Team White edges Team Blue, 4-1

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Hard-throwing righthander Reed Palmer went the distance at Udall Park this morning in a Tucson Old Timers (TOTS) game, allowing just one run as Team White edged Team Blue, 4-1.

The game remained scoreless the first five innings as Palmer and Team Blue's lefty Ron Petersen were locked in a pitching duel until Team White squeezed across a run in the bottom of the fifth inning, thanks to a bases-loaded walk.

Team Blue fought back in the top of the sixth, tying the game on an RBI-single to deep left field by Dave Byars, who ended up with three hits in three trips to the plate on the day. But in the bottom of the sixth, things fell apart for Team Blue as Team White put together a three-run rally, thanks to a walk to Bill Mishler, a bunt single by Lloyd Barzell, a key hit by John Mathews and two errors by Team Blue's defense.

"Reed had it going today," said Team Blue's second baseman Jesse Ochoa, who fell victim to two of Palmer's five strike outs. "Reed was throwing hard and he was throwing strikes."

Still, a well played game by both sides.

Team Blue tried to battle back in the top of the seventh, but Palmer threw nothing but strikes to nail down the win. Team Blue reliever Pigpen Price was saddled with the loss.

The TOTS were glad to be back in action after a rain out on Monday. The TOTS will finish up the week with a game on Friday. Game time: 9 a.m.