Senior pitcher Ronnie Murray and many returning Riverside Brookfield High School varsity baseball players remember their success last season, especially in the earlier portion. The Bulldogs are committed to maintaining that.
“The energy we started with, we’re starting with that energy this year,” Murray said. “We started (2025) great and then toward the end, I don’t know what happened but we didn’t end obviously the way we wanted, but it was still a great season. We have a good group and I’m excited.”
Returning seniors Damian Noa and Aidan Polich earned 2025 All-Upstate Eight Conference East Division honors. Senior Eli Costello and Murray also are returning starters. Seniors Marco Villardito and Connor Dominick, an individual state golf qualifier, played in 20 and 19 games.
Other team members are seniors Andres Baez, Ben Biskupic, Tommy Bogdan, Michael Kallas and Josiah Navarro, juniors Nicholas Baca, Nick Caputo, Benjamin Hoffman, Anthony Lembcke, Dominic Martinez, Joey Muganini, Braeden Novak and Augustin Smith and four sophomores — William Darrah, William Harbeck, Jack MacLennan and Paul Ragosta.
In 2025, the Bulldogs (2-2) were 19-14 after a 15-5 start and in their UEC East debut finished second to Glenbard East at 11-5. They lost to Oak Lawn 4-1 in the Class 4A regional semifinals.
“This is a completely different team with a completely different story. We continue to work on the little things like bunting, base running, bunt defense,” RBHS coach Mark Ori said. “Last year, we had some great senior leaders that our current seniors mentored under. This has allowed them to take ownership of the team by setting expectations this offseason. Many of them have taken big strides in this area.”
Primarily a third baseman, Noa had a .277 batting average last season with one home run and 20 runs batted in. As a starting pitcher, he was 2-3 with one save, a 1.83 earned-run average and 31 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. Pitcher Polich was 5-2 with a 2.20 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 35 innings. First baseman Costello hit .295 with 22 RBIs. Pitcher Murray was 3-3 with a 2.60 ERA and led the staff with 46 strikeouts and 40.1 innings.
“We already have a great, tight-knit group. We communicate well with each other,” Noa said.
“(Last season) helped me more with confidence. I know I can go out there and do stuff. I can excel in certain parts of the game and take things to my advantage.”
Ori said the three returning starting pitchers and versatility are among the team strengths.
“We have a handful of players that can play multiple positions. The first two weeks prior to conference will be used to move players around so we can get a look and a number of different combinations.”
Riverside-Brookfield’s Marco Villardito (10) makes contact against Argo during a nonconference game Monday, March 23, 2026 in Summit, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s second baseman Paul Ragosta (18) makes a throw to fist against Argo during a nonconference game Monday, March 23, 2026 in Summit, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s coach Mark Ori congratulates Elias Costello (23) as he comes around third base after hitting a 2-run home against Argo during a nonconference game Monday, March 23, 2026 in Summit, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Nicholas Baca (20) pulls the ball down the first base line against Argo during a nonconference game Monday, March 23, 2026 in Summit, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark)
The Bulldogs are going after the UEC East title and their first regional title since 2021.
“In order to do so, we need to compete on the mound, make routine plays and play small ball offensively,” Ori said. “Keys to our success will be focus on what we can control to stay committed to our game plan as a team. If everyone plays their part, we will have a large amount of success.”
The Bulldogs beat Argo 21-1 in five innings, Monday, as Costello homered and Novak, Noa and Baez doubled. Murray was the winning pitcher. They beat Whitney Young 4-2 in eight innings, Friday, after both teams scored once in the seventh. Caputo was 2 for 5 with a triple and Harbeck was the winning pitcher in relief.
The Bulldogs lost at Plainfield Central 11-0 in five innings, Saturday, and 9-0 to Lincoln-Way West in the March 19 opener.