The America East Conference announced its all‑conference baseball teams this week, and the Bryant Bulldogs had a particularly strong showing. Five Bulldogs earned spots on the first and second teams, highlighting the program’s rapid ascent in collegiate baseball.
First‑Team Standouts
Justin Hackett, a shortstop, earned a place on the first team after posting career‑high numbers across the board. His offensive surge included a league‑leading stolen‑base total, while his defensive wizardry helped anchor the infield.
Ellis Garcia, the team’s third baseman, also secured first‑team honors. Garcia paced the conference in slugging percentage and OPS, and his consistent hitting contributed heavily to the Bulldogs’ run production.
Second‑Team Contributions
Kaden Hilburger, a starting pitcher recovering from Tommy John surgery, earned second‑team recognition after a resilient season that featured several dominant outings. His return to form added depth to the rotation.
Carlos Irizarry, a second baseman, received second‑team accolades and was also named to the All‑Academic squad. Irizarry’s eight‑game hitting streak and solid defensive work made him one of the most reliable everyday players.
Charlie Saul, an outfielder, rounded out the second‑team selections. He set a single‑game stolen‑base record for Bryant and ranked among the conference leaders in several offensive categories.
The Bulldogs will now turn their attention to the America East Baseball Championships, where they are slated to meet UMass Lowell in a highly anticipated matchup that could further cement their rising profile.