14 July, 2025
beetles-fall-to-expos-in-firecracker-classic-championship

The Yakima Pepsi Beetles faced a disappointing defeat in the championship game of the Firecracker Classic, losing 6-3 to the Spokane Expos on July 2, 2023. The Expos built a commanding 6-0 lead before the Beetles managed to score their first run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Justin Busey sparked the Beetles’ rally with a two-out double. He advanced to home plate after an error by the Spokane shortstop, who misthrew the ball on Ryker Heeringa‘s grounder. The momentum continued into the seventh inning as Quinton Allen-Greggs hit a two-run double, bringing in Miguel Najar and Caleb Rutherford to complete Yakima’s scoring. Both Allen-Greggs and Najar finished the game with two hits each, showcasing their offensive skills despite the team’s loss.

With a record of 20-17, the Beetles are set to host the Rock-It for a doubleheader on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, starting at 16:00 local time.

Yakima Valley Pak Splits Games at Summer Classic

In a separate event, the Yakima Valley Pepsi Pak had a mixed day at the Brandy Pugh Memorial Summer Classic, securing a narrow 5-4 victory over the Michaels Toyota Bears before falling 3-0 to Narrows.

The Pak found themselves trailing 4-1 but mounted a comeback, tying the game in the sixth inning with critical RBI singles from Lucas Williams and Rowdy Mullins. Corbin Goodlake contributed a sacrifice fly to aid the effort. The winning run came in the top of the eighth inning when Mullins drove in Alex Morales with a two-out single.

In the evening game against Narrows, Morales stood out, collecting three hits, including a double. The Pak, with a record of 17-9, will play their final tournament game on Monday, July 3, 2023.

Yakima Valley highlights against Michaels Toyota Bears include:
Corbin Goodlake: 1-3, run, RBI
Beau Benjamin: 1-4, RBI
Jonathan Rominger: 2-4, run
Lucas Williams: 1-3, RBI
Rowdy Mullins: 2-4, run, 2 RBI

Pippins Suffer Loss Against Bend Elk

The Yakima Valley Pippins continued to struggle, losing 8-4 to the Bend Elk at Yakima County Stadium, marking their second consecutive defeat. The Pippins were unable to score for eight innings but managed to rally in the ninth, scoring four runs with two outs.

Jake Porter initiated the scoring with an RBI single, and Jack Varney added a two-run single. Greg Luna capped off the inning with another RBI single. Both Luna and Varney recorded two hits, including a double for Luna.

With a disappointing record of 9-27, the Pippins have a brief respite before the All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Bellingham. Following the break, they will host the Portland Pickles for a three-game series starting on Friday, July 7, 2023.

Yakima Valley highlights against Bend Elk include:
Greg Luna: 2-4, 2B, RBI
Gage Reeser: run, stolen base
Jake Porter: 1-3, run, RBI
Jack Varney: 2-3, run, 2 RBI

As the summer baseball season progresses, teams will look to improve their standings with upcoming matches, showcasing local talent and competitive spirit.