Evan DeVolve’s Perfect Game Highlights Naches Valley Sweep over Zillah

Naches Valley vs Zillah is a classic baseball rivalry in the Yakima Valley. The 2018 edition proved to be worthy of the hype.

Both teams came into this match-up brimming with confidence, Naches Valley had only one loss on the season (to #1 Cashmere), while Zillah checked in at 9-2.

When the dust settled, Naches Valley walked away with two wins. By scores of 3-0, and 3-1.

Aces were thrown early. With Drew Van Kemseke starting for Zillah, and Evan Devolve taking the bump for Naches Valley.

As Evan DeVolve mowed through Zillah the first time through the order, an aura was created that something special was brewing.

"He was throwing three or four different pitches for strikes," said Zillah Coach Matt Brown, "DeVolve had our guys guessing the whole time."

DeVolve was able to give himself run support early. A ground ball RBI in the bottom of the third inning gave Naches their first lead of the game.

The magic would continue for DeVolve all seven innings. Twenty-one batters up, twenty-one batters down. History made.

"It's an accomplishment that everyone wants to reach as a pitcher," said DeVolve, "My location was working really well today. But I also want to acknowledge my defense, they made some nice plays today."

It's worth noting this perfect game happened against the highest scoring team in the conference.

"DeVolve went out there challenging guys, and he let his defense work," said Naches Valley Coach Jake Fife, "I knew he had it in him; there's always a chance of something like that happening."

Game two featured senior Kobe Kohls of Naches Valley going up against Zillah sophomore Ben Kibbe.

Kibbe struggled early, two hit batters and two walks in the first inning led to Naches Valley picking up two runs.

He settled down quickly however, tossing four scoreless innings before getting pulled.

Zillah's only run on the afternoon came in the fourth inning, on a solo home run by YVC Commit Drew Van Kemseke. A moon shot that went over the right-center field wall.

Kohls threw a complete game against Zillah, allowing just one earned run, as Naches Valley cruised to a 3-1 victory.

Despite the tough losses, Zillah's Coach Brown loved the chance to see how his team stacked up against a top three team in the state.

"Obviously high school kids are looking at rankings, and they see they're playing a top team. But I came out of these games feeling good. If the cards fall right, we'll see Naches Valley again in May."

Both Zillah and Naches Valley have much lighter schedule's the rest of the regular season. But don't tell that to Kobe Kohls, who believes this is their time.

"We have to keep getting better, because we're not trying to plateau... just keeping our eyes on the prize."