The Yakima Valley Pepsi Pak asserted their dominance over the Yakima Beetles by sweeping a doubleheader on July 19, 2025, at Parker Faller Field. The Pak won decisively with scores of 9-0 in the first game and 16-4 in the second, marking a strong finish to the regular season.
In the first game, the Pak came out with determination. Starting pitcher Rowdy Mullins, a signee from Skagit Valley, delivered an impressive performance, striking out nine batters while allowing only three hits and one walk over six innings. Mullins received crucial support from his teammates, particularly when Alex Morales drove in Beau Benjamin with a sacrifice fly in the first inning. The team quickly built on their lead in the second inning, scoring five runs. Highlights included a two-run double by Corbin Goodlake and a wild pitch that allowed two runners to cross the plate.
The second game showcased even more offensive firepower from the Pak. Central Washington-bound Jonathan Rominger opened the scoring with a single that brought home Benjamin. Once again, the team scored five runs in the second inning, capitalizing on two walks, a balk, and a wild pitch. The Beetles finally got on the scoreboard in the third inning, when Nathan Kibbe hit a single to drive in Miguel Najar.
As the game continued, Braden Albrecht contributed to the Beetles’ efforts with a triple that drove in two runs in the fifth, followed by a sacrifice fly from Justin Busey. Despite these attempts, the Pak’s offense proved too overwhelming. Morales had another standout performance, hitting two doubles and scoring twice, while Rominger went 3-for-4 with three RBIs. In the final inning, Mullins capped off the night with a triple and subsequently scored on a sacrifice fly.
Pitcher Colby Graham secured the win in the second game, striking out three batters and allowing four earned runs over six innings. Gavin Rose finished the game, recording the final three outs.
The doubleheader concluded the regular season for the Yakima Beetles, who finished with a record of 0-6 in Area 4 and 22-19 overall. In contrast, the Yakima Valley Pepsi Pak finished strong with a 5-1 record in Area 4 and an overall record of 19-9. The Pak will now prepare for the state legion tournament, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the first round on July 26.
The performances of players like Mullins, Goodlake, and Rominger highlight the team’s potential as they head into the postseason. Their ability to execute both offensively and defensively sets a promising tone for the challenges ahead.
