by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
Most college baseball players would consider facing Triple-A pitching a nightmare, but for Matt Foote, it was a dream come true.
The UNM baseball team's center fielder went 3-for-3 and scored both of the Lobos' runs in their 6-2 loss to the Isotopes on Tuesday night.
"I just tried to come out and have some fun today," Foote said. "Obviously these guys are pretty good competition at the Triple-A level. My only mind-set out there was to have a good time."
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Foote enjoyed the best night of any Lobo hitter, recording a single on all three of his at-bats. He gave the Lobos a 1-0 lead in the top of the first after Ian Hollick grounded out. Foote also hammered a single in the top of the third, but was picked off as he tried to steal second base.
Foote scored his second run of the game, and had to work to earn it. He singled and stole second to put himself in scoring position. Lobo first baseman Chris Carlson then blasted an RBI double, sending Foote across home plate for the second time.
Foote said the exhibition game against the Isotopes was somewhat of a stress reliever for the Lobos and their long baseball season.
"We came off an OK weekend," he said. "A lot of us were putting too much pressure on ourselves to perform. I decided I'm going to go out there and play. If I have a good day, I have a good day, and if I have a bad day, it's against some pretty good pitching."
Foote said the Isotopes present some of the toughest pitching the Lobos will see, but also said a key to having success against the minor league team is not being afraid of the opponent.
"You have to go up there and just battle," Foote said. "I found some holes today and managed to get a couple hits. If you get intimidated, then you're already beat. I just made sure I went up there and had a lot of confidence."
Foote has accomplished some feats this season that give him a reason to be confident. He was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week on Feb. 20 after his outstanding play against Texas Tech and Arizona. He also hit a grand slam against rival New Mexico State University on March 7.
Foote said earning MWC Player of the Week helped him become a more poised player.
"That was a big confidence booster," he said. "It was against some quality competition. It was just an eye-opener."
Foote said his performance against the Isotopes ranks as high as any moment this season, but also said the Lobos' record is what he cares about most.
"As a team we're always looking to win ballgames," Foote said. "Just winning overall is the best thing."
UNM head coach Rich Alday said he was proud of Foote's performance and hopes it can give him confidence for the rest of the season.
"He swung the bat really well," Alday said. "He's been struggling a little bit with his swing this past weekend. He did a great job today, so hopefully we're going to iron some things out with him."
