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.