Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series update

70-and-over American Division


Detroit won the championship game last week in Phoenix at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series. Detroit went undefeated during the five-game round robin games and beat the DC Nationals 8-6 in the title game.

Turns out the closest game Detroit had in the round robin games was against the San Antonio Texans, a team I played third base on and my Tucson Old Timers' teammate Ron Petersen played first base and pitched on.

The Texans went 0-5 but played hard through out the tourney. The Texans lost to Detroit 8-5.

Former MSBL World Series teammate of mine a hall of fame coach in Indiana

A former teammate of mine at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series is kind of a legend in Indianapolis. Lefty Phil Webster, 74, who may join our pitching staff on our 65-and-over Tucson Aces for the 2016 MSBL World Series in Phoenix, is the man with the "cutter" -- his favorite pitch.

Looking forward to him joining our team next year. Of course, I have nothing in writing, but he put the bug in my ear that it'll be a possibility. Our Aces team went 3-2 and finished ninth last week at the 2015 World Series.

Nothing wrong with looking ahead.

Below is a recent article on Phil and his background.

The Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association have added five more former players, coaches and others with ties to Indiana and significant contributions to the game of baseball during its 2014 induction ceremony on Jan. 23, 2015.

PHIL WEBSTER -- Decatur Central High School

Coach Webster started his coaching career at North Salem High School in 1967 and won 45 games and a sectional championship in three years. Phil moved on to a 27-year run at Decatur Central High School and amassed a record of 558 wins and 254 losses. Accomplishments include 7 Marion County Championships, 11 Conference Championships, and 11 Sectional Championships, 2 regional Championships and a Semi-State and 4A State Championship in 2008. In 2012, Coach Webster became the pitching coach at Franklin College and his pitching staff was able to set the lowest ERA in the history of the school. In 2013, Webster beame the varsity baseball coach at North Putnam High School. His record was 20-5 and that included both a conference and Putnam County Championship. Over his career, Coach Webster has won 603 games while losing 273. He is currently an assistant coach at Morresville High School. Phil graduated from Wilkinsburg High School in Pittsburgh, PA and then graduated from Milligan College where he pitched varsity baseball for four years. He later received a Masters degree from Purdue University. During his coaching career, Coach Webster won numerous Coach of the Year awards.

Royals roll in Game 2 of World Series

MLB World Series


The  Royals made it look easy tonight in Kansas City in Game 2 of the World Series as they beat the New York Mets, 7-1. Johnny Cueto cruised to a complete-game two-hitter and the Royals scored four runs in the fifth inning and three more in the eighth to get the job done for a second straight night.

Maybe things will change as the World Series continues on Friday in New York.

The MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series


Another MSBL World Series is in the books for yours truly.

Our 65-and-over team, the Tucson Aces, just missed qualifying for the playoffs, despite a 3-2 record -- the most wins by our team in three years of play at the senior World Series.

I played a total of 10 games in the last 12 days -- including five games with the 70-and-over San Antonio Texans and five games with my buddies on the Tucson Aces. I went a combined 10 for 29 for the two-week period. I didn't exactly knock the cover off the ball, but I did walk four times and drove in seven runs. I managed to steal a couple of bases this week ( you can steal in the 65-and-over tourney, but not in the 70-and-over).

All in all, it was a lot of fun, and I'll be ready to return in October of 2016. Next season will be my eighth year at the senior World Series.

Time to come home and rest up.

Royals win Game 1 of World Series

The 2015 World Series


The  Royals won Game 1 of the 2015 World Series tonight 5-4 in the bottom of the 14th inning in Kansas City. Eric Hosmer hit a sacrifice fly off Bartolo Colon for the game-winner.

The game lasted five hours and nine minutes.

Aces wallop Wisconsin-based Team America 24-9 at the MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series

65-and-over Central Division

The Tucson Aces beat Team America 24-9 today at the Salt River Complex, spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.

The win improves the Aces round-robin record to 3-2. The Aces, who lost a heart breaker 7-6  to Canada on Monday, could very easily be 4-1 this week, but their 3-2 record just might be enough to qualify them for the playoffs on Thursday.

The Aces have a bye on Wednesday and by late tomorrow night should know if they will be one of eight teams in the playoff.

In today's game, the Aces gave up five runs in the bottom of the first inning and then outscored the Wisconsin-based team 24-4 the rest of the way. Every player in the starting lineup had at least one hit. Hard throwing right-hander Arnie White relieved Bob Daliege in the second inning and picked up the win. Ernie Hernandez pitched the final inning for the Aces.

Photo: Arnie White, today's winning pitcher.

Team Priceless improves to 5-2

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless


Team Priceless improves to 5-2 in the UPC Hood Fantasy Football League with a 31-point win over Peach Fuzz, thanks mainly to another great performance from New England quarterback Tom Brady (355 passing yards and three scores) and another great day from running back Chris Johnson, who rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown for the Arizona Cardinals.

Brady amassed 30 fantasy points, while Johnson chipped in 18 fantasy points as Team Priceless totaled 91.90 points, despite having four players on a bye.

Team Priceless is one game out of first place after seven weeks of action.

Aces lose a heartbreaker in the bottom of the 9th to Canada

Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series

65-and-over Central Division



The Tucson Aces lost a heart breaker to Red Deer, Canada, 7-6,  today at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

The Aces reliever Pigpen Price gave up the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Price relieved starter Arnie White in the top of the eighth and pitched a scoreless inning, but in the bottom of the ninth, Price walked a batter and hit a batter, setting up the Canada team with runners on first and second.

The next batter singled to left field, bringing home the game-winner, and the Aces lost a tough one. The Aces came to bat in the top of the ninth with a good chance to take the lead. The Aces' top hitters -- lefties Tim Tolson and Joe Opocensky -- hit towering fly balls to deep center field, but right into the glove of the center fielder.

Still, the Aces are in good shape to make the playoffs. With a 2-2 record, they are now tied with Canada and have the edge with them in runs allowed, after four games. If the Aces can take care of business tomorrow morning and beat Team America, chances are they'll be one of eight teams which will move on to the playoffs.

The Aces play at 10 a.m. at the Salt River Complex, home of the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Tucson Aces win doubleheader at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series

65-and-over Central Division

Dennis Crowley singled in the winning run with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning today in Surprise, Arizona as the Tucson Aces beat Tri Valley 9-8 at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

It was a long day for the Aces and Crowley's heroics came in the second game today -- the 19th inning of the day for the Aces. In the first game of the doubleheader Bob Daliege pitched seven strong innings as the Aces knocked off Dodgertown West 16-6. Ron Petersen led the Aces' hitting attack in the first game with a single, a double and a triple in four at bats.

The Aces (2-1) face Red Deer, Canada at Tempe Diablo Stadium tomorrow morning. Game time 9 a.m.

Photo: Dennis Crowley

Washington State 45 Arizona 42

Arizona Wildcats Football


The Washington State Cougars spoiled Arizona's homecoming with a 45-42 Pac-12 win today.

The Wildcats backup quarterback Jerrard Randall threw for 137 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 105 yards on 10 carriers to lead Arizona and running back Jerad Baker ran for three touchdowns, but it just wasn't enough to offset the performance of Washington State quarterback Luke Falk, who  threw for 514 yards and five touchdowns.

Arizona falls to 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Pac-12.

65-and-over Tucson Aces fall to Ohio Classics, 17-7

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Central Division

The Tucson Aces lost their opener at the MSBL World Series today at Fitch Park in Mesa, 17-7, to the Ohio Classics.

Joe Opocensky was the big gun for the Aces. Joe went 3 for 4 -- including two doubles and a triple, while another hard-hitting lefty Tim Tolson singled and doubled in five trips to the plate.

Right-hander Arnie White was saddled with the loss as Ohio jumped out to a 10-0 lead after just two innings of play. Pigpen Price relieved White in the fifth inning and Ernie Hernandez pitched the final two innings for the Aces.

The Aces play a doubleheader tomorrow in Surprise. The first game gets underway at 10 a.m. against LA Dodgertown. The second game is scheduled for 2 p.m. against Tri Valley, a team from northern California.

Photo: Joe Opocensky

Hosmer's single in 8th sends Royals to World Series

Major League Baseball

American League Championship Series


Eric Hosmer singled in Lorenzo Cain in the bottom of the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals punched their ticket to the World Series with a 4-3 victory in Game 6 of ALCS last night.

The game was tied in the eighth when rain visited the ball park in Kansas City. A forty-five minute delay ensued. In the end, the rain just delayed the home town fans celebration.

It'll be the New York Mets and the Kansas City Royals in the World Series.

The World Series begins Tuesday in Kansas City.

Australia Aussies rout Texans

Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series

70-and-over American division


We (the San Antonio Texans) lost to the 70-and-over Aussies from Australia 21-11 today at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series. It was the fifth game in five days for both teams, The Aussies went 5-0 in pool play, while the Texans finished 0-5 and failed to qualify for the playoffs scheduled for Friday at Fitch Park in Mesa.


Two players from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers played in all five games for the Texans. Ron Petersen, 70, went 6 for 16 for the week, while Pigpen Price, also 70, finished with six hits in 18 at bats.

Price and Petersen will take Friday off before joining the Tucson Aces for the 65-and-over division tournament, which begins on Saturday. The Aces play their opener at 12:30 against the Ohio Classics at Fitch Park.

Mets punch ticket to World Series

MLB Playoffs


The New York Mets beat the Cubs 8-3 in Chicago tonight to win the NLCS and will head for the World Series. The Mets sweep the Cubs in four straight games as Lucas Duda goes 3 for 4 in Game 4, including two doubles and a home run, while finishing with five RBI.

By the way, Daniel Murphy homered again tonight. Murphy added to the Mets onslaught with four hits in five trips to the plate and becomes the first player to hit six consecutive postseason home runs.


Over in Toronto, the Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals  7-1 to extend the ALCS to a sixth game.  Marco Estrada takes a one-hitter into the eighth inning today as the Blue Jays close the gap with the Royals, three games to two.

And now it's on to Kansas City for Game 6 on Friday.

St. Thomas scores 3 runs in the eighth inning to beat the Texans, 7-4

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over American Division

Another loss at the Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series.

St. Thomas scores three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to break a 4-4 tie and went on to beat the San Antonio Texans, 7-4.

I once again had a good day defensively at third base, but at the plate went 1 for 4 and a walk. Now a dismal 3 for 13 in four games. My teammate Ron Petersen went 0 for 2 today, but did walk three times and was on base four times. Petersen is 3 for 11 in the tourney.

Once again we couldn't get the key hit when we needed it.

Up next: Australia on Thursday at 12:30 p.m at the Tempe Diablo Complex (Field #2)

Looks like Ron and I will have Friday off before we begin play on Saturday with our teammates on the 65-and-over Tucson Aces. The Aces open up at 12:30 p.m on Saturday against the Ohio Classics at Fitch Park in Mesa (annex field SE #1).

Royals relentless, Mets have a Mr. October

MLB Playoffs


The Kansas City Royals are rolling and are one win away from the World Series, while the New York Mets, led by the new Mr. October -- Daniel Murphy, can close out matters today in Chicago.

The Royals own a 3-1 advantage over Toronto, after a 14-2 thumping of the Blue Jays yesterday, while the Cubs are 0-3 against the Mets, who are led by Murphy with six postseason home runs in October -- including another shot yesterday during the Mets 5-2 win in Chicago.

It could all end today for the Blue Jays and the Cubs.

As for me, I haven't had a lot of time to watch the postseason. I'm playing in the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series in Phoenix and play in my fourth straight game today against St. Thomas.

It's not the first time I've played against a team from St. Thomas.  In fact, this may be the seventh time in the last eight years that I've had such an honor.  They are quite a bunch of guys. In fact, over the years they have presented me and my teammates with a bottle of rum, following the game.

We, the San Antonio Texans, play St. Thomas at 2 p.m. at the Salt River Baseball Complex in north Scottsdale, spring training home of the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Tomorrow, it will be more of the same. We go up against Australia at the Tempe Diablo Baseball Complex. Those boys (70-and-over boys) from down under are another "fun" team to place against.

Win or lose, it'll be a ball.

Pigpen has a good day at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over American division


Pigpen Price went 2 for 4 and drove in two runs today at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series but the San Antonio Texans lost 11-5 to the Arizona Scorpions and are 0-3 with two round-robin games remaining in the 70-and-over American division.

The Texans just couldn't get the key hit today when they needed it.

Price is now 2 for 9 in the tournament and teammate Ron Petersen went 1 for 4 today and is 3 for 9 after three days of action.

San Antonio will take on St. Thomas tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Salt River Complex in north Scottsdale and will finish up the week against Australia on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at the Tempe Diablo Complex.

     

Team Priceless drops out of first place in fantasy league

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless


Green Bay running back Eddie Lacy isn't helping my fantasy team this year.

Lacy, my top draft choice, scores two (that's two!) fantasy points on Sunday and Team Priceless falls out of first place in the UPC Hood Fantasy Football League. I lost by just three fantasy points!

I'm just one game back as we head into Week 7. I did get a bunch of fantasy points from New England's Tom Brady and LeGarrette Blount (45.88 total)  this week as the Patriots got by Indianapolis 34-27, but as I said Lacy was no help. My third top point-getter was the Denver defense with 17 fantasy points.

Well, let's see what happens in Week 7.

Petersen singles and triples against Detroit at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over American Division

Lefty Ron Petersen had a good day at the MSBL World Series today, going 2-for-3 and a sacrifice fly as the San Antonio Texans lost a heart breaker 8-5 to a tough Detroit 70s team at the Tempe Diablo Complex, annex field #5.

Petersen singled and tripled and is now 2-for-5 after two days of tournament play. Pigpen Price was involved in his fourth double play of the tournament, but still struggles at the plate -- 0-for-5, after two days of action, but has scored a run and knocked in a run.

Price and Petersen are members of the Tucson Old Timers, the 60-and-over baseball club which plays three days a week at Udall Park.

The two players will finish up the week with the Texans and will then join the 65-and-over Tucson Aces, Oct. 24-30, a team made up mostly of player from the Tucson Old Timers.

Price pulled a upper hamstring this morning, but is able to continue playing.

Next up for Price and Petersen: The Arizona Scorpions at Goodyear Stadium, 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

A drenching at the senior world series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over American Division


We got wet at the MSBL World Series on Sunday.

Up against the tough former champs (the South Dakota Rushmores), the San Antonio Texans played five complete innings before the rain showers hit at and around the Goodyear baseball facility, the spring training home of the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds.

The game was called in the top of the sixth inning with no outs and a runner on first base for the Rushmores. The score at the time 12-3.

Two players -- yours truly (Pigpen Price) and Ron Petersen, who are members of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers, are playing for the Texans this week at the MSBL World Series.

Due to wet fields, we (the Texans), will play Game 2 of the 70-and-over American Division round-robin tomorrow morning (Monday, Oct.19) at the Tempe Diablo Sports Complex (annex field #5). Game time 9 a.m.

Originally, our second game of the world series was scheduled for Maryvale Park, spring training home of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Darn! How many baseball games get rained out in the Valley of the Sun. Not many, but with my luck this is the week.

As for yours truly, I managed to step to the plate twice against the Rushmores. I walked once and was stranded at third in the first inning. In the fourth inning, I grounded out to short but a run scored on the play. So, at least, I have an RBI to my credit as we head for Game 2.

Petersen, my year-a-round teammate on the TOTS, hit the ball hard today, but went 0 for 2. Petersen played right field and switched to first base in the later innings. I played shortstop for the first time this year. I like the position, but I'm better off at second base or third. I have some cuts and bruises already...and some muscle spasms already, but I'll be ready to go tomorrow morning.

Man, I love this game.

Upcoming games:

Monday morning, against Detroit.
Tuesday against the Arizona Scorpions
Wednesday against St. Thomas
Thursday against Australia

4th quarter surge by Wildcats leads to win over Buffaloes

Arizona Wildcats Football


The Arizona Wildcats (5-2, 2-2) scored three touchdowns in the 4th quarter and knocked off the Colorado Buffaloes 38-31 in Boulder tonight.

Jared Baker ran for two touchdowns and tacked on a third score in the fourth quarter on a 25-yard TD Pass from quarterback Anu Solomon as the Wildcats beat a stubborn Colorado team to pick up their fifth win of the season and their second Pac-12 victory.

Solomon completed 22 of 37 passes for 283 yards and two scores, while Baker ended up with 207 yards rushing on 23 carries. Jerrard Randall rushed for 81 yards in the fourth quarter and scored on a 1-yard plunge. Josh Kern caught a touchdown pass in the first quarter -- his first of the year, and Casey Skowron kicked a 48-year field goal, also in the first quarter.

The Wildcats return home next Saturday and take on the Washington State Cougars (4-2, 2-1).

It's Homecoming next week! Go, Wildcats!

Mets move on to NLCS

MLB Playoffs


Daniel Murphy went 3 for 4, including the go-ahead home run in the sixth inning, and the New York Mets held off the Dodgers in LA tonight to win Game 5 of the NL Division Series, 3-2.

The Mets advance to the NLCS and will take on the Chicago Cubs.

The Final Four:

The Kansas City Royals and the Toronto Blue Jays

The New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs

Congrats, to all four.

We just might have a snowy World Series.

Royals prevail at home

MLB Playoffs


Johnny Cueto pitched eight strong innings and Kendrys Morales belted a 3-run homer in the eighth inning and the Royals prevail tonight in Kansas City 7-2 to win Game 5 in the division series and advance to the ALCS and a date with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The home teams prevail in the American League postseason games as Toronto wins at home and Kansas City follows suit.

The Cubs, the Blue Jays and the Royals are in.

One more to go as the New York Mets try to beat the Dodgers in LA tomorrow night.

Bautista homer sends Toronto to ALCS

MLB Playoffs


Jose Bautista hit a dramatic 3-run home run in the 7th inning today in Toronto as the Blue Jays  win Game 5 of the division series 6-3 over Texas to advance to the American League Championship Series.

A dramatic end to a wild game that saw the Texas Rangers commit three errors in the bottom of the 7th inning. Down 3-2, the Blue Jays scored four runs before the inning was over to take the lead for good and then held their collective breath the rest of the way with the Toronto fans cheering them on.

The entire 7th inning took 53 minutes to be played, which included a play in the top of the inning as the Rangers took a 3-2 lead when Toronto catcher Russell Martin's throw back to the pitcher deflected off the bat of Shin-Soo Choo, allowing the go-ahead run to score.

What followed by the Toronto fans wasn't exactly pretty, but in the end the hometown fans went home happy.

Toronto returns to the ALCS for the first time since 1993.

Cubs win! Cubs win!

MLB playoffs


Like many baseball fans across the country, I penciled in the St. Louis Cardinals to win the 2015 World Series.

Well, it's time to rethink that scenario.

The Chicago Cubs beat the Cardinals 6-4 today at Wrigley Field and captured the NL Division Series three games to one to advance to the NLCS for the first time since 2003.

The Cubs used home runs today by Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez to get the job done. The winning pitcher: the former Diamondback Trevor Cahill. Go figure!

Senior World Series just around the corner...

Men's Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series

70-and-over division

I'm just days away from the 2015 MSBL World Series.

I have a little Arthritis bugging me in my hands, but other than that...I'm ready to go.

I hope to play for two straight weeks at the prestigious senior baseball tournament in Phoenix -- the first week with the San Antonio Texans and the second week with the 65-and-over Tucson Aces.

The Aces, of course, are mostly my year-a-round Tucson Old Timers (TOTS )teammates, but the Texans will be a new team for me.

My partner in crime for the first week will be Ron Petersen,  my teammate through out the year on both the Aces and the TOTS. We'll be two of 14 players on the Texans. We started out with 17 players and we are down to 14, due to injuries. We play a minimum of five games the first week, but could play eight -- if we made it through to the playoffs.

Ditto on Week 2. The difference in Week 2 is there is STEALING and SLIDING! More chances for injury, of course. The 65-and-over division is closer to REAL baseball, while the 70-and-over  division has special rules and regulations to give us old codgers more of a chance to last the week with all our bones intact.

The first week we play a South Dakota team, a team from Detroit, a team from Phoenix, a team from St. Thomas and end our round-robin play againt a team from Australia. The second week we start with a team from Ohio and follow, the very next day with a doubleheader against a team from LA, called  Dodgertown, and a team from the San Francisco area, called Tri Valley. We end up the second week of the round robin against a team from Canada and a team from Wisconsin.

That's ten games for this old 70-year-old, plus another four or five if we qualify for the playoffs.

If, and that's a big if, we're able to advance to the title game in both divisions, that would turn out to be 15 or 16 games in 14 days.

I'll be a tired puppy!

MSBL World Series note: I'm glad I don't play in the 50-and-over division this year. On Tuesday, the 20th of October, inside Tempe Diablo Stadium, the two pitchers are Roger Clemens and Oil Can Boyd. Clemens is 53 and I think Oil Can is 56. I bet they can still bring it. My batting average would take a big hit if I had to face them!

Team Priceless improves to 4-1 in fantasy league

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Week 5

Team Priceless


My fantasy team, Team Priceless, rode the arm of Tom Brady, the hard-running of the ageless Chris Johnson and another defensive gem from the Denver Broncos on Sunday to a 79.60-68.84 win in the UPC Hood Fantasy Football League.

Brady threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another in New England's 30-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson rushed for 103 yards in Arizona's 42-17 win over Detroit, while the Broncos "D" tallied 22 fantasy points in a 16-10 win over Oakland.

The win improves my fantasy record to 4-1 and keeps me in first place in the 14-team league.

So far, so good! Let's see what happens in Week 6.

Wildcats get well with easy win over Beavers

Arizona Wildcats Football


Just what the doctor ordered.

An easy win for the Wildcats. A blowout, if you will, as Arizona ran the ball down the throat of the Oregon State Beavers for five rushing touchdowns en route to a 44-7 win today at Arizona Stadium -- a stadium with a lot of empty seats.

Shame on you Wildcat fans.

Arizona improves to 4-2 overall 1-2 in the Pac-12 as quarterback Anu Solomon returns from his concussion to lead the Wildcats to victory.

Everyone got their hands on the ball today for the Wildcats. Take a gander:

-- Anu Solomon 17 for 30 and 276  passing yards

-- Orlando Bradford 19 carries for 83 yards and three rushing touchdowns

-- Jared Baker 10 carries 123 yards rushing

-- Nick Wilson another 78 rushing yards and two scores

and in the fourth quarter...

-- Backup quarterback Jerrard Randall six carries for 49 yards in the scoreless fourth quarter.

The totals: Arizona 276 passing and 368 yards rushing = 644

MLB postseason down to the "Big 8"

Major League Baseball


The ALDS and the NLDS is set:


Texas and Toronto

Houston and Kansas City

Chicago Cubs and St. Louis

New York Mets and LA Dodgers


Pick a winner.

My heart is with the Cubs, even though I've never lived in Chicago.

On second thought, I've never lived in Canada...or Texas...or New York...or Missouri...nor LA!

If you live in Arizona and you're a baseball fan, the postseason doesn't come your way very often.

My pick to win it all: St. Louis Cardinals

Cubs get it done!

National League wild-card game


The Chicago Cubs get it done!

Jake Arrieta tossed a complete-game shutout and 22-year-old rookie Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run homer and Dexter Fowler hit a solo shot as the Cubs beat the Pirates 4-0 in Pittsburgh tonight to win the National League Wild Card game.

Arrieta struck out 11 and did not walk a batter.

Way to go, Cubs!

Yankees go quietly

American League wild-card game


The New York Yankees went quietly.

The Houston pitching staff held the Yankees to three hits tonight in New York.

Dallas Keuchel pitched six strong innings and Colby Rasmus and Carlos Gomez homered as the Astros move on with a 3-0 victory in the American League wild-card game.

Bobby "D" on a roll

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Bob Daliege, 67, joined the Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) in 2010. He's played some infield, some outfield and even strapped on the catcher's gear. Fast forward to 2015 and you can even find Bobby "D" on the mound.

Daliege, who grew up in Chicago, loves Tucson and he especially loves the month of October.

Why?

Because the month of October means it's time  to head for Phoenix and the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series -- the prestigious senior tournament, held Oct. 18 through Nov. 8, which allows the old timers who love the game of baseball to strut their stuff at all the major league spring training facilities in and around Phoenix.

Bob got his feet wet in the MSBL World Series three years ago and got hooked. "I enjoy every minute of it," he says.

Last year, Daliege pitched a few innings in the tournament and he can't wait to take the mound again with the 65-and-over Tucson Aces, who open play Oct. 24 against the Ohio Classics -- a 12:30 p.m.
game to be held at Fitch Park in Mesa.

Daliege and the Aces will play five round-robin games during the 65-and-over tournament in hopes of qualifying for the playoffs with a shot (just, maybe!) at reaching the title game to be held at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Oct. 30.

In the meantime, Daliege is busy practicing. Today, the hard-throwing right-hander tossed a shutout as Team White edged Team Blue, 3-0, at Udall Park.

Way to go, Bobby!

Now, cool your jets! We have a few weeks to go before we head north to Phoenix.

Photo above: Bobby D in action.

Give Billy the ball!

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

The second oldest member of the Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) is 86-year-old Billy Heiny.

Heiny, a well-known Tucson dentist, spent many years terrorizing (just kidding!) his patients in a dental chair. Now, he frustrates the TOTS' batters with his not-so-fast fastball and a slower-than-molasses curve ball.

The slender right-hander, wears a helmet when he pitches, just in case one of his teammates happens to get the bat on the ball and sends a comebacker his way.

It doesn't happen very often. Most of the time, the batters over swing and send a bouncing ground ball to an infielder, who in turn makes a pinpoint throw to first base for the out. It happens over and over again. He's just hard to hit.

Heiny joined the TOTS in 1997. That's 18 years  "Doc" Heiny has taken the mound. "Give the ball to Billy," the fans in the stands say. "If anybody can do it, Billy can!"

"I was close to 70 years old before I started playing baseball," Heiny said. "I enjoy playing for the TOTS. I love every minute of it."

Heiny doesn't always win, but he doesn't always lose, either. In 2014, Billy won 11 games. So far in 2015, Billy has five wins to his credit...and he's facing guys (at times) who are 20 to 25 years younger than he is!

Way to go, Billy!

Thompson establishes consecutive hits record with TOTS

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Doc Thompson is at it again.

During the summer, the 73-year-old Thompson was on a hot streak at the plate. At one point, Thompson collected 11 straight hits - a Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) record.

Now, he's broken his own record.

Thompson finally made an out today, but before he did, he established a new milestone -- 13 consecutive hits.

Way to go, Doc. Keep it up!

Team Priceless takes over first place in fantasy league

UPC Hood Fantasy Football League

Team Priceless


Another good week for Team Priceless.

With Tom Brady and the Patriots on a bye, I penciled in the Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles for Week 4. Bortles came through with two TD passes and 298 passing yards (19 fantasy points).

Team Priceless moved to 3-1 on the season and is now the new fantasy point leader of the 14 teams in the UPC Hood Football League with 410 points.

Also coming through in Week 4 was my wide receiver Vincent Jackson (Tampa Bay) with 20 fantasy points, while my running backs, Eddie Lacy (Green Bay) and Chris Johnson (Arizona), combined for 18 fantasy points.  Add to that a surprising performance from my tight end Martellus Bennett (Chicago), who tacked on a TD and came through with 14 fantasy points. All in all, 104 fantasy points and a 17-point win over Dirty Deuce.

Brady will be back in the lineup in Week 5.

Go get 'em, Team Priceless!

It's time for wild card games

MLB Baseball

Houston travels to New York to take on the Yankees on Tuesday in the AL wild card game, and the Chicago Cubs take on the Pirates in the NL will card game in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

One game for the right to move on.

The pressure is on.

Until further notice, I'm pulling for the Cubs!

Goldy finishes season in style

Arizona Diamondbacks


Paul Goldschmidt did it all for the Arizona Diamondbacks this season, so it's no surprise that he'd end his 2015 season in the same manner. Goldy homers in his last at bat -- a two-run shot, his 109th and 110th RBI and his 33rd home run to go along with his .321 batting average.

Arizona wins today over Houston, 5-3, and you guessed it, the home run in the 7th inning by Goldy was the game winner.

The Diamondbacks finish the season with a 79-83 record.

Don't give up on the Wildcats

Arizona Wildcats Football


After five weeks into the football season, the fans of the Arizona Wildcats (3-2, 0-2) are shuffling through the Sunday paper looking for preseason articles on college basketball.

Don't give up on the Wildcats. Yes, the injuries have been costly, but the Wildcats deserve support. They deserve Fans in the Stands.

Outscored 111- 47 the past two weeks -- including the 55-17 drubbing in Stanford last night, it's hard to build a case for fan support for our Wildcats, but us diehards will cheer on our team. My goodness, seven games to go!

Go, Wildcats!

Up next: Oregon State (2-2, 0-1 at Arizona Stadium, 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Dennis "The Menace" Crowley leads TOTS with 19 hits in September

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Dennis "The Menace" Crowley led the Tucson Old Timers in hits during the month of September. Crowley, 65, went 19 for 30 for a .633 batting average, but the top average for the month went to Doc Thompson, 73, who collected 17 hits in 25 trips to the plate for a blistering .680 average.

Other top hitters for the month included Lloyd Barzell, who batted .533 (16 for 30) and Ted Davis with a .552 average (16 for 29).

Tim Tolson played in just seven games, but led the team with 11 RBI, while Joe Opocensky and Davis tied for second in runs-batted-in with 10.

Photo: Dennis Crowley

Cardinals a 100-game winner

Major League Baseball


Congrats, St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals are 100-59 with three games to go in the regular MLB season.

They will be the only 100-game winner this season.

Diamondbacks sweep Rockies

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondback beat the Colorado Rockies 8-6 tonight at Chase Field and sweep the three-game series. Arizona improves to 78-81 and will close out the season with a three-game series at home against the Houston Astros on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Four wins in a row!

Go get 'em, Diamondbacks. Sweep the Astros and close the season out in style.

65-and-over Tucson Aces prepare for MSBL World Series

2015 Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Tucson Aces

The Tucson Aces, made up mostly of members of the Tucson Old Timers (TOTS), will play a five-game round robin at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series, Oct. 24-27, in hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, Oct. 28-29, and a chance to play for the 65-and-over division title on Oct. 30, at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

The Aces play their first game on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 12:30 p.m. against the Ohio Classics at Fitch Park (annex field SE#1) and follow up with a double header in Surprise (annex field KC#3) on Sunday,  Oct. 25 -- the opener against Dodgertown at 10 a.m. and the second game at 2 p.m. against the Tri Valley Giants. The Aces will finish up the round robin on  Monday, Oct. 26, with a game inside Tempe Diablo Stadium at 9 a.m. against a team from Canada, the Red Deer Legends, and on Tuesday, Oct. 27, will take on Team America at 10 a.m. at the Salt River Complex  (Colorado Rockies annex field #5).

The Aces roster includes Bob Daliege, Dennis Crowley, Tim Tolson, Bill Mishler, Billy Heiny, Pigpen Price,  Arnie White, Lloyd Barzell, Joe Opocensky, Ron Petersen, Dave Rhoades and player-manager Pete Peters -- the twelve players are members of the Tucson Old Timers who play three days a week at Udall Park. Also on the roster are Reece Wellman from Washington D.C., Don Kladstrup (France), and Ernie Hernandez (from Casa Grande, Arizona... and a member of the 60-and-over south side Tucson  Rattlers).

Peters will handle the management duties and another member of the TOTS, Chico Bigham, will assist Peters.

Go get 'em, Aces!

Photos: Top photo -- Aces manager Pete Peters, bottom photo -- Aces coach Chico Bigham.