A season of milestones
Nazareth Academy’s baseball squad captured its tenth sectional championship in the past fifteen seasons, earning a berth in the Class 3A Super-Sectional. The achievement underscored the program’s sustained excellence and set the stage for a highly anticipated championship game.
The Super-Sectional matchup pitted the Roadrunners against St. Rita, where a 2-0 final score favored the visitors. St. Rita’s pitcher Will Rewers delivered a complete-game performance, striking out ten batters while allowing no runs.
Connor McKay starred on the mound for Nazareth, fanning ten batters in the sectional win over De La Salle. Jimmy O'Connor limited St. Rita to just two hits over the first four innings, recording three strikeouts and four walks before being relieved.
Landon Thome, named the Gatorade Illinois Player of the Year, anchored the offense and helped the team start four sophomores and a freshman in the championship game. His consistent hitting and clutch performances highlighted the team’s depth.
Coach Lee Milano praised the squad’s resilience, noting that seniors Landon Thome and Kam Alikhan were the only holdovers from the 2023 title-winning lineup. Milano emphasized the team’s chemistry and the bright future of its young core.
McKay will continue his career at Northern Illinois and earned a spot on the All-East Suburban Catholic Conference team. Thome was also recognized as the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year, capping a standout individual season.
The roster’s breadth extended beyond the headline names, with contributions from Todd Dulaney Jr., Gavin Hartigan, Julio Gutierrez, Ryan Jones, Eddie Donnelly, Christian Drye, Bobby Labuda, Nick Petrecca, Marco Fiore and Jaden Fauske. Their collective effort illustrated a promising foundation for upcoming seasons.