Portland Claims First Nwl Title After Trailing Series 0-2

Michael Johns hit a third-inning home run Wednesday night to lead the Portland Rockies to a 4-2 victory over the Boise Hawks and the Northwest League championship.

Efrain Alamo had a two-run single in the second for the Rockies, who took an early 4-0 lead on their way to their first league title.

The Rockies, who began the series 0-2, denied the Hawks their fifth title in seven years.

Portland starter Jake Kringen, a left-hander, went 5-1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and one earned run. He struck out six and walked two.