Tag: Chris Brito

Former Rutgers baseball star Chris Brito continues his strong play in the MiLB

Since signing with Kansas City in December, former Rutgers baseball Chris Brito has performed at a high level for the Royals Single-A Team.

This past December, former Rutgers baseball player Chris Brito signed with the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has performed at a high level for the Royals Single-A Team, the Columbia Fireflies, to start the 2024 season.

In 49 plate appearances, the Fireflies’ first baseman has recorded 11 hits and six RBIs while logging a .306 batting average and a .469r on-base percentage. Brito has been outstanding while playing first baseman, recording zero errors throughout 96 innings.

Before signing with the Royals organization, Brito earned the MLB Draft League Hitter of the Month for June while playing for the Trenton Thunder. The MLB Draft League was established in 2021 for collegiate baseball players to showcase their talents leading up to the MLB Draft and Brito did just that.

Brito recorded a batting average of .367 (22-for-60) with three home runs, four doubles, and 16 RBIs in 22 games for the Thunder. He led the MLB Draft League in on-base percentage (.500) and ranked second in both slugging (.617) and OPS (1.117). His batting average, recorded hits (22), and runs scored were ranked third in the league. Also, he tied for second in total bases (37), home runs (3), and RBIs (16).

[lawrence-related id=37828,37826]

Brito had one of the most accomplished hitters in Rutgers baseball history, wrapping up his career as the all-time leader in career home runs (46) and RBIs (200). Also, Brito set the program single-season record with 74 RBIs in 2022.

 

Rutgers baseball Chris Brito signed with the Kansas City Royals

On Monday, former Rutgers baseball infielder Chris Brito signed with the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB).

On Monday, former Rutgers baseball Chris Brito signed with the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). After signing his contract with the Royals, Brito became the third player from Rutgers 2023 team to sign with an MLB team, joining outfielder Ryan Lasko (Oakland) and right-handed pitcher Drew Conover (Oakland).

The right-handed third baseman played summer ball with the Trenton Thunder and the Staten Island Ferry Hawks this past summer after playing five seasons with the Scarlet Knights.

[lawrence-related id=31937]

In 25 games with the Thunder, Brito recorded 27 hits, three home runs, 22 RBIs, and 14 walks in 87 at-bats. The 23-year-old prospect averaged a .336 batting average and a .434 on-base percentage while playing with Trenton.

While playing with the Ferry Hawks, Brito played first and third base, recording 59 hits, 11 home runs, 49 RBIs, and a .317 batting average in 186 at-bats.

In 213 games with the Scarlet Knights, Brito became one of the most accomplished hitters in program history. The Perth Amboy, New Jersey, native became the Scarlet Knights’ all-time home run (46) and RBIs leader (200) this past spring.

[lawrence-related id=32567]

Also, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound infielder set the school single-season record with 74 RBIs in 2022 and became the 19th player in Rutgers history to reach 200 career hits (229). He is the first player in program history to record three straight seasons of ten or more home runs.

 

 

 

Rutgers Chris Brito earned MLB Draft League Hitter of the Month

Rutgers baseball Chris Brito earned the MLB Draft League Hitter of the Month for June while playing for the Trenton Thunder.

Rutgers baseball Chris Brito earned the MLB Draft League Hitter of the Month for June while playing for the Trenton Thunder. Brito and right-handed pitcher Daniel Padysak (Pitcher of the Month) from Charleston Southern University got recognized for their efforts in the first month of the season. 

Brito recorded a batting average of .367 (22-for-60) with three home runs, four doubles, and 16 RBIs in 22 games for the Thunder. He led the MLB Draft League in on-base percentage (.500) and ranked second in both slugging (.617) and OPS (1.117). His batting average, recorded hits (22), and runs scored were ranked third in the league. Also, he tied for second in total bases (37), home runs (3), and RBIs (16).

The New Jersey native from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, reached base safely in three of his first four games with the Thunder. Also, Brito logged two multi-hit performances. In his final 12 games in June, Brito had a batting average of .424 with five extra-base hits. Also, he reached base safely in 10 of his last 12 games.

[lawrence-related id=26210]

The Rutgers infielder broke the school’s home run and RBI record with 46 home runs and 200 RBIs for his career. He received All-Big Ten Second Team honors, recording a batting average of .304 with 14 home runs in 53 games this past season. For his Rutgers career, Brito batted .293 across 213 games with the Scarlet Knights.

What is the MLB Draft League?

The MLB Draft League was established in 2021 for collegiate baseball players to showcase their talents leading up to the MLB Draft. Major League Baseball created the league a few years ago to play a split-season format of 80 games. The first 30 games of the season take place from June 1 to July 4, and after the MLB Draft, play resumes for the remaining 50 games.

[lawrence-related id=26653]

 

Big Ten Baseball: Rutgers wins another conference series

Rutgers baseball (32-19, 13-8) shut out Illinois (23-24, 12-12), winning the weekend series with a 3-0 victory in the series finale.

Taking the rubber match of a home Big Ten series is big news for Rutgers baseball, especially with conference tournament time almost here.

Rutgers baseball (32-19, 13-8 Big Ten) shut out Illinois (23-24, 12-12) and won the weekend series with a 3-0 victory in the series finale on Sunday. Rutgers has now won consecutive Big Ten series as well as their last three home conference series.

The Scarlet Knights captured the series openers on Friday with a 5-4 win over the Fighting Illini. Illinois bounced back on Saturday and took game two with a 9-7 win.

[lawrence-related id=26807]

Playing at ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood, NJ, a minor league facility, the Scarlet Knights pitching staff struck out 13 batters and picked up another 12 hits to defeat the Fighting Illini.

Rutgers left-handed pitcher Justin Sinibaldi made his first appearance since April 18, pitching five shutout innings, recording four hits, seven strikeouts, and four walks. Sinibaldi’s seven strikeouts tied a career-high.

Rutgers’ Jake Marshall relieved Sinibaldi, providing three scoreless innings. In the top of the ninth, Rutgers closer Ben Gorski shut out the Fighting Illini securing his eighth save of the season.

In the bottom of the third inning, Rutgers Ryan Lasko and Chris Brito singled to lead off the inning. With Lasko and Brito advancing to second and third by a wild pitch, Evan Sleight drove in Lasko with an RBI groundout, and Hugh Pinkney singled in Brito to give Rutgers a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Scarlet Knights picked up an insurance run with Brito’s solo home run to dead center filed, making the score 3-0.

[lawrence-related id=26741]

[mm-video type=video id=01h09ekgqk32mxb5hgqk playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01h09ekgqk32mxb5hgqk/01h09ekgqk32mxb5hgqk-487723c9bcac7645f0f72ab83f8a98a6.jpg]

Rutgers baseball: Jordan Sweeney is heating up at the plate

Jordan Sweeney has been performing well for Rutgers baseball this year.

With the Big Ten tournament only weeks away, Rutgers baseball has found its groove offensively. They have won five straight and scored 46 runs in that span. While they are getting contributions from everyone in the lineup, Jordan Sweeney is taking his game to another level.

In his last five games, the New Jersey native has driven in seven runs and added two multi-hit games to his resume. As the Scarlet Knights have improved their playoff positioning, Sweeney has come through with runners in scoring position. That has added depth to a lineup that is full of talent.

Due to his recent play, Sweeney has 39 RBI this season. That is the third most on the team, trailing only Ryan Lasko and Chris Brito. Since the calendar flipped to April, the Egg Harbor Township High School product has two games with at least four RBI. Regardless of the opponent, he has come through for this Rutgers team.

Although Sweeney is only hitting .266 this season, his bat is coming alive at the perfect time. Last weekend against Penn State, the offense showed how dangerous it could be with everyone chipping in. That will be key when tournament play begins.

With their talented infielder at his best, the Scarlet Knights have moved into third place in the Big Ten standings. As they look to continue their rise, Sweeney will be the center of their success with, wins at a premium.

 

Chris Brito made Rutgers baseball history against Penn State

Chris Brito had a big weekend for Rutgers baseball.

Over the last five years, Chris Brito has provided Rutgers fans with a long list of unforgettable moments. The New Jersey native has become a staple in the infield and is having a great senior season. Over the weekend against Penn State, he rewrote the program’s history books with one historic swing.

On Sunday, Brito stepped into the batters with Rutgers holding a 6-2 lead against Penn State. A few pitches later, Rutgers had a 7-2 lead thanks to Brito’s 11th home run of the season. However, as Brito rounded the bases, he had done more than give Rutgers another insurance run.

The home run was the 43 of Brito’s career, a new program record. Prior to that swing, Todd Frazier had the most home runs in Rutgers history. After the Perth Amboy High School product touched home, he was met with high fives from his teammates as they recognized his special achievement.

While the Scarlet Knights are focused on making a deep Big Ten tournament run, Sunday provided a reminder of how much Brito has meant to this program. Since making his Rutgers debut in 2019, Brito has been a constant source of offense and compiled some impressive accolades.

In 2002, Brito set the program record for most RBI in a season with 74. He was named to the 2022 Big Ten All-Tournament Team and 2022 All-Big Ten Third Team. Now he is etched in the Rutgers history books forever.

[lawrence-related id=26695]

Although Brito still has a few games left to add a few more home runs to his record total, Sunday provided Brito with the opportunity to take in what he has accomplished.

[lawrence-related id=26691,26689]

[mm-video type=video id=01h00x0tfa7q3ffvyc0y playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01h00x0tfa7q3ffvyc0y/01h00x0tfa7q3ffvyc0y-e6e5ecc68bc052bffd08b0f75a4a0e59.jpg]

Rutgers sweeps Penn State in convincing fashion

Rutgers baseball swept Penn State over the weekend.

With the regular season winding down, Rutgers swept Penn State in dominating fashion this past weekend. The Scarlet Knights welcomed the Nittany Lions to Piscataway and outscored them 26-3 in three games. As Rutgers improved to 11-7 in Big Ten play, there were plenty of memorable moments.

On Friday, Rutgers started the series with an 8-1 win which included a grand slam from Chris Brito. Penn State could not stop Rutgers offense as four players, including Andy Axelson, Ryan Lasko, Cameron Love, and Brito, had multiple hits. It was only the start of a big weekend for the Scarlet Knights offense.

Their success continued on Saturday with a 10-0 win. Evan Sleight and Trevor Cohen combined to drive in four runs, and every starter except for Cameron Love had a hit. Rutgers continued to get dominating pitching as Drew Conover and Grant Besser struck out 12 Penn State batters while not allowing a run.

In the series finale, the Scarlet Knights did not hold back on their way to an 8-2 win. Cameron Love drove in two runs, and Rutgers got on the board early with five runs in the first inning. Chris Brito also continued to swing a hot bat with his second home run of the series. Over the weekend, the Scarlet Knights scored 11 runs in the first inning.

Due to their success, the Scarlet Knights are now the third-best team in the Big Ten. With the regular season winding down, conference wins are at a premium, with every team looking to improve their postseason positioning. After taking care of business convincingly, the Scarlet Knights will shift their focus to their series against Illinois, which starts on Friday.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

[lawrence-related id=26634,26637]

[mm-video type=video id=01gz4q9npy742zh8jg98 playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gz4q9npy742zh8jg98/01gz4q9npy742zh8jg98-c8d3933225143d08fc943e8f4fc290d0.jpg]

Rutgers baseball: Chris Brito has caught fire at the plate

Chris Brito is trending in the right direction for Rutgers baseball.

Over the last few weeks, Rutgers baseball has been a winning machine. The Scarlet Knights have won six straight games and improved to 25-16 overall and 7-5 in the Big Ten. During that stretch, Chris Britio has come alive at the plate and provided a spark to Rutgers offense.

During Rutgers’s winning streak and rise up the Big Ten standings, Brito has hit five doubles and two home runs. He has also been one of the Scarlet Knights’s best run producers, with nine runs batted in over that stretch. In his senior season, Brito is finishing his college career on a high note after a slow start to the season.

Through 41 games, Brito is hitting .276 with 36 runs batted in. While those are solid numbers, in 56 games last year, the New Jersey native hit 16 home runs and drove in 74. However, with tournament play approaching, Brito has found his power stroke at the perfect time.

Additionally, the Perth Amboy High School product is proving to be a difficult matchup due to his ability to get on base. Over the last two weeks, Brito has four multi-hit games. His average has been on the rise, and the Scarlet Knights have been playing their best baseball of the season.

Brito will be a player to watch as the regular season winds down. He ranks third on the Scarlet Knights in doubles and second in runs batted in. For Rutgers to make a deep run in the Big Ten tournament, they will need Brito to keep up his recent play. As Rutgers has shown over the past week, this team is hard to beat when Brito is locked in at the plate.

[lawrence-related id=26246,26241]

[mm-video type=video id=01gz01cbyw4846pc5yms playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gz01cbyw4846pc5yms/01gz01cbyw4846pc5yms-8bd0cc9b8b344fbb022bd26f1bd093d5.jpg]

 

Rutgers baseball: Chris Brito has caught fire at the plate

Chris Brito is trending in the right direction for Rutgers baseball.

Over the last few weeks, Rutgers baseball has been a winning machine. The Scarlet Knights have won six straight games and improved to 25-16 overall and 7-5 in the Big Ten. During that stretch, Chris Britio has come alive at the plate and provided a spark to Rutgers offense.

During Rutgers’s winning streak and rise up the Big Ten standings, Brito has hit five doubles and two home runs. He has also been one of the Scarlet Knights’s best run producers, with nine runs batted in over that stretch. In his senior season, Brito is finishing his college career on a high note after a slow start to the season.

Through 41 games, Brito is hitting .276 with 36 runs batted in. While those are solid numbers, in 56 games last year, the New Jersey native hit 16 home runs and drove in 74. However, with tournament play approaching, Brito has found his power stroke at the perfect time.

Additionally, the Perth Amboy High School product is proving to be a difficult matchup due to his ability to get on base. Over the last two weeks, Brito has four multi-hit games. His average has been on the rise, and the Scarlet Knights have been playing their best baseball of the season.

Brito will be a player to watch as the regular season winds down. He ranks third on the Scarlet Knights in doubles and second in runs batted in. For Rutgers to make a deep run in the Big Ten tournament, they will need Brito to keep up his recent play. As Rutgers has shown over the past week, this team is hard to beat when Brito is locked in at the plate.

[lawrence-related id=26246,26241]

[mm-video type=video id=01gz01cbyw4846pc5yms playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gz01cbyw4846pc5yms/01gz01cbyw4846pc5yms-8bd0cc9b8b344fbb022bd26f1bd093d5.jpg]

 

Sweep it: Rutgers baseball takes all three over Big Ten rival Northwestern

Rutgers baseball (24-16, 7-5) swept the Northwestern Wildcats (6-28, 3-9) over the weekend, outscoring the Wildcats 23 to 9 in the series.

Rutgers baseball (24-16, 7-5) swept the Northwestern Wildcats (6-28, 3-9) over the weekend, outscoring the Wildcats 23 to 9 in the series. On Friday, the Scarlet Knights kicked off their three-game series at Rocky Miller Park in Evanston, Illinois, defeating the Wildcats 7-1 in game one. On Saturday, Rutgers clinched their series win, defeating Northwestern 11-7 in game two. The Scarlet Knights completed the sweep on Sunday, defeating the Wildcats 5-1 in the series finale.

Game 1

On Friday, Rutgers right-handed pitcher Christian Coppola (3-3) picked up his third win. Coppola pitched six innings, letting up one earned run, five hits, and two walks. He struck out six Wildcats in his six innings of work. Rutgers redshirt sophomore Sam Portnoy relieved Coppola, pitching three scoreless innings.

The Scarlet Knights had 12 hits in game one, with third baseman Chris Brito leading the way. Brito had five at-bats, producing four hits and four RBIs. He had two home runs (Top 5th & Top 8th) and one double (Top 1st), sealing the victory for the Scarlet Knights.

Game 2

Rutgers continue their hot streak at the plate, producing 11 runs in game two. Brito picked up where he left off in game one, recording three hits, two RBIs, and three runs. Brito had three doubles and one walk, leaving one base runner on base in five at-bats.

[lawrence-related id=25612]

Along with Brito, left-fielder Evan Sleight had an excellent day at the plate, producing three RBIs. Sleight had one double (1 RBI) and one homerun (2 RBIs) in Saturday’s victory.

The Scarlet Knights’ right-handed pitcher Grant Besser (2-3) picked up his second win of the season. Besser pitched five innings, letting up one earned run, three hits, and two walks. Also, Besser struck out three Wildcats, locking down the victory for Rutgers.

Game 3

On Sunday, Rutgers completed their series finale against the Wildcats with a 5-1 victory. Rutgers right-handed pitcher Drew Conover had a dominant performance, pitching seven strong innings. Conover let up four hits, one earned run, and three walks, striking out nine batters through seven innings.

Outfielder Ryan Lasko provided a triple in the first inning, leading to the Scarlet Knights’ early lead. Lasko also contributed to Rutgers’ victory with a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning. Sophomore Josh Kuroda-Grauer recorded two RBIs on a single in the top of the fourth inning.

The Scarlet Knights are now sixth in the Big Ten Conference standings after the three victories over the Wildcats.

[lawrence-related id=25990]

[mm-video type=video id=01gykyjbn8e862af7z22 playlist_id=none player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gykyjbn8e862af7z22/01gykyjbn8e862af7z22-092946d1640f3eafe3a7d8f63cd5fc8f.jpg]