Walk-off win at Udall

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Reed Palmer blasted a walk-off two-run homer to right field to lead Team White to a 8-7 win over Team Blue at Udall Park today in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers game.

The homer was Palmer's ninth of the season.

Team White trailed for the most of the game, but headed into the bottom of the seventh inning down only one run, 7-6. Lloyd Barzell started the seventh off with a double and Palmer stepped in and cranked his homer into the trees, well beyond the 300-ft sign in right field.

Lefty Ron Petersen went the distance for Team Blue, but was saddled with the loss, while right-hander Pete Maldonado pitched all seven innings for Team White and picked up the win.

John Mathews led Team Blue with a 3 for 4 day, while knocking in three runs. Teammate Pigpen Price played second base for Team Blue, his first action since early January. Price is back after three operations -- one on his left eye, one on his right eye and a hand operation on his glove hand.

"I think I can see the ball better after having cataract surgery on both eyes, but the jury's still out," Price said. "As for my left hand, it's been 71 days since the surgery. Price made it through his first game back and went 2 for 3. "I didn't get a lot of balls hit to me today and will have to wait until Friday and see what happens in the next game."

It was also a good day for 60-year-old Ron Ryan, the newest member of the TOTS. Ryan caught the entire game for Team Blue today and showed off his cannon with pinpoint throws to second base between innings.

Ryan has been chomping at the bit to join the TOTS. He had to wait until he turned 60 in January, but now it's official as Ryan received his TOTS' hat and becomes the newest -- and youngest member of the organization.

"I'm glad to finally be a member of the TOTS," Ryan said. "I've been working out at home, even practicing at home in my garage and in the backyard."

The TOTS return to action on Friday at Udall. Game time: 10 a.m.

On Monday the TOTS will change to summer hours. The heat is coming. Game time starting on Monday, April 9th, is at 9 a.m.

Photos: (top photo) Reed Palmer, who hit his club-leading ninth homer today. (middle photo) Ron Ryan, received his hat today and is officially a TOT. He caught seven innings today. (bottom photo) Pigpen Price returned to action today after a three-month layoff and three operation.