WATKINS - Kennedy graduate Danny Bales was named the Most Valuable Player of the Iowa Amateur Baseball Association state tournament after helping the Watkins Mudhens win their fifth state title in a row Monday.

Bales (7-1) struck out nine batters and was the winning pitcher as Watkins defeated Red Top, 8-1, in the championship game.

Kennedy graduate Griffin Michael played third base for Watkins in the state tournament and hit .350. Prairie grad D.J. Utley hit a two-run homer in the championship game and led the Mudhens in homers this season.

Linn-Mar grad Sam Tracy was one of the Mudhens' catchers and had a big double to help Watkins (24-11) reach the finals.

Regis High School graduate Ed Walter played his 25th season for Watkins and won his 10th state title with the Mudhens.