RUMFORD – Marcus Palmer hit a two-run double with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to lead the Rumford Cardinals past rival Dixfield, 3-2, in Pine Tree League baseball at Hosmer Field.

Rumford trailed 2-0 entering its final raps before Ed Paterson led off with an opposite-field single. Eventual winning pitcher Ryan Palmer walked. The runners then advanced on a Rich Todd groundout, and Steve LaPointe knocked in the first run with another grounder.

Aaron McPhee walked to set up the younger Palmer’s heroics. Palmer smashed Dixfield pitcher Jerome Holt’s offering to the base of the left field fence, and Ryan Palmer scored easily. McPhee was running from first base and barely slid under the attempted tag by Diamondbacks catcher Tony Umbro.

LaPointe hurled the first five innings for the Cardinals. Dixfield scored its two runs in the fourth. Dave Lafleur reached on a fielder’s choice and Joe Theriault singled. George Gallant and Hart Daley each hit bleeders for RBI singles.

Peter Puiia popped out with the bases loaded, however, and LaPointe escaped further damage.

Rumford was unable to solve Lafleur, who allowed three hits in four innings. Mike Gauvin turned in the defensive play of the game in the fourth. Todd smashed a sharp fly ball to left field, but Gauvin sprinted left and caught the baseball while banging in to the fence.

Daley had two hits for Dixfield.