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George Blake’s dominant outing put Indianola into the Class 4A state semifinals in Cedar Rapids, while a handful of other upsets and standout pitching performances reshaped the bracket heading into the final rounds. Wednesday’s results clarified several title paths and leave fans watching for pitching matchups and potential surprises as the state tournament progresses.
Blake’s no-hitter powers Indianola
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Indianola moved on after a commanding 8-1 win over Southeast Polk, highlighted by a complete-game **no-hitter** from junior right-hander George Blake. Blake fanned five, issued two walks and surrendered the lone run in the seventh inning, then helped his own cause offensively with a run scored and an RBI.
The Rams got support across the lineup: Zach Benge and Asher Brueck each collected two hits, and Brody Merema drove in two runs to build a comfortable margin.
Southeast Polk’s only score came from Reid Thompson, while starter Alex Williams recorded five strikeouts in the loss.
Quarterfinal and semifinal highlights
Pleasant Valley handed former champion Johnston a 6-4 knockout in the Class 4A quarterfinals. Gavin Barber produced a perfect night at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three RBIs; Finnley Martinolich and Dawson Bales added two hits apiece. Lincoln Dalton paced the pitching effort with more than five innings and nine strikeouts for the Spartans, while Johnston’s offense featured a two-RBI day from Max Mincks.
Top-seeded Sioux City East survived a late rally from Iowa City Liberty, escaping 6-5 after the Lightning scored twice in the seventh. East’s offense was led by Cal Jepsen, who had two hits, two runs and an RBI. Relievers Kal Chamberlain and Bohdy Colling combined to strike out 12 batters.
In another 4A matchup, West Des Moines Valley advanced with a 2-1 victory over Waukee. Incoming Iowa Hawkeye signee Ryan Stedman struck out nine and allowed just two hits. Trent Grevengoed accounted for both Valley runs with two hits and two scores; Colton Roemmich provided an RBI as well. Waukee’s offense was limited, though Brayden Moore drove in a run and notched three strikeouts on the mound.
Class 3A final set: Wahlert Catholic vs. Davenport Assumption
The Class 3A championship pairing is set after Dubuque Wahlert Catholic beat North Polk 3-2 and Davenport Assumption topped MOC-Floyd Valley 5-1.
Wahlert’s attack was paced by Noah Krapfl, who finished with three hits and an RBI. Brody Schumacher crossed the plate twice, and pitcher Quinn Flanagan improved to 10-0 with a four-hit, nine-strikeout outing.
Davenport Assumption advanced behind a combined **no-hitter** from Greyson Ballinger and Bailey Alvarez, who struck out seven between them. Easton Jansen, Eli Egger and Bently Caudill each registered two hits in the win.
Class 1A final: Moravia vs. Mason City Newman Catholic
It will be a classic David-versus-Goliath matchup in Class 1A as newcomer Moravia faces perennial contender Mason City Newman Catholic for the title.
Moravia continued its surprising run with a 5-2 semifinal victory over North Linn. Pitchers Carson Seals and Blake Ewing combined for 10 strikeouts, and Ewing closed the game with two hitless innings.
Newman Catholic advanced in a high-scoring 10-6 win over South Winneshiek, erupting for six runs in the fifth and three more in the seventh. Daniel Olsen drove in two runs, and three different Wildcats scored twice. South Winneshiek received a three-hit performance from Bennett Smith, who also had two RBIs.
Wednesday’s results at a glance
- Class 4A Quarterfinals: Indianola 8, Southeast Polk 1; West Des Moines Valley 2, Waukee 1
- Class 3A Semifinals: Dubuque Wahlert Catholic 3, North Polk 2; Davenport Assumption 5, MOC-Floyd Valley 1
- Class 1A Semifinals: Moravia 5, North Linn 2; Mason City Newman Catholic 10, South Winneshiek 6
The advancing teams now prepare for the semifinal and final rounds in Cedar Rapids, where pitching depth and timely hitting will likely decide the state champions. Expect managers to rely on their best arms and look for matchups that could determine who peaks at the right moment.
