Albanese, Karinchak named ABCA All-Americans

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant baseball team continued to bring in the postseason honors as junior outfielder Matt Albanese (East Haddam, Conn.) and sophomore James Karinchak (Walden, N.Y.) were named American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Americans, it was announced Saturday prior to the start of the College World Series.

Named to the ABCA All-Northeast Region First Team on Thursday, Albanese and Karinchak become the first teammates in program history to earn ABCA All-American honors in the same season. They are the third and fourth to earn the honor from the ABCA, following Kevin Brown (2013) and Craig Schlitter (2014).  

The Northeast Conference Pitcher of the Year, Karinchak turned into a bonafide ace this spring, putting together the best season in program history. He finished the year 12-3 with a 2.00 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 94 2/3 innings. Karinchak set program records for wins and strikeouts, struck out 10+ batters twice during the season and posted a 13-strikeout performance against George Mason. Karinchak allowed two runs or less in 12 of his 15 starts and struck out eight and allowed just one run over 6 1/3 innings in his first-career NCAA Tournament appearance this spring. In addition, he allowed five hits or less in 12 of his 15 starts, holding opponents to a .205 average.

Albanese, a former Freshman All-American, picks up All-American honors despite missing the final 10 games of the year. Prior to his season-ending injury, Albanese tore the cover off the ball, hitting .366 with 13 doubles, 11 home runs, 52 RBI and led the team with 56 runs scored. He also led the team with a .471 OBP, stole a team-high 15 bases and played a flawless centerfield. Albanese posted two multi-homer games, drove in 5+ runs three times during the season and struck out just 15 times in 183 at-bats. He posted 23 multi-hit games, reached base safely in 36-straight games at one point and hit .401 with 50 RBI and a .506 OBP over his final 40 games after a slow start.