Mathews, Price lead Team White to 4-3 win

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Pigpen Price reached base three times, scored twice and drove in the winning run as Team White edged Team Blue 4-3 today at Udall Park in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers game.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth inning and the score tied at 3-3, Price reached base on a fieldier's choice play. Team Blue shortstop Pete Peters picked up Price's slow roller, threw to second for one out, but the throw to first was late and a run scored, giving Team White the 4-3 lead.

Team White's Arnie White mowed down Team Blue in the sixth and in the seventh inning to pick up the pitching victory. Team Blue's hard-throwing Reed Palmer, who stands 6-6, struck out five batters and when he released a pitch off the mound, the lanky right-hander looked more like a 7-foot giant.

John Mathews had two hits for Team White and knocked in three runs -- including a 2-run triple in the bottom of the first inning.

"Reed throws hard," Price said. "I reached base three times, but I never got the ball out of the infield. Sometimes a slow roller can be just as good as a hard shot to the outfield."

White struck out four as both pitchers showed plenty of control on the mound.

The TOTS will be back in action on Friday, weather permitting.