The 2026 Class 4A Iowa High School Baseball Tournament entered its quarterfinals with a slate of tightly contested games that showcased both dominant performances and surprising upsets.
For Indianola, the highlight came when senior right-hander George Blake delivered a masterful no-hitter against Southeast Polk, striking out five batters while walking just two and guiding his team to an 8-1 victory that secured a semifinal berth.
Blake, the son of former Major League infielder Casey Blake, has been a standout pitcher this season, and his five‑strikeout effort was complemented by a timely hitting display from Zach Benge and Asher Brueck, each collecting two hits.
The Indians' offense exploded early, building a comfortable lead that allowed Blake to settle into a rhythm on the mound, while the defense behind him turned in a clean game free of errors.
Heading into the next round, Indianola will meet a formidable opponent, but the confidence from Blake’s historic outing should give the squad a psychological edge.
Other Quarterfinal Results
In a separate quarterfinal matchup, Pleasant Valley upset the defending champions Johnston, handing them a 6-4 loss; Gavin Barber was a catalyst at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three RBI to fuel the victory.
Meanwhile, top‑seeded Sioux City East survived a nail‑biter against Iowa City Liberty, edging the visitors 6-5 in a game that swung back and forth until the final inning.
Cal Jepsen contributed two hits, scored twice and drove in a run for Sioux City East, while the team’s pitching staff navigated a late rally to preserve the win.
The tournament now moves to the semifinals, where the remaining teams will battle for a spot in the state championship game, promising more high‑stakes baseball under the bright lights of Iowa’s spring sports scene.