RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe week of July 19-25 saw the 2026 IHSAA state baseball tournament take place.
The Classes 4A and 3A tournaments took place in Cedar Rapids, and the 1A and 2A tournaments were held in Carroll. Indianola won its first-ever state title in 4A, Davenport Assumption placed first in 3A, Pleasantville repeated as champion in 2A and Newman Catholic won the eighth state championship in program history in 1A.
There were several standout performances from high school baseball players from the Des Moines metro area during the state tournaments.
Here are the Des Moines Register's male Athlete of the Week candidates from the Des Moines metro area for the week of July 19-25. DesMoinesRegister.com readers vote to determine the winners, who will be announced at the end of the week.
George Blake, Indianola
Blake fired a no-hitter during Indianola's 8-1 4A state baseball quarterfinal win over Southeast Polk on July 22 at Cedar Rapids.
Blake gave up one earned run and finished with five strikeouts and two walks in seven innings as the victorious pitcher. He also went 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs during a 9-6 victory over Pleasant Valley in the state championship game on July 24.
Ryan Stedman, Valley
Stedman pitched the West Des Moines Valley baseball team to a 2-1 victory over Waukee in the 4A state baseball quarterfinals on July 22 at Cedar Rapids.
He gave up one run on just two hits and he struck out nine batters against only two walks going the full seven innings. He also doubled and drove in a run at the plate for the Tigers.
Easton Ingle, North Polk
Ingle had a strong game swinging the bat for North Polk during its 7-6 3A state quarterfinal win over Western Dubuque in 10 innings on July 21 at Cedar Rapids.
He finished the game 3-for-6 at the plate and drove in four runs for the Comets.
Tyson Fincham, Ankeny Christian
Fincham had a solid offensive showing in defeat for the Ankeny Christian Academy during its 9-4 1A state quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Newman Catholic on July 20 at Merchants Park in Carroll.
He went 1-for-3 with a triple. He scored a run and had one RBI.
Max Mincks, Johnston
Mincks gave a gutsy effort for Johnston during its 6-4 loss to Pleasant Valley in the 4A state baseball quarterfinals on July 21 at Cedar Rapids.
He went 2-for-3 with a walk, run and two RBIs. He also gave up three runs on 10 hits with three strikeouts and one walk in five innings of work on the mound.
Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman
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