Karinchak, Angelini recognized by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Junior right-hander James Karinchak (Walden, N.Y.) and sophomore outfielder Nick Angelini (Bedford, N.H.) have been tabbed as the preseason Northeast Conference Pitcher and Player of the Year, respectively, by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

The publication, which released its January edition this past week, picked the Bulldogs to win their sixth-consecutive NEC Regular-Season title. In addition, Bryant also received votes in Collegiate Baseball newspapers Fabulous 40 NCAA Division I preseason poll presented by Big League Chew bubble gum. Three others (Cole Fabio, Justin Snyder and Steve Theetge) were tabbed as Players to Watch.

The reigning NEC Pitcher of the Year, Karinchak is coming off the most dominant season for a starting pitcher in program history. He went 12-3 with a 2.00 ERA and 112 strikeouts, setting program records for victories and strikeouts. Karinchak earned three All-American citations following the season and became the Bulldogs' first-ever preseason All-American selection last week.

Angelini returns to man centerfield after posting a stellar debut last spring. He was named the NEC Rookie of the Year earned Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American honors after hitting .353 with nine doubles, three home runs, 26 RBI, 47 runs scored and a .466 OBP.

Fabio (Mahwah, N.J.) returns for his final season in Smithfield after hitting .287 with four home runs, 38 RBI, 52 runs scored and 16 stolen bases. He started all 59 games at second base for the Black and Gold and is one of the three team captains this year.

Snyder (Georgetown, Mass.) slid into Bryant's closer roll last spring, posting a 2-2 record, 10 saves and a 2.35 ERA in a staff-high 26 appearances. He struck out 53 batters and allowed just 37 hits in 46 innings. Snyder pitched more than inning in 17 of his 26 relief outings.

Theetge (Syracuse, N.Y.) also earned Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American honors after posting one of the best rookie seasons for a pitcher in NEC history. He went 9-0 with a 2.72 ERA in 16 appearances, 11 starts. He struck out 44 and walked just 22 in 72 2/3 innings. Theetge's nine wins tied the freshman program record and his unblemished mark is the best by a pitcher in NEC history.