PPBA: Mustang Tigers Rally Past Red Sox, 7-4

The final round of the Palisades Pony Baseball Association opened Tuesday afternoon at the Palisades Recreation Center's Field of Dreams complex and the underdogs won to stay alive.

In the Mustang Division (ages 9-10), the Tigers trailed the Red Sox 4-3 in the top of the sixth inning but rallied for four runs and held on for a 7-4 victory. The teams meet once more for the championship Thursday at 4:30 p.m. on Field 3.

"Yeah, it was one of the more exciting games I've been involved in [with PPBA]," Tigers Coach Todd Kupfer said. "We get to play another game so it should be fun."

The Red Sox had a chance to break the game open in the fourth, but Tucker Kupfer made an over-the-shoulder catch at the fence in left field to save a sure home run and end the inning.

Dylan Wilson had the game-winning hit in the top of the sixth. In the bottom of the inning, pitcher Brett Edwards fielded a bunt and threw to first base for the final out.

The Red Sox had beaten the Tigers 2-1 in the winner's bracket, but the resilient Tigers have since reeled off four straight victories.

In the Bronco Division (ages 11-12), the Cubs stayed alive with a 18-5 triumph over the Tigers to force a decisive game Thursday at 4:30 p.m. on Field 2.

The Tigers beat the Cubs 10-8 in the winner's bracket but the Cubs then beat the Yankees 14-9 to set up a final round rematch.

The Yankees and Dodgers meet in the final round of the Pinto Division (ages 7-8) Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. on Field 3. If a second game is needed, it would be on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. on Field 4. 

All-Star games in all three divisions will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Field of Dreams complex.

To view more images of Tuesday's PPBA playoff games, please visit photographer Chuck Cohen's website: www.chuckcohenphotography.com.