After years of making a household name for himself as a dominant left-handed starter at Austin Prep, Evan Blanco is developing into one of the most highly visible relievers in college baseball.
Over the course of the 2023 season, the Woburn, Mass., native has become a staple out of head coach Brian O'Connor's bullpen at the University of Virginia. Blanco has helped the Cavaliers reach the NCAA D1 Super Regionals, where they will take on Duke this weekend. Virginia is making its eighth super regional appearance and is going for its sixth trip to the College World Series.
"Playing in front of the crowds we have has been awesome and exciting," Blanco said. "It's what you work so hard for, and it's great to be able to contribute to the success we have been having."
During his time at Austin Prep, Blanco dominated as a starter, overwhelming opponents with a fastball that settled in the low-90s from a high, three-quarter arm slot and sharp slider. His senior year, he took home Boston Globe Player of the Year honors, Boston Herald All-Scholastic, and Max Preps Massachusetts Player of the Year. He allowed a single run all season while leading Austin Prep to an undefeated season and a state championship.
