Palmer's 6th homer a difference maker

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Reed Palmer was the difference maker at Udall Park today in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers game.

Palmer hit his sixth home run of the year with a two-run shot in the third inning and Team White edged Team Blue, 4-3. Palmer, a lefty with an upper-cut swing, found the trees beyond the right field fence once again. He also hit a towering fly ball up against the fence in another at bat, but Team Blue's centerfielder Mike Taylor made the catch to help snuff out another Team White rally.

Palmer's final at bat looked like a sure two-run double, but a keen eye by base umpire Rob Morse led to a third out as Team Blue's appeal stood up when Moore called Palmer out for missing first base. The big lefty's double was erased as were the two runs.

Still, the towering home run by Palmer (photo above) was enough to win the game. Team Blue down 4-1, picked up two runs in the sixth, but went quietly in the seventh inning with three straight ground outs.

Another competitive game by the 60-and-over TOTS. Lloyd Barzell pitched all seven innings for Team White and picked up the win, while Pete Maldonado, in his first pitching assignment since his eye surgery, was saddled with the loss.

Dennis Crowley was the top hitter for Team Blue with two hits in three trips to the plate.

The TOTS will be back in action on Monday at 9 a.m with its Solar Eclipse Game. It might be hard to see the ball for some of the players (see photo below). BUT WHAT ELSE IS NEW!