THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,576 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,576 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
College  | Story | 3/19/2016

Karinchak impresses again

Jheremy Brown
Andrew Krause
Photo: Steve McLaughlin




Weekend Preview | Video Vault | Freshmen dominate to open 2016
Thursday Recap: Jefferies continues to deal


Bryant 6, Central Connecticut 1
Bryant 8, Central Connecticut 1

His success this spring hasn't taken anybody by surprise as Bryant’s James Karinchak put together an excellent freshman campaign, but with added strength to his 6-foot-2 frame his stuff has ticked up and it’s showing early in 2016. Powerfully built with strength proportioned throughout, Karinchak has made some early noise on the national scene as he shut down San Diego State in the Tony Gwynn Classic and simultaneously has begun to establish himself as one of the premier prospects in the Northeast for the 2017 MLB draft.




With a stiff wind blowing throughout the course of the game and the 50 degree temperatures feeling closer to 30, it would be expected and excused if Karinchak didn’t come out showing some of his best velocity or sustain the velocity during his outing. Neither of those two expectations were true however as the New York native opened the game sitting in the 90-92 mph range over the first handful of innings, bumping a 93 or two, before working more in the 89-91 mph range towards the backend of his seven innings. And as it would turn out, the lone run and four of the seven hits surrendered came early in the game when Karinchak was showing his best velocity of the game.

On the mound Karinchak employs a rather short and simple set of mechanics that allow him to repeat and consistently generate downhill plane to his heater from a higher three-quarters slot while locating to either side of the black with intent. Early in the game when most of Central Connecticut’s damage was done Karinchak was relying almost solely on his fastball and was pitching more to contact than missing bats. But as the innings wore on his feel for the breaking ball developed, and changeup for that matter, giving him a viable three pitch mix all of which he was able to throw for strikes and subsequently saw his strikeout total rise (eight altogether).

In breaking down Karinchak’s stuff we’ll begin with the fastball, which as I mentioned above worked more or less in the low-90s over the seven innings, still showing 91s in the seventh, with short running life when down in the zone which was more prevalent when locating to his arm side. His arm action is relatively short and quick through the back and the ball leaves his hand with minimal effort which foreshadows to more velocity in there both at present and into the future as he continues to incorporate his lower half into his drive towards the plate. He also flashed a two-seam fastball once or twice in the early frames at 88 mph that featured quality life away from lefthanders.

Though a bit inconsistent throughout the outing, Karinchak’s curveball showed above average at its best and more often than not he had the pitch working this outing. A steady mid- to upper-70s offering when thrown early in the count, the sophomore righthander showed a hard, nasty biting version in the 79-81 mph range to put away hitters and twice located to the back foot of lefthanded hitters. Both versions of the pitch showed 12-to-6 shape and quality depth with the offerings in the lower end of the band showing bigger depth early in the count to get ahead on hitters.

Used solemnly on righthanders though it would be an effective offering, the changeup was a pitch that Karinchak threw almost exclusively to lefthanders but did so with confidence and conviction. Maintaining his arm speed and slot nicely on the 82-84 mph pitch, Karinchak was able to turn it over for consistent strikes showing late fading life away from hitters.

After the Blue Devil’s top performer and three-hole hitter Ryan Costello turned on a fastball to the right-center field gap for a double his previous at-bat, Karinchak’s pitchability came through as Costello stepped up with the bases loaded in his next trip. Beginning the face off by tripling up on changeups (first two for swinging strikes), Karinchak finished with one of those hard 81 mph back foot curves for a swinging third strike though it was the changeups that really resonated from that match up.

With another strong start and helping get Bryant on the right track in conference play, Karinchak improved to 4-1 on the year and is averaging 10.68 strikeouts-per-nine with a 2.03 ERA. After what he did last spring and the hot start to 2016 opposing coaches in the Northeast Conference will be shaking their heads until the end of this spring scheming ways to beat him, especially since they’ll have to face him for another full season.

As a team the Bulldogs are 12-4 and it’s their offense that has been just as impressive as Karinchak’s performance on the mound. A physically impressive bunch one-through-nine, junior center fielder Matt Albanese is sure to entice scouts come June courtesy of his long and loose 6-foot-2, 200-pound athletic frame. Though he was out in front a bit game one he still managed to fly out deep to the left-centerfield warning track for a loud L7 which would have been an easy home run if not for that stiff breeze blowing directly in from left field. The one hit he managed in the first game came as an infield single that deflected off the pitcher’s glove and though he didn’t get out of the box cleanly he still got down the line in 4.28 seconds which would be closer to a 4.2 if he got out well.

Senior first baseman Robby Rinn has been on fire since the season opened up and he collected another two hard base hits in game one and another two in the nightcap raising his season total to .420. Strongly built at 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, the lefthanded hitting Rinn shows a short and fast stroke through the zone with quick hands that allow him to handle the inner half fastball. Junior Brandon Bingel enjoyed a nice day at the plate going deep to the opposite field for his first home run of the year and nearly left the park again down the left field line later in the game. Helping his own cause in game two, Bingel not only picked up the win throwing six strong but he also managed to get connect for his second long ball of the afternoon. 



National Notes

• There may not be a hotter hitter in the country than Clemson’s Seth Beer, a lefthanded hitting freshman who graduated Lambert High School (Ga.) early to enroll this spring and man is Coach Monte Lee glad he arrived early. Heading into the highly touted matchup against red-hot Boston College with seven home runs, Beer connected for his eight of the year and added a double as part of his 2-for-2 day and is now slashing .446/.543/.946; not a typical line for your traditional freshman. With the 6-2 win over Boston College, the Tigers continue to fly high as they improve to 14-3 on the year and 3-1 in the ACC. 

• The Schmidt family had quite the Friday night as both senior righthander Clate (Clemson) and sophomore righthander Clarke (South Carolina) turned in exceptional performances and improved their already impressive season statistics. Sticking with the Clemson theme, former Perfect Game All-American Clate recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts while issuing just two walks in seven strong innings over surging Boston College. Younger brother Clarke wasn’t to be outdone as he punched out 11 of his own and continues to put together a ridiculous stat line improving to 5-0 on the year with 43 strikeouts to just six walks as the Gamecocks beat No. 17 Arkansas, 10-6.

• Behind yet another strong pitching performance from sophomore lefthander Zach Warren, the Volunteers of Tennessee were able to walk off winners and upset the Ole Miss Rebels by a final of 3-2. Warren, who was recently named to the Collegiate National Team for the summer, fired 6 1/3 quality innings in which he surrendered a lone run and scattered four hits while punching out eight. And though he didn’t factor into the final decision Warren continues to perform at the highest level and Friday was no exception. It was Tennessee’s Derek Lance who delivered the winning hit in the bottom of the ninth with a single into center field to give the Vols game one.

• There are several ways to walk off and Miami outfielder Willie Abreu chose to do it in grand fashion as grand slam in the bottom of the ninth helped No. 9 Miami take down No. 4 Louisville 8-4. Not only did the win give the Hurricanes the first game of what will be a tough three-game set, but it also provided Coach Jim Morris with career win No. 1,500.

• While this weekend was the opening weekend of conference play for much of Division I baseball, teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference faced off against a fellow conference foe for a second straight week. After taking two of three against Duke University last weekend, the University of Virginia won both ends of a doubleheader against Wake Forest on Friday night. In game one, Connor Jones threw 7 1/3 shutout innings and struck out nine to pick up the win, while Adam Haseley went 3-for-4 with two doubles. Haseley continued his hot hitting in the nightcap, adding four more hits to his tally, including another double and a pair of triples. Also of note, Wake Forest’s star slugger Will Craig did not play in either game as he’s still nursing a minor injury.

• The top-ranked University of Florida Gators opened up conference play with an extra-inning victory against visiting Missouri. Logan Shore pitched well despite a few early hiccups. After the first two batters of the game reached base (via an infield hit and error), Shore struck out three consecutive Tigers to wriggle out of trouble. Missouri made him work and throw plenty of pitches, but the Florida ace struck out a career-high 10 in 5 1/3 innings pitched. Missouri’s veteran ace Reggie McClain (9 innings, 9 hits, 3 runs, 2 earned runs, 0 walks, 8 strikeouts) settled in after allowing three runs in the first inning, and the Tigers clawed back to tie the game in the top of the ninth despite the solid effort from freshman righty Brady Singer (2 1/3 innings, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts). Eventually, Florida walked off with a 4-3 win in the 10th inning thanks to a single from Peter Alonso.

• Heath Quinn helped lead Samford to an 8-5 win over Jacksonville University. Quinn went 2-for-4 and hit another home run, a nation-leading 11th of the 2016 season. First baseman Alex Lee also hit a homer and went 4-for-4, as the Bulldogs offense continues to heat up. While perhaps not on the same level as Samford’s Quinn, Jacksonville’s Austin Hays is an interesting prospect to follow in regards to the MLB Draft. Hays had a strong summer in the Cape Cod League and has been swinging a hot bat early this season, as he also hit a homer—his seventh of the year—on Friday night.
Give us your feedback
College | Story | 7/21/2026

Coppy's Corner: July 21 Summer Edition
John Coppolella
Article Image
The amateur players in the Cape Cod Baseball League are the future stars of the 2027 MLB Draft. The league runs from June 13th through August 2nd. Games are played at historic stadiums in Old New England towns. It’s beautiful and charming. Hollywood even made a movie about the Cape Cod League ~25 years ago called Summer Catch. It scored an 8% (!) on Rotten Tomatoes, but, on the plus side, it featured 2001 Jessica Biel in a starring role.  It was so much fun writing Coppy’s Column this spring. My hope is to highlight a pitcher and position player each week from the Cape. And, who knows, maybe somewhere out there Jessica Biel is reading it.    Player of the Week: Coen Niclai – Wareham Gatemen  The Internet tells me that 12 MLB players have come from Alaska, 10 of whom were from Anchorage, and the best of which is Curt Schilling. Niclai, who is also...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Noah Rumley (‘29 NC) has been up to 90 so far in this start w/ 8 Ks in 4 innings of work. Really jumps out of the hand at foot strike w/ some ride to it; has also mixed in a SL w/ horizontal action. #WWBA @PG_Coastal pic.twitter.com/OcU57a3Syl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 21, 2026 Noah Rumley (2029, Summerfield, N.C.) got the ball for GBC Lopez 2029 15u in their final game of pool play and dominated, going up against a tough lineup in the East Cobb Astros. The 6-foot-2 left-handed pitcher ended up going five innings, allowing only one hit and one run, while striking out nine. It’s premium stuff at the 15u level as he worked easily in the upper-80s, topping at 90 mph in the first. The breaking ball showed two-plane shape in the upper-70s as well. There’s a ton of things to like already and even...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Champions Named at Southwest Select

Emily Hicks
Article Image
Another week of Perfect Game baseball concluded as champions were crowned in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions of the Southwest Select Championship. After several days of pool play and championship bracket action, three teams rose above the competition to capture tournament titles following a week of high-level baseball. Throughout the tournament, teams from across the Southwest and beyond competed in closely contested matchups, producing standout pitching performances, timely offense, and memorable defensive plays. As the bracket narrowed, each division featured championship-caliber baseball before the final trophies were awarded. 15U Championship The 15U division title was claimed by AZ Prodigy, who defeated Nomadic 14U Premier by a score of 2-1 in the championship game. After putting together a strong tournament run, AZ Prodigy continued its momentum in the title game with contributions...
Read More
All American Game | Story | 7/22/2026

PG All-American Classic Roster Reveal

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES TEAM ROSTERS FOR 2026 DICK'S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC AT CITIZENS BANK PARK   The rosters span 20 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, with California leading the way Jersey City's Finnian O'Loughlin gives the host region a player in the spotlight Field includes sons of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas & MLB All-Star Brad Hawpe   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the Team East and Team West rosters for the 2026 DICK'S All-American Classic, set for Sunday, August 16 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 60-player field represents the top...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Florida Burn Cruise to 17U BCS Crown

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
Ranked fifth nationally entering the tournament, Florida Burn 2027 Scout left no doubt who the best team was at the 17U BCS National Championship. Burn finished a perfect 9-0 tournament, earning an 11-1 semifinal victory before defeating No. 86-ranked Original Florida Pokers 2027 National, 9-1, Tuesday afternoon at JetBlue Park. Burn seized control early and never looked back in a game that ended after the fifth inning per Perfect Game’s mercy rule. Burn carried its explosive offense into the championship game as Braedon Mackay launched a two-run home run in the first inning, giving his team an early 2-0 lead. Mackay’s home run sparked a five-run opening inning, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The Florida commit later earned tournament MVP honors after helping lead Burn to an unbeaten championship run. “I was just trying to get something started,”...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

17u BCS Scout Notes: Days 2-3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
17u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 Kenniel Nieves Medero (2027 SS, PR)  Nieves Medero put together another quality offensive showing, continuing the consistent production he displayed throughout the tournament. The 8.5 PG grade shortstop features quick hands and does an excellent job creating separation with strong hip rotation, allowing him to generate easy bat speed through the zone. The swing remains balanced and efficient with present feel for the barrel. A polished offensive profile with tools that continue to translate in game action.  Oscar Cambero (2027 3B, FL)  Cambero turned in an impressive offensive performance, smoking a triple into the gap while showcasing both speed and gap-to-gap power. The right-handed hitter generates quality bat speed and consistently impacts the baseball with authority. Plays with a high motor on both sides of the ball and competes with energy...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

Texas Region Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
Article Image
Jack Soete (2028, Houston, Texas) had a big weekend for HP 2028 Woods. Went 4-9 at the plate with two doubles and a home run. Strong approach at the top of the order as well, drawing five walks. Closed stance with an athletic, projectable frame. Gains ground on the stride and stays on plane with his swing. Bat-to-ball ability is present and power should continue to develop. Lot to like from the athletic, left-handed bat. Kai Anderson (2028, Missouri City, Texas) was an absolute force for 2028 South Texas Sliders 16U Pierce. Went 4-8 with two doubles, six runs batted in, and a no-doubt walk-off home run in the semifinal. Some physicality in the frame. Leverages the upper half decently as he shows some ability to elevate with more than enough juice. Some pretty serious flashes as a middle of the order bat at the next level. Valentin Ceballos (2028, New Braunfels, Texas) was extremely loud...
Read More
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/21/2026

13u Select Festival Roster Reveal

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
With the completion of the 2026 13u National Showcase, an event that featured some of the best talent the age group has to offer, 42 players came out with the label of "Festivaler" as they received a phone call shortly after the event concluded. Moving back to the University of Tennessee after a two year stay at the University of Virginia, Ole Rocky Top will see a mixed bag of returners; three-timers, new faces and a couple who bridged the gap from the 11u game into the 13u iteration.  Of the 42 players, 9 players call Florida their home base which is the most of any state while Texas (8), California (7) and Georgia (5) are all close behind nearly three-quarters of the players selected. In total 17 different states are represented, from Hawaii to Arkansas, Washington to Maryland and everywhere in between.  Quick roster breakdown: Three-time Select Festival: 13 players ...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 1

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Jack Postma (2028, Barrington, IL) made an impression in Chicago this week. A 6-foot-5 right hander with a starter pitch mix. Topped out at 93 in his outing at UBC Midwest and pitched at 88-93 for 2 innings on the mound. Slider showed late horizontal bite at its best when finished out front. Change up is a usable third pitch with fading action and ability to miss bats. Clean overall operation in the delivery. Upside with added stability in the arm action. Chance to be one of the top prospects in Illinois and potentially the country with necessary adjustments moving forward.  Connor Basinski (2028, Columbia, IL) an athletic player with 2-way potential. Physicality stands out for a player in the 2028 class. Swung the bat impressively well in Chicago. Hits from a wide stance and stays balanced using strength and leverage to drive the baseball to all fields. Launched a long pull side...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 4

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 Mason Conner (2029, Palestine, Texas) was a force in the middle-of-the-order for Gold Culture. The right-handed hitter starts from a medium stance with in-line feet and a low handset with a low back elbow, utilizes a negative leg lift stride. Strides through and uncoils the lower half well and creates separation in the back shoulder. Solid hand speed with a flat bat plane and feel to leverage and lift. Impacts the ball well with feel to impact and drive. The shortstop showed the power upside belting a two-run homer over the fence in left field and added a two-RBI knock later in the game. Medium 6-foot, 175-pound frame that was consistently on the barrel and showed a good approach at the plate working two walks. Lennon Dunn (2029, Mansfield, Texas) competed and showed the upside on the mound for Stix 2029 Scout. The right-handed pitcher...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

16U BCS Rolls into Fort Myers

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
The 21st annual 16U BCS National Championship returns to Fort Myers, Florida from July 23-27, bringing together many of the nation’s top 2028 graduates. The tournament features 44 teams, including six nationally ranked clubs, competing for a national title across five days of high-level competition. Year after year, the event has served as a proving ground for elite talent. Defending champion Showtime Select National 16U returns after capturing last year’s championship, while a talented field from across the country will look to add its name to the event’s prestigious history. One of the premier prospects in the field, shortstop Gabriel Coupet enters as the highest-ranked player in attendance, checking in at No. 49 overall in the Class of 2028 and No. 8 player in Florida. The Boynton Beach, Fla., native has established himself as one of the country’s most talented...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.