K.J. Pilcher

Class 2A fifth-ranked Dyersville Beckman jumped to an early lead, but 3A No. 5 Cedar Rapids Xavier battled back to force extra innings. The Blazers plated a run in the ninth for an 8-7 victory.

For the second straight season, Decorah’s Keenan Tyler has produced a dominant season at the plate. He stayed perched atop Class 3A with a .571 average before Wednesday’s home game.

Iowa City High and Cedar Rapids Prairie combined to go 10-0 last week and each moved up four spots in the latest Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 4A rankings.

The Gazette takes a look at some of the area Iowa high school baseball results from last week and upcoming games of interest this week.

Cedar Rapids Prairie junior Maddux Frese has assumed the leadoff role this season. He has been called on to set the table for teammates to feast. Frese reached base seven straight times in a sweep over Cedar Rapids Jefferson.

Clear Creek Amana senior Ben Swails’ plans for a breakthrough baseball season a year ago were thwarted by a freak injury. He is healthy and ranks among the state’s best players in Class 3A this season.

In this week’s baseball notebook: Why “Wounded Wolves” has been a fitting moniker for Marion, Independence’s impressive wins and who leads the state in hit by pitches.

The IHSAA Board of Control approved a three-year agreement with Xtream Arena in Coralville to host the state duals wrestling tournament.

Cascade has won four straight games, including three against Class 2A teams that have been ranked by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. The Cougars are 10-2 and No. 3 in this week’s Class 2A poll.

The Gazette takes a look at some of the area Iowa high school baseball results from last week and upcoming games of interest this week.

Six baseball communities came together for the annual Fight with Flash Foundation Crosstown Classic, featuring three high school contests and a youth tournament in a daylong charity event.

Cascade received a solid outing from sophomore D.J. Soper and scored four runs in the first inning for a 6-3 victory over rival Dyersville Beckman.

North Linn’s Cael Bridgewater has made his impact as an all-state football player and two-time state medalist in wrestling. He also ranks among the state leaders in stolen bases in baseball this summer. His competitive edge was honed at an early age.

In this week’s high school baseball notes: A tribute for late Benton Community Coach Derek Anderson will be held before the Bobcats’ junior varsity and varsity doubleheader Friday. Benton will officially dedicate the baseball facility Manship Field at Anderson Ballpark.

Western Dubuque is 14-1 and has steadily climbed to its highest spot in the third installment of the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association rankings.