Friday, June 3, 2022

Bitzer, Rupert a 1-2 punch in 14-10 TOTS' win

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Team White's Rick Bitzer may need some extra rest tonight after leading his team to a 14-10 win over Team Blue this morning at Udall Park.

Bitzer, 67, followed Team White's leadoff man Mark Rupert in the lineup today.

Keeping up with the hot-hitting Rupert these days is no easy task. 

When all was said and done, Bitzer went 3 for 4, scored four runs and knocked in a run, while Rupert went 3 for 4, scored three times and knocked in a run as well. The 1-2 punch kept filling up the bases and were a thorn in the side of Team Blue's starter Ernesto Escala all morning.

The third, fourth and fifth batters in Team White's lineup benefited from all of the Bitzer-Rupert shenanigans. Reed Palmer had two hits and picked up four RBI, Joe Opocensky followed with two hits and scored twice, while John Cooke had his own big day at the plate with three hits and four RBI. Cooke also collected one of Team White's four doubles. Tim Tolson, Mike Steele and Palmer also hit two baggers. Steele ended up with three RBI on the day.

As for Team Blue, it was Randy Livingston leading the way with a 3 for 3 day, and scored three times with a single, a double and a triple. Escala tried to help his own cause with two hits and four RBI, while catcher Sam Dean added a pair of singles and drove in two runs.

Opocensky went the distance for the win, allowing 11 hits. Team Blue committed six errors in the game.

The TOTS will take the weekend off and return to action on Monday. Game time: 8:30 a.m.

Photo: Bitzer


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