In 2008, the Riverside-Brookfield baseball team dropped its season opener 10-6 to Mt. Carmel en route to a 23-13 record, a Metro Suburban Conference title and RB’s first regional championship in 44 years. After the Caravan once again defeated RB 13-2 on Saturday at Sedgwick Park in LaGrange to kick-off this season, perhaps the trend might be an acceptable tradeoff if the Bulldogs respond with another run reminiscent of last year.
The Bulldogs struggled offensively against Mt. Carmel’s ace Kevin Johnson. The Illinois-bound Johnson, who went 8-2 with a 1.56 ERA last season, tossed a no-hitter through four innings. Riverside-Brookfield’s Hugh Berglind provided the main offensive highlight with a two-RBI double off a Caravan reliever to break up the shutout.
Looking ahead, the double-barreled optimism for RB this season stems from a plethora of players blessed with both talent and experience. Numbers truly told the story of success last year: A .328 team batting average, 2.29 team ERA and 6.8 runs generated per game. The team also tallied 98 stolen bases, with Scott Rysz (17), Kevin Onischuk (11) and Billy VandeMerkt (10) all registering double figures in steals.
The Bulldogs welcome back their entire starting infield in first baseman Joe Ruge (.440 batting average, 40 RBIs), second baseman Onischuk (.333, .440 on base percentage), shortstop Dave Lutz (.342), and third baseman John Hearlston (.343, 24 RBIs). The 6-foot-4 Ruge, who was the 2008 Metro Suburban Conference MVP, has signed with the University of St. Francis.
“All those guys contributed for us last season,” said RB coach Mike Ziroli. “Having our whole infield back is a bonus.”
The speedy Rysz, who led the Bulldogs in runs (37) and at-bats (103) last year, anchors the outfield in center, flanked by Jesse Favela in left field and Dan Gates in right field. Billy VandeMerkt, RB’s starting quarterback on the football team and a starting guard on the basketball team, will also play extensively in the outfield and at third base. Senior Nick Mara and junior Matt Scott will platoon at catcher.
“Five of our top six hitters are back this season,” Ziroli said. “We also have a lot of experience returning on defense.”
Most importantly the Bulldogs return three starters from a solid pitching rotation. With graduated Jon Kleinmeyer now pitching at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the right-handed Ruge (8 wins, 2.26 ERA) assumes the role of ace, followed by two talented seniors in Zak Martell (3.15 ERA) and Jack Kincanon (2.26 ERA).
Coming off an 11-4 conference record, the Bulldogs are picked to win the Metro Suburban again.