Peterson, Garver Battle For Player of The Year

The race for Mountain West Conference Baseball Player of the Year is coming down to the wire.

It’s a two-Lobo race.

Following their team’s 9-1 win on Friday over visiting Air Force, New Mexico sluggers D.J. Peterson and Mitchell Garver look like the only viable candidates for the MWC’s top individual honor heading into today’s regular-season finale against the Falcons.

	Today Air Force at UNM, noon. Radio: KQTM-FM (101.7)

One of them ranks first in nearly every league offensive category. In most cases, the other ranks second.

Who will be player of the year?

League coaches will vote on all-conference awards prior to next week’s league tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. When it comes to player of the year, UNM coach Ray Birmingham is glad he has an out.

“Coaches aren’t allowed to vote for their own players,” Birmingham said. “I don’t know how you’d choose between D.J. and Mitchell, with the seasons they’ve had.

“For me, it’s co-players or nothing. But like I said, I don’t get to vote.”

Given a chance to lobby for themselves or perhaps sling a little good-natured mud, both Peterson and Mitchell chose the high road.

“It would be a great honor for me or for Mitchell,” Peterson said. “If either one of us wins, I’ll be happy.”

Compelling cases can be made for both.

VOTE FOR D.J.: Peterson’s overall numbers are among the nation’s best. After going 3-for-4 with a double Friday, the sophomore third baseman led the nation in slugging percentage and ranked fifth in batting average.

“D.J.’s having the year of his life,” Garver said. “He’s got the fastest hands I’ve ever seen and is just a phenomenal hitter.”

Peterson was recently named to the 60-player Golden Spikes Award watch list. The award is given to the nation’s top college player.

Peterson also moved from first base to third this season and has steadily improved at the hot corner.

“He’s been our go-to guy and really carried us early in the season,” Birmingham said. “D.J.’s matured a lot this year.”

In 23 MWC games, Peterson is hitting .453 with 40 RBIs and eight home runs – all league bests.

“He’s a guy who can hit .500,” Garver said. “I’m serious.”

VOTE FOR MITCHELL: Garver has been arguably the hottest Lobo over the past month and is flirting with a .400 batting average after collecting 10 hits in this week’s first three games. Like Peterson, he ranks among the national top 10 in total hits, and Garver is tied for second with 25 doubles.

Garver has played outfield on occasion during the season, but an injury to backup catcher Erik Suarez has required most of his action to be behind the plate. Garver has excelled there defensively, throwing out 42 percent of would-be base stealers.

“I think he’s the best catcher in the country,” Peterson said, “and he can swing it. I’d put his numbers up against anyone’s.”

Garver was named a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award this week and is likely the only catcher on that list to bat leadoff. Garver has six stolen bases in eight tries.

In MWC games, Garver leads the league in hits, doubles, runs and total bases.

“Mitchell’s a guy who’ll be drafted high this year. Trust me,” Birmingham said.

And down the stretch they come.

FRIDAY: New Mexico’s Josh Walker improved to 7-2, allowing one run to the Falcons in seven innings. UNM’s win coupled with San Diego State’s 3-0 victory over No. 20 TCU means the Lobos need only to win today to clinch a share of the regular season title and the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Mountain West conference tourney.

Ryan Padilla was 4-for-4, and Kyle Stiner added three hits for the Lobos (32-22, 17-6), who outhit the Falcons 17-5.
— This article appeared on page C1 of the Albuquerque Journal