After years of waiting, Indianola has finally done it.
In the program’s fifth-ever trip to the Iowa high school baseball state tournament and its first-ever state championship game, Indianola claimed the program’s first state championship with a 9-6 win over Pleasant Valley on Friday, July 24.
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“This means everything,” said Indianola senior Zach Benge. “A lot of people sleep on the Indy boys, but we are here to play. We are here to compete.”
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Now, the 2026 Indianola baseball team is cemented as the best team in school history, surpassing the historic 1969 team. But it took some time, unity, and understanding about what the next steps were to reach their goal.
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The Indianola Indians hoist the championship trophy after defeating the Pleasant Valley Spartans 9-6 July 24, 2026 in the Class 4A Iowa state baseball final at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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The Indianola Indians hoist the championship trophy after defeating the Pleasant Valley Spartans 9-6 July 24, 2026 in the Class 4A Iowa state baseball final at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Zach Benge (13), far right, celebrates with his teammates July 24, 2026 after the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Pleasant Valley Spartans at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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The Indianola Indians celebrate after defeating the Pleasant Valley Spartans 9-6 July 24, 2026 in the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s George Blake (1) leaps onto the top of the dog pile as the Indians celebrate July 24, 2026 after the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Pleasant Valley Spartans at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Evan Barr (2) and Jackson O’Melia (5) react after losing to the Indianola Indians July 24, 2026 in the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Nolan Chesnutt (16) hugs Will Frederiksen (20) after the Spartans lost to the Indianola Indians July 24, 2026 in the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Zach Benge (13) hugs Bo Blake (4) July 24, 2026 after the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Jackson O’Melia (5) holds the state runner-up trophy July 24, 2026 after the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Jackson Foust (17) pitches July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Pleasant Valley Spartans at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Lance Dodson (15) warms up July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Indianola Indians at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Lance Dodson (15) pitches against the Indianola Indians July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Colby Rockhold (7) dives back into first base as Pleasant Valley’s Lincoln Dalton (11) defends July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Zach Benge (13) warms up on deck July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Pleasant Valley Spartans at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Lance Dodson (15) throws the ball to first base July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Indianola Indians at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s George Blake (1) celebrates as he comes home to score against the Pleasant Valley Spartans July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Colby Rockhold (7) chest bumps Colby Rockhold (7) after both scored July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Pleasant Valley Spartans at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Dawson Bales (18) reacts after hitting a home run against the Indianola Indians July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Dawson Bales (18) touches home plate after hitting a homerun against the Indianola Indians July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Dawson Bales (18), left, jumps up to meet Eli Mumey (22) as the team celebrates Bales’ homerun July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Jackson O’Melia (5) celebrates a hit against the Indianola Indians July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Mason Mcfate (6) runs to home plate July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Indianola Indians at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Daxton Heimbaugh (11) slides into second base under the throw to Pleasant Valley’s Mason Mcfate (6) July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Lincoln Dalton (11) turns toward first base with the ball July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Jameson Andresen (34) pitches against the Pleasant Valley Spartans July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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The ball bounces off of Indianola’s Dallas Harlan’s (3) glove July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Dallas Harlan (3) high-fives a coach after reaching first base July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Mason Mcfate (6) throws the ball to first base July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Zach Benge (13) catches a fly ball in foul territory July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Jackson Foust (17) high fives teammates after a pitching change was made July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Gavin Barber (7) runs to home plate July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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The Indianola Indians huddle on the mound July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Jacob Orey (27) celebrates after getting a third out in the 6th Inning July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Joey Crabb (9) hugs Jacob Orey (27) as he walks off the field July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s George Blake (1) and Bo Blake (4) take warm up swings July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Zach Benge (13) celebrates his homerun with Asher Brueck (5) July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Zach Benge (13) reacts after hitting a homerun against the Pleasant Valley Spartans July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s Jacob Orey (27) prepares to pitch July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley players cheer on their team July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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The Indianola Indians celebrate with the state championship trophy July 24, 2026 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Pleasant Valley’s Lincoln Dalton (11) warms up on deck July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Indianola Indians at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola’s George Blake (1) high-fives Dallas Harlan (3) July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
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(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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An umpire talks to a Pleasant Valley coach July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
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Indianola fans cheer July 24, 2026 during the Class 4A Iowa state baseball championship against the Pleasant Valley Spartans at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
(Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen)
“I had a conversation with (former MLB star and Indianola native) Casey Blake about three years ago,” said Indianola coach Nathan Carlin. “I was the head coach at Bondurant-Ferrer at the time and (Casey) just said, ‘I want you to be our next head coach,’ and we just kind of bought into each other. His kids, his nephews, bought into me. The entire team, the entire community bought into what we were trying to do.”
After last season’s substate final loss to Iowa City West, there was immediate conversation matched with hunger to get better, to learn from that loss.
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“We took our lumps three years ago with a young team; last year we put it together. We had a really nice team, but we learned there was another level that to be a champion,” Carlin said. “That just motivated us for the next 365 days. We had a picture of City High holding the 4A state trophy in my classroom and in our dugout for the last year, and every day the kids walked by and looked at it and just knew they had to put in a little more.”
After Thursday night’s state semifinal win over Valley, Carlin said he wanted to keep things as normal as possible in preparation for the state title game.
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“We’re going to eat a good dinner, let them sleep a little bit, have a good breakfast, and then go lift,” Carlin said. “Some of our staff will stay, get a good scouting report done, and then we’ll go ahead and go through the same routine that we’ve done for every game.”
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But what Carlin forgot to mention was his team would get a chance to take a tour of Carver-Hawkeye Arena and shoot some hoops – that’s how they finished their preparation before arriving at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
The Indianola Indians hoist the championship trophy after defeating the Pleasant Valley Spartans 9-6 July 24, 2026 in the Class 4A Iowa state baseball final at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
And it turned out the pregame shootaround worked well and Indianola rushed out to a 5-0 lead after the first two innings.
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But slowly Pleasant Valley began to make noise. Dawson Bales blasted a solo home run in the top of the third, and it ignited the Spartans. Mason McCaw singled to bring in Jackson O’Melia, and it was suddenly 5-2.
But Indianola answered right back. Brody Merema doubled to bring in two runs in the bottom of the third, and a wild pitch scored Dallas Harlan. Things looked stable again for the No. 2 seed in the tournament.
But in the top of the sixth, the Spartans put pressure on Indianola pitcher Jackson Foust, ending his outing after 5 ⅔ innings and 79 pitches. Gavin Barber singled to bring in a run, then on a deep hit to right field, Bales came through again with a bases-clearing, three-RBI double. Pleasant Valley has all the momentum and was only down two runs, 8-6.
Indianola used three pitchers in the sixth, from Foust to Joey Crabb, who went just six pitches, and then finally Jacob Orey, who got Indianola out of the sixth-inning jam. Pleasant Valley left two on after Orey struck out Evan Barr, but with an inning left, the game was far from over.
”We were trying to stay after it, win every pitch,” said Pleasant Valley coach Derek Stecklein. “At that point, don’t worry about what happened earlier in the game, and focus on where we were and focus on every pitch.”
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Indianola added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth as Benge added to his three-RBI day, sending out a home run to the left field patio seats.
“I was so excited, got the barrel extended, and I didn’t even feel it off the bat,” he added.
That final run was all Indianola needed to secure its first state title. While the 27 players on the roster are thrilled with their accomplishment, they’re even more excited to finally bring a state title back to the nearly 17,000 people who reside just south of Des Moines.
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“Indianola is a type of town where you get sucked in, and you don’t want to leave because it’s such a tight-knit community that has each other’s backs and is so supportive of you, and a baseball town,” Carlin said.
Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Chase Daniel (4) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Former NFL passer Chase Daniel is now working as an analyst.
The long-time journeyman will be as qualified as essentially anyone to comment on the intricacies of the position. After all, Daniel soaked up a ton of coaching across the NFL, a workplace where he operated from 2009-2022. Better yet, Daniel worked alongside some of the great passers in recent NFL history. Very few know more about the position than him.
Nov 20, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley (center) talks with quarterback Justin Herbert (10) and quarterback Chase Daniel (4) in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Nobody thinks he was as talented as Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, or Patrick Mahomes. He nevertheless had an ability to stick around as a passer as somebody with more NFL addresses than a cat has lives.
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This is the kind of throw that reminds you why the Vikings possibly believe JJ McCarthy could be their franchise QB.
The impressive part…..He’s making NFL-caliber throws like this despite mechanics that still need work. #skolpic.twitter.com/kDwyJyVNxU
In particular, note the placement of the ball, something that Daniel discusses. To my eye, McCarthy could have done a hair better by putting the ball slightly closer to the middle of the field, but that’s a very minor quibble. The kid did a great job on that one.
As the former NFL passer indicates, the form still wasn’t perfect. Chase Daniel notes the leg kicking up, robbing the young fella of the power he could generate. How much more accurate could McCarthy be with his feet underneath him?
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.
The Vikings’ young fellas arrive at TCO Performance Center today. The nine-person draft class will be joined by a pile of undrafted players. In a couple of days, the rest of the team will arrive, meaning Vikings football really gets cooking on July 28th.
J.J. McCarthy, 23, is considered an underdog to remain as the QB1.
Tim Tszyu defeated Errol Spence Jr in Sydney, Australia, this weekend, prompting the American to announce his retirement from boxing.
Spence ended three years of inactivity to return at middleweight, but looked a shadow of his former self as he bravely lasted the full 12 rounds in a wide unanimous decision defeat.
Tszyu gradually took control, using his size and steady pressure to wear Spence down over the course of the contest. After the fight, the 36-year-old from Dallas, Texas, confirmed his retirement, thanking fans and saying he felt fortunate to leave the sport with his “faculties intact”.
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“I’ve got my faculties intact. My money is good at working for itself. Everything’s good, man.
“I’ve got a beautiful family, and I thank God I’m gracious to leave this sport with my faculties intact and my family still by my side.”
Speaking after the fight, Tszyu revealed he took the opportunity to ask the “legend” Spence for some advice before the pair went their separate ways.
“Yeah, I spoke to him. Look, he’s a legend of the game. I actually asked him what’s one tip that you would give? He goes, ‘stay patient, when you’re not rushing in, you’re very dangerous. When you wait, you’re a very good counter puncher, and you’ve got very fast hands, very reactive.’”
Tszyu confirmed he now intends to remain at middleweight after feeling the benefits of competing without a gruelling cut to 154lbs. While a world title is now firmly in his sights, the Australian admitted defeating a fighter of Spence’s calibre may ultimately stand as the finest win of his career.
“I had sleepless nights thinking about, ‘What am I going to feel like facing a legend like that?’ But it was one hell of a show, and I understand why he’s one of the greats.
“I’d love to fight for a title. That’s what I’m aiming for. But I’ve got to say beating a great like Errol Spence tops a world title.”
The New York Yankees will be missing yet another one of their top bats for the foreseeable future.
Star outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain, the team announced Sunday.
Outfielder Spencer Jones has been recalled from triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a corresponding move.
Bellinger suffered the injury in Saturday’s win over the Philadelphia Phillies. He was replaced defensively in the bottom of the eighth after tweaking his left hamstring while legging out a double in the top half of the frame. He stayed in the game to run but eventually was taken out for Max Schuemann.
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Bellinger was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the game before leaving.
The 31-year-old is in the midst of another strong season with New York. The 2019 NL MVP entered Saturday’s contest slashing .257/.349/.416 with 11 homers and 52 RBIs. He was also named the All-Star Game MVP.
The Yankees currently sit second in the AL East with a 59-45 record, despite being without key contributors Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton for significant portions of the season.
Their long-awaited heavyweight showdown is set to finally materialise later this year, with both former two-time world champions having completed their respective warm-up fights.
The initial knockdown arrived within 20 seconds of their contest, with ‘AJ’ hitting the canvas after getting caught with an unassuming right uppercut from Prenga.
He was then floored once more in the opening round, only to summon enough fighting spirit to engineer a second-round stoppage victory.
It was hardly the most convincing performance but, even so, Usyk has backed the 36-year-old to defeat Fury inside the distance.
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Speaking with talkSPORT, the Ukrainian maintained his belief that Joshua, who he now considers a friend and training partner, has the tools to trump his long-time domestic rival.
“AJ win. [He will] knock him out.”
Usyk dethroned Joshua with a unanimous decision victory in 2021, before winning their immediate rematch via a split verdict the following year.
The generational great then went on to score two points wins over Fury in 2024, with many viewing their contests as being more competitive than those against ‘AJ’.
Canada’s Félix Dolci won silver in the men’s gymnastics all-around final Sunday at the Commonwealth Games, earning his second medal of the competition.
Dolci scored 79.450, coming within two tenths of gold-medallist Reuben Ward of host Scotland at Glasgow International Arena. Australia’s Jesse Moore took bronze (79.000).
Dolci, a 24-year-old from Laval, Que., helped lead Canada to gold in the men’s team event on Friday when he topped the individual standings with a score of 81.650.
Canada also won silver in the women’s gymnastics team event on Saturday.
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Canada now has five medals at the Games — one gold, two silver and two bronze — heading into Sunday’s swimming finals.
Five-time Olympic medallist Kylie Masse of LaSalle, Ont., goes for gold in the women’s 100-metre backstroke, while Toronto’s Joshua Liendo competes in the men’s 100 butterfly and 50 freestyle finals.
The F1 penalty points system has been put in place to keep the driving standards in the sport above a certain level. These were introduced in 2014 after the driving standards took a dip in the early 2010s, and there were quite a few incidents on the track. We even had Romain Grosjean getting banned in 2012 for the first-lap incident in Belgium.
As part of the Penalty Points system, drivers are given points based on the severity of their transgressions. These transgressions could be dangerous driving, causing a collision, etc. These points stay with the driver for 12 months, after which they expire.
Any driver who ends up accumulating 12 F1 penalty points faces a race ban. As we get ready to move on from the F1 Hungarian GP, who are the biggest delinquents on the grid? Let’s take a look.
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F1 Penalty Points: Who is close to a ban?
#1. Ollie Bearman
Penalty Points: 4
Ollie Bearman now has 4 F1 penalty points to his name.
One point: Change of direction while defending during the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP (expires on December 7, 2026).
One point: Causing a collision with Liam Lawson at the 2025 Brazilian GP sprint (expires on November 8, 2026).
Two points: Causing a collision with Carlos Sainz at the 2025 Italian GP (expires on September 7, 2026).
#2. Kimi Antonelli
Penalty Points: 3
Kimi Antonelli has three F1 penalty points on his superlicense.
Two points: Causing a collision with Charles Leclerc in the 2025 F1 Dutch GP (expires on August 31, 2026)
One point: Forcing another driver off the track at the 2025 F1 Italian GP (expires on September 7, 2026)
#3. Lewis Hamilton
Penalty Points: 3
The seven-time F1 champion was issued a penalty point for his incident with Franco Colapinto. He’s now at 3 points.
One point: Causing a collision with Franco Colapinto during the 2025 F1 Brazilian GP (expires on November 9, 2026)
Two points: for failing to slow down under yellow flags during a reconnaissance lap prior to the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix (expires on August 31, 2026)
#4. Alex Albon
Penalty Points: 3
Alex Albon has three penalty points on his license.
One point: Causing a collision with Lewis Hamilton at the Las Vegas GP (expires on November 23, 2026)
Two points: Causing a collision with Franco Colapinto at the Azerbaijan GP (expires on September 21, 2026)
#5. Lance Stroll
Penalty Points: 3
Lance Stroll is currently at three F1 penalty points on his license.
One point: Change of direction while defending during the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP (expires on December 7, 2026).
Two points: Causing a collision with Esteban Ocon at the US GP sprint (expires on October 18, 2026)
India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced his arrival on the international stage in emphatic fashion, winning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards after starring in India’s 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe in Harare. Sooryavanshi finished as India’s highest run-scorer in the series with 151 runs in three innings, blending fearless strokeplay with remarkable composure beyond his years. His performances earned him his first-ever international Player of the Match award and maiden Player of the Series honour, a fitting reward after dominating Zimbabwe’s bowling attack throughout the series.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Series Performance
Speaking after receiving both awards at the post-match presentation, the youngster described the moment as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
“It felt really good. Our preparation was very good during the two or three days after we arrived in Harare. I also played the Under-19 World Cup here, so I really enjoy playing at this venue, everyone backed me, the captain, the coaches, everyone, so I’m very happy,” Sooryvanashi said. Known for his attacking style, Sooryavanshi said he never changed his natural game despite making the step up to international cricket.“My game is the same as what I play in T20 cricket. I was just trying to do that for the team. In all three matches, I tried to give the team a good start. If I got a good start, then I wanted to make the innings bigger. That was my only approach. What I do in practice, I try to replicate it in the match as well. Dream come true, my first Player of the Match and Player of the Series!” Sooryavanshi added.
India beat Zimbabwe by 35 runs
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India completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe with a convincing 35-run victory in the third and final match at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. Defending 192, the visitors restricted Zimbabwe to 157/7, handing skipper Shreyas Iyer his first T20I series win since taking over the captaincy.The chase got off to the worst possible start for Zimbabwe as Mayank Yadav dismissed Brian Bennett with the very first ball of the innings. Yash Thakur then struck twice in the fourth over, removing Dion Myers and Sikandar Raza, leaving the hosts reeling.Ryan Burl fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 54 off 43 balls, while Wessly Madhevere contributed 28. However, regular wickets prevented Zimbabwe from threatening India’s total. Mayank Yadav finished with 3 wickets, Yash Thakur claimed 2, while Ravi Bishnoi and Ashok Sharma chipped in with one each.Earlier, India posted 192/5 after electing to bat, thanks largely to a sensational 81 off 49 balls from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenage opener smashed eight fours and four sixes, registering his second T20I half-century before falling 19 runs short of a maiden century.Ishan Kishan scored 29, Shreyas Iyer added 27, and Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 25 off 14 balls provided the finishing flourish. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the standout bowler with 2/41.The victory marked India’s third successive T20I win, completing a dominant clean sweep after difficult tours of Ireland and England, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finishing as the leading run-scorer of the series.
Former jockey Craig Carmody, who enjoyed significant wins at Randwick during his riding career, has successfully applied his skills as a trainer to guide the promising sprinter Sir Les to an important victory at the track.
Carmody is widely recognised for his role as the regular rider of the multiple Group 1 winner Intergaze, with whom he famously thwarted Octagonal’s farewell performance in the 1997 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick. He continues to ride his own track work, and Sir Les has been his latest focus.
After securing wins in his first two provincial starts, the three-year-old proved to be his own undoing at Rosehill in May, becoming too keen and finishing as the favourite. This led Carmody to reassess his training strategy.
Carmody decided to ease the horse’s workload and concentrate on teaching him to harness his natural speed. The results of this approach were clear on Saturday, as Sir Les ($4.40) achieved an emphatic 3-1/4 length triumph over Benevac ($2.40 favourite) in the Sydney Roosters Partners Handicap (1100m).
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“He’s a bit aggressive, so I’ve spent a lot of time on his slower work,” Carmody stated. “When he’d try to get ahead of me, I’d get him back to virtually a trot and slow canter, and eventually he would give to me.”
“Repetition, day after day, got it through his head that you don’t have to run through the bridle.”
Following a two-decade tenure as a jockey, Carmody was granted a trainer’s licence in 2005 and has since experienced stakes race success with runners like Single and Everage.
Sir Les’s dam is Everage, and the colt’s name is a tribute to the celebrated characters Sir Les Patterson and Dame Edna Everage, creations of the renowned comedian Barry Humphries.
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Carmody expressed his satisfaction with Sir Les’s comeback performance, drawing a humorous parallel to his former mount, Intergaze.
“It was great to see. Like Intergaze,” he quipped. “I’m being very kind to Sir Les. He is nothing like Intergaze yet. But he gives me a great turn of foot, so that’s something to work on.”
Plans are in place to spell Sir Les, with the aim of targeting sprint races during the summer and early autumn periods.
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Jul 25, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch (29) greets catcher Miguel Amaya (left) and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) at home plate after both players scored runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Pete Crow-Armstrong is making a strong case for National League MVP as he leads the visiting Chicago Cubs in pursuit of a series sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
The All-Star center fielder went 4-for-5 with three runs, two doubles, a home run, three RBIs and a stolen base as the Cubs rolled to an 11-0 victory on Saturday.
According to ESPN, he’s the first Cubs player to record at least 200 RBIs and 90 stolen bases before turning 25 since RBIs became an official statistic in 1920.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Crow-Armstrong, 24, has been on a tear because he has become selective at the plate.
“He’s got a lot of confidence right now,” Counsell said. “(He) can be on go and say no… I think there were points last year where he was on go and it didn’t matter where the pitch was. That’s the difference and that makes (him) the right kind of aggressive.”
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Jameson Taillon (2-5, 5.38 ERA) is scheduled to start for Chicago. In his last outing, he received a no-decision after allowing four runs on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings in an 8-6, 10-inning home loss to the Detroit Tigers.
It was his first appearance since suffering a left hamstring strain on June 7 that landed him on the 15-day injured list. The same problems that plagued Taillon all season resurfaced.
The right-hander gave up back-to-back home runs and left Chicago in a 4-0, first-inning hole. Even after missing time on the IL, he is tied for fourth in the majors with 22 home runs allowed.
Taillon has nine career starts against Pittsburgh and is 4-2 with a 4.58 ERA. In 53 innings, he has struck out 43 and walked 13.
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“I’ll keep working behind the scenes to try and figure out the homer thing,” Taillon said. “It feels like that is the snakebite for me. It’s not like I am giving up a ton of hits in a row. It’s the untimely homer.”
The Pirates, meanwhile, are looking for a stronger effort from scheduled starter Braxton Ashcraft (9-4, 3.95 ERA), who struggled in his most recent appearance.
The right-hander allowed eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits while walking one and striking out two in an 8-5 loss at the New York Yankees.
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Despite going 4-1 with a no-decision over his last six starts, Ashcraft believes he can pitch better.
He has fared well against the Cubs, posting a 1-1 record with a 2.42 ERA, 24 strikeouts and four walks over 22 1/3 innings in five career starts.
He earned a home victory over Chicago on May 26, allowing one run on seven hits while walking one and striking out five in 6 1/3 innings of a 12-1 Pirates victory.
“It goes back to execution,” Ashcraft said. “Being able to execute with two strikes. Being able to execute with runners in scoring position. That’s how you limit runs, and I’ve done a bad job of that probably the last five starts.”
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Pirates manager Don Kelly said his club can avoid a sweep and snap a three-game losing streak.
“We need to find a way,” Kelly said. “We’ve shown the ability this year to bounce back and be resilient.”
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs celebrates a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and the offensive line during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025.
Most think that the Minnesota Vikings will do poorly within the NFC North, a juggernaut of a division. Maybe that proves true.
What’s of interest here, though, is constructing the best possible team by using the talent across the division’s four teams: the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings. The offense will be in 11 personnel and the defense in a 3-4 nickel formation. Check out what that fictional team could look like if we siphoned off the best players.
For whatever it’s worth, Dan Campbell would be the HC. Brian Flores would be the DC and Ben Johnson the OC.
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The Best NFC North Team Ahead of 2026
Offense
Minnesota Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) lines up against the Eagles on September 19, 2022, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
LT: Christian Darrisaw (MIN)
LG: Joe Thuney (CHI)
C: Gade Mays (DET)
RG: Jonah Jackson (CHI)
RT: Penei Sewell (DET)
QB: Caleb Williams (CHI)
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)
WR: Justin Jefferson (MIN)
WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET)
TE: Colston Loveland (CHI)
WR: Jameson Williams (DET)
Team Player Tally:
Chicago Bears: 4
Detroit Lions: 5
Green Bay Packers: 0
Minnesota Vikings: 2
Commentary and Quibbles:
It’s odd, isn’t it, when the Bears finish high in a thought exercise for strong talent on offense. Many will insist that Jordan Love deserves the QB spot. Maybe that’s true, but Caleb Williams is far more talented.
The best players are Penei Sewell, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Justin Jefferson. Good luck with those three. Choosing a third receiver was tough since a lot of players are good without being truly great; Jameson Williams beat out Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden.
OT Zach Tom deserved a spot but didn’t get in ahead of the OTs included above.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel lines up before the snap at Lumen Field as Seattle’s offense prepares for another play during a late-season NFC matchup. On Nov. 30, 2025, Van Ginkel readies himself across from the Seahawks while continuing his versatile role within Brian Flores’ defense on the road that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images.
EDGE: Micah Parsons (GB)
DT: Jalen Redmond (MIN)
DT: Alim McNeil (DET)
EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson (DET)
LB: Jack Campbell (DET)
LB: Andrew Van Ginkel (MIN)
CB: Jaylon Johnson (CHI)
CB: Keisean Nixon (GB)
FS: Xavier McKinney (GB)
CB/S: Brian Branch (DET)
CB: DJ Reed (DET)
Team Player Tally:
Chicago Bears: 1
Detroit Lions: 5
Green Bay Packers: 3
Minnesota Vikings: 2
Commentary and Quibbles:
The Lions and Packers lead the North for overall defenders. Micah Parsons is the single best defender and it’s not particularly close.
That being said, all of Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Xavier McKinney, and others flirt with elite. Andrew Van Ginkel got kicked to off-ball linebacker in this fictional scenario, but maybe Devin Bush should get that spot.
The secondary here would be elite. McKinney is a fantastic center fielder. The CB trio could fly under the radar but those are all excellent players. Maybe the weakest spot is at DT. Do the Vikings see Caleb Banks become a force be the end of 2026?
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