Baseball season was one of ups and downs

Matt Heistand Arizona Daily Wildcat Second baseman Erik Mattern (16) throws to first base to complete a double play against New Mexico State.

"Well, it's like the old saying, 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,'" Stitt said.

That statement sums up a baseball season that started with a 16-game winning streak, then had an 11-game losing streak, followed by a late push for regionals that ultimately fell short.

The Wildcats (33-23 overall, 12-18 Pacific 10 Conference Southern Division) finished fourth in the Six-Pac, their highest finish since 1993. This year's club also hit the most home runs (87) since the 1993 team hit 115.

Arizona was ranked as high as No. 2 in the coaches' poll after sweeping No. 13 Baylor at home in early February, then started Six-Pac play by winning four of its first six games.

"I enjoyed every minute of it," senior second baseman Erik Mattern said. "This whole season was a joy."

Mattern was one of the keys for the Wildcats, batting lead-off most of the year. He finished with a team-high 78 runs scored and co-led the team with 81 hits, batting .363 for the year.

UA's other four seniors also enjoyed career years. Left fielder Jason Hendricks hit a team-high .364 and led the club with 15 home runs en route to being named a semifinalist for the national player of the year award. Right fielder Colin Porter batted .326 with 14 homers and led the team with 23 stolen bases. First baseman Kenny Corley set a new team record with 12 home runs on the year, which raised his career total to 36, besting Dave Shermet's old career record of 34.