ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany baseball program continues to make its mark on the professional ranks as standout right-handed pitchers Dylan Banner and Matthew Mariano have officially transitioned to the pro game following their collegiate careers with the Great Danes.
 
Banner, the newly crowned America East Pitcher of the Year, officially signed a professional contract on July 14 with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers. Based in North Carolina, the Ghost Peppers compete in the highly competitive Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, an official Partner League of Major League Baseball that serves as both a key developmental pipeline and a testing ground for future MLB rule innovations. Banner served as the undisputed ace of the Great Danes' starting rotation during the 2026 season. In his senior campaign, the 6-foot-5 right-hander from Plainview, New York, was a dominant force on the mound, making 13 starts and throwing three complete games. He pitched his way to a 3.94 ERA over 80.0 innings in the regular season, while striking out a team-high 63 batters. Banner became the first player in program history to be named the America East Pitcher of the Year. He was also UAlbany's first major award winner since Dan Schoonmaker was named Player of the Year back in 2004.
 
Joining Banner in summer play is Mariano, who has made an immediate impact with the Williamsport Crosscutters. Based in Pennsylvania, the Crosscutters compete in the MLB Draft League, a prominent showcase run by Major League Baseball and Prep Baseball Report that features draft-eligible players and rising professionals looking to kickstart their pro careers. Mariano has transitioned beautifully to the pro game, quickly asserting himself out of the Crosscutters' bullpen with a 2-0 record and a stellar 1.42 ERA early in his tenure. Maranio has tossed 12.2 innings over five games, allowing just two earned runs on five hits with eight strikeouts and a save. Before headlining in Williamsport, the Clifton Park, New York, native was an America East First Team All-Conference selection for UAlbany. In 2026, Mariano served as the league's top relief weapon, posting a conference-best 3.41 ERA over 63.1 innings of work and striking out 41 batters as the most versatile and reliable arm in the Great Danes' bullpen.
 
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