OREGON CITY, Ore. — Opening game win? Check.

The Columbia Basin River Dogs, one tournament away from a trip to Ohio and the Babe Ruth World Series, opened up Northwest Regional play yesterday at Clackamas Junior College with a strong 9-1 win over Pacific Power, the southern Washington state champions out of Ridgefield.

OREGON CITY, Ore. — Opening game win? Check.

The Columbia Basin River Dogs, one tournament away from a trip to Ohio and the Babe Ruth World Series, opened up Northwest Regional play yesterday at Clackamas Junior College with a strong 9-1 win over Pacific Power, the southern Washington state champions out of Ridgefield.

With the victory, the River Dogs — the northern Washington state champions — won’t play again until tomorrow at 9 a.m. against the Oregon state champions, Mound Time (Beaverton).

The River Dogs scored four runs in the second inning to build a 6-0 lead and they cruised from there.

Matt Herbert (Big Bend CC) went 2-for-3 with three RBI, while Cameron Alvarado (Moses Lake HS) was 1-for-2 with two RBI.

Pitching was the big story as Cody Johns (Naches Valley HS) pitched a complete game for the victory.

Johns did not allow an earned run while striking out three with no walks as he scattered six hits.

“I thought we jumped out in the front and we knew we were going to win and they cruised,” River Dogs coach Randy Boruff said. “Cody was pitching really well. Twenty-two of his first 24 pitches were strikes. We obviously need to finish in the top two of our pool to advance to the elimination round (of five teams) so the game against Mound Time I would say could be a clincher for a spot. Of the three teams left in our pool we have to play, they are the toughest.”

On Friday, the River Dogs will play Snake Valley (Ontario, Oregon) at noon and Missoula (Montana) on Saturday at 5 p.m. to wrap up pool play.

The elimination rounds begin on Sunday with the champion ultimately advancing to the World Series.