Don’t ever underestimate the importance of the pre-game coin toss.

In undefeated fashion for the second straight year, DLB/Sports Physical Therapy won its final two games in its last at-bat in successfully defending its title at the 37th annual Rotary Softball Tournament on Sunday at Lincoln Park.

DLB, which is also sponsored by Bella Sole-Tan and EWS, advanced to the championship round with an impressive, 18-17, come-from-behind victory over Woman’s Touch Painting/Big Shotz and then earned bragging rights for the second straight year with a 7-6 win over WTP in the final.

In two years, DLB never left the winners’ bracket in upping its Rotary win streak to 11 games. But unlike last year, DLB needed last raps in two straight games over reigning City champion WTP.

“It turned into a dog fight, a prize fight really, between two good teams,” WTP pitcher Greg Czarnecki said. “Unfortunately, we fell on the wrong side of a one-run game both times. He who had the last at-bat was going to win the game.”

With the game knotted 6-6 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Rotary MVP Brady Noll led off with a single and eventually scored on a no-out, bases-loaded sacrifice fly from Gary Lofton to end the game. Lofton also provided the game-winning hit earlier in the day against WTP in capping off a dramatic, three-run seventh inning rally.

DLB’s streak appeared to be over, only to overcome a 14-3 deficit with a 12-run fifth inning and needed three runs in the bottom of the seventh to send WTP into the losers’ bracket. WTP then edged JayBee Auto/Coins Sports Bar, 7-6, to force a rematch with DLB.

In the championship round, WTP tied it 6-6 with a solo run in the sixth inning only to allow the winning run in the seventh.

“We had a lot of guys step up and make some good contributions,” DLB captain Travis Clark said. “This means a lot to our guys. You win this one and you’re known as the best team in the area.”

While DLB made quick work of the opposition last year, the team captured four of its five victories by three runs or less.

“This year was different,” DLB shortstop Mike Umscheid said. “Every game was close and the competition was definitely better. It feels really good to win it, especially not losing a game.”

DLB catcher Larry Tostrud captured what he believed to be his 13th or 14th Rotary title. The 50-year-old went 1-for-3 with a run scored.

“It keeps me young,” Tostrud said. “It was a lot of fun.”

Tostrud, who played on some of the great Tirabassi’s teams, said the game has changed over the years.

“Too cocky,” Tostrud said. “A lot of the other teams I’ve played on we just went to work and had fun. It’s probably because I’m so old, but it’s hard to relate.”

Squirrels take crown

With 102 runs scored in its first four games, Squirrels relied on its defense in edging CD Warehouse, 6-5, in the Rotary women’s championship Sunday.

Squirrels, sponsored by Ashmus Belting and Finney’s Lounge, outscored its opposition 108-35 in finishing 5-0.

“We had quite a run,” Squirrels captain Heather Carr said. “To score that many runs in five games is pretty impressive. I’m very proud of this team. I didn’t expect us to come out and hit like that, but I’m glad we did.”

After jumping to a 6-0 advantage in the first inning, Squirrels made the lead stand. Midfielder Angie Blank led the defense with a number of diving plays, while pitcher Amy Ramsey was named Rotary MVP.

The team also clearly had the most-unique name.

“I wanted something to represent the Midwest and the more we thought about it, Squirrels sounded good,” Carr said. “A lot of people find them annoying and you see them everywhere. That’s what we want to be, annoying and seen everywhere.”