Schlitter named an ABCA All-American; Four named All-Northeast

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After putting the finishing touches on an outstanding career, senior Craig Schlitter (Guilford, Conn.) was named a Third Team All-American and First Team All-Northeast by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), it was announced on Monday.

Schlitter becomes the second Bulldog – Kevin Brown – in as many years to earn ABCA All-American distinction. It is the first-ever All-American nod for Schlitter. Joining him on the All-Northeast teams were second team selections Buck McCarthy (Saugus, Mass.), Carl Anderson (Sudbury, Mass.) and Kevin McAvoy (Syracuse, N.Y.).

One of the greatest pitchers in program history, Schlitter wrapped up his senior year with a 10-1 record and a career-best 1.81 ERA in 94.2 innings pitched. He allowed just 77 hits, struck out 70 and issued just 20 walks on the year. Schlitter, a 27th round selection by the Colorado Rockies in the MLB Amateur Draft, was saddled with a loss in his first start of the season at Maryland but didn't lose again, winning each of his last 10 decisions and 19-of-20 over the last two seasons. He wrapped up his career with seven innings of one-run ball against Southeastern Louisiana in the NCAA tournament. Prior to that, he put together one of the finest games of his career in the NEC tournament, tossing a complete-game, three-hit shutout against Central Connecticut. Schlitter finishes his with a 28-13 career record, 2.67 ERA and 245 strikeouts in 299.2 innings. The victories are the second-most in program history.

Bryant's primary DH over the last four weeks of the season, McCarthy shined in his first season in Smithfield. He hit a team-best .340 with 14 doubles, four home runs, 29 RBI and 30 runs scored. McCarthy also drew 20 walks and posted a .438 OBP. He picked up one of the biggest hits of the season in the NEC tournament as he broke a scoreless tie with a solo home run in the eighth inning against Central Connecticut, propelling the Bulldogs into the title game.

Anderson had one of the best all-around seasons in program history in 2014. The Bulldogs everyday center fielder over the last two years, Anderson hit .324 with 73 hits, 11 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, a team-high 41 RBI and career-best 49 runs scored. He also set a DI record with 31 stolen bases, becoming the first player in program history to accomplish that feat since 1998. A 19th round selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Anderson wrapped up his Bryant career with five hits in two NCAA tournament games. In his career, he finished with 173 hits, 22 doubles, 10 home runs, 106 RBI, 109 runs scored and DI record 56 stolen bases.

Bryant's Friday starter, McAvoy emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in program history this spring and became the highest drafted player in program history as the Boston Red Sox took him the fourth round (134rd overall). As a junior, McAvoy went 9-1 with a 2.62 ERA in 99.2 innings. He allowed 77 hits, walked 28 and struck out a program record 94 batters. Like Schlitter, McAvoy didn't lose a decision after an opening loss at Maryland and wrapped up his career with a dominant outing against Houston in the NCAA tournament. He allowed two unearned runs on just three hits and struck out six over 6.2 innings in his final appearance with the Black and Gold. In his career, McAvoy went 21-5 with a 3.11 ERA in 254.2 innings. He struck out 192 and walked just 77.