Berlin Alumnus Makes Eastern League All-Star Squad

Hartford, CT - A former Berlin High School baseball standout is on his way to the Eastern League All-Star Game.

Matt Carasiti, a 2009 graduate of Berlin when the Redcoats were Class L runnersup, is one of five Hartford Yard Goats who will be participating in the Double-A league's midsummer classic July 13 in Akron, Ohio.

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Just shy of his 25th birthday, Carasiti, a righthanded relief pitcher, is enjoying an outstanding season as Hartford's closer, saving 25 games with a 2.34 earned-run average heading into the break.

Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 36th round following his senior year at Berlin, Carasiti did not sign, but opted to attend St. John's University. In June 2012, he was selected in the sixth round by the Colorado Rockies, and began his professional career.

Initially a starter, Carasiti struggled through his first two two minor league seasons, posting a combined 5-14 record with a 6.43 ERA. Converted to a reliever in 2014 with Asheville of the Single-A South Atlantic League, he improved dramatically, recording a 3.08 ERA in 46 appearances.

He was made the closer at Modesto in the California League last season, notching 22 saves to go with a 3.02 ERA. Promoted to Double-A Hartford this spring, he has continued his steady development to earn his All-Star berth.

Despite their nomadic existence this season, Carasiti and four Hartford teammates made the All-Star Game: pitcher German Marquez, infielder Pat Valaika and outfielders Raimel Tapia and Dillon Thomas.

Photo courtesy of Hartford Yard Goats