Team Blue's bats come alive in 6th inning

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Death Valley Week at Udall

Team Blue  4  Team White  3

Team Blue had been held in check by hard-throwing right-hander Reed Palmer for five innings. Palmer was cruising and led 3-0 with one out in the top of the sixth inning, but as soon as the temperature reached 100 degrees, Team Blue's bats found life.

Tim Boyd doubled in two runs to start the rally and Jesse Ochoa finished it off with a single to left to give Team Blue a 4-3 lead. Up to that point, Palmer had allowed zip and had received help from his defense with three double plays.

Still, the game wasn't over as Team White came to bat with a chance to regain the lead. Palmer was first up and hit a towering fly ball to center, but centerfielder Pete Peters camped under it for the first out. John Mathews followed with a double, but was stranded at second as Pigpen Price flew out to Peters and Bob Royer grounded out to first for the final out of the game.

Catcher Mike Steele led Team White today with a perfect 3 for 3 day. Doc Thompson drove in two runs for Team White in the first inning and Tim Tolson singled in a run in the fifth. Lefty Ron Petersen went the distance for Team Blue and picked up the win.

It was the second game of the week that has gone down to the wire. Monday's game went to Team White 6-5 as the Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) continue with Death Valley Week at Udall.

The temperature in the Old Pueblo hit 113 on Monday, 116 on Tuesday and the jury is still out on just how hot it'll be on Friday when the TOTS take the field for the third time this week.

It's HOT! But not hot enough to keep the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers off the field.

Friday's game will have an 8:30 a.m. start as the TOTS try to beat the triple-digit heat one more time.

Photos: Tim Boyd (top) and Jesse Ochoa (middle) led Team Blue to a come-from-behind 4-3 win today at Udall Park. Mike Steele (bottom photo) handled duties behind the plate for the second game in a row this week and had a perfect 3 for 3 day at the plate today for Team White.