Daliege tosses a 4-hit shutout

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

It turned out to be another pitching duel at Udall Park this morning as Team Blue edged Team White 4-0 in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers game.

Bob Daliege took the mound today for Team Blue and Team White countered with Reed Palmer.

Daliege, a right-hander, has a new pitch in his repertoire.

"I'm not sure what you call it," said Daliege. "But when I have it working, it gives the guys (the batters) something extra to think about."

Today, it was working. Seven goose eggs on the scoreboard and the game flew by in one hour and 15 minutes -- a four-hitter for Daliege. Let's call the pitch the dips y-doodle, just for the fun of it. Daliege says he holds the ball similar to a curve ball, but adds a little extra snap to it on the release.

Call it "frustrating" to the TOTS' batters, if you will.

On the other hand, you pretty much know what's coming from Palmer, a towering right-hander. The 6-foot-5 gentle giant can bring it.

Team Blue's first baseman John Mathews said: "Reed has gotta be throwing around 70 miles an hour."

The Team Blue batters had their troubles getting around on Palmer, but Mathews drilled a two-run RBI single in the top of the third inning to help his team extend their lead to 4-0. No runs were scored the rest of the way.

Team Blue's second baseman Pigpen Price added: "If you try to sit on the fastball, Reed will break off a change up to keep you guessing."

"Yes, this is a 60-and-over baseball game," Price continued. "But, the TOTS' pitchers are out there doing their best to get you out, regardless of your age. And this is baseball, not slow pitch!"

The TOTS will return to action on Wednesday at Udall, weather permitting. Game time is set for 10 a.m.

And you can rest assured the TOTS' pitchers will toe the rubber once again, looking to throw the ball by the hitters.

Go, TOTS.

Photo: Bob Daliege, who threw a 4-hit shutout today in 1 hour and 15 minutes.