Wright adjusting to life at Bryant
Former Cumberland All-Stater playing both ways for improving Bulldogs
SMITHFIELD — When Bryant baseball coach Steve Owens recruited Cumberland’s Chris Wright, he viewed the Clipper AllStater as a two-way player in the mold of former Bulldog standout and 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates 22nd-round draft pick Brandon Bingel.
Because of injuries, graduation and players leaving early for the MLB Draft, Wright was thrust into a much bigger role than anticipated the second he walked on to Conaty Field.
The true freshman has appeared in all 24 of the Bulldogs’ games and he’s produced a .272 average with three home runs 12 RBIs and 10 runs scored, while playing first base and the outfield along with some time at designated
hitter. As a left-handed weekend hurler, Wright has appeared in six games and has an 0-3 record with an 11.93 ERA in 14.1 innings.
“I think I’m settling into this level of baseball,” Wright said after going 0-for-3 with a walk in Wednesday’s 3-2 home victory over Rhode Island. “I’ve had my ups and downs so far, but I need to find a way to stay more consistent. It’s always great to get wins, that’s all I really care about.”
“He’s playing first base, outfield, he’s DHing for us and he’s also pitching,” Owens said. “That’s a lot hats to wear for an 18-year-old. He’s got a great body, he’s learning the game at this level and he’s going to be a great player. He’s an excellent pitcher as well.”
Wright was expected to provide power at the back end of the lineup with outfielder Ryan Ward, catcher Mickey Gasper and shortstop Jimmy Titus forming the middle of the Bulldog lineup.
Ward suffered an injury to end his freshman campaign on March 5 against Sacred Heart, while Gaspar sat out Wednesday’s non-confer- ence clash with fellow conference champion URI. That moved Wright into the clean-up spot for Wednesday’s game where he saw his five-game hitting streak snapped.
The freshman garnered Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week honors in late February after blasting a pair of home runs in a series sweep at the hands of Arkansas. Wright only has one home run in the last 17 games.
“Oh definitely, I’m being pitched differently,” Wright said. “I just have to see the spin on the ball better and do a better job of adjusting to every pitch.”
On the mound, Wright had his best outing of the season on March 26 against St. Joseph’s where he went 4.1 innings and allowed just two hits and one earned run. Wright struck out five batters, but walked four.
Walks have been an issue for the hard-throwing lefty, as he’s handed out as many walks (15) and he has hits. Wright has struck out 18 batters.
“As of late, I’ve been pitching a lot better,” Wright said. “I’m working on my change-up a lot and making sure I can throw my curveball for strikes. It’s important to locate my fastball where I want it.”
“He’s got a few mechanical things and then just some experience,” Owens said. “It’s hard to be good when you’re doing all of these different things.”
Owens said that Wright will start on the mound in Friday’s series opener against Wagner on Staten Island because ace James Karinchak and No. 2 starter Steve Theetge both pitched in Sunday’s doubleheader sweep of St. Joseph’s.
Through out his baseball career, Wright has been a key cog on championship-level teams from his days at Cumberland American Little League, to his time with Cumberland High and 2016 Northeast Regional champion Upper Deck Post 86/14. Wright said all he cares about is winning games, which the Bulldogs have done four straight times heading into the freshman’s next start.
“You just have to take it with a grain of salt, just like any situation,” Wright said. “You just have to play as hard as you can to do what’s best for the team. The guys on this team are great and it’s always great to get some wins.”