It was one of those nights where Randy Johnson just didn’t have it. Those have to be expected from a 44-year old lefthander, coming off of two back surgeries, and most certainly in the twilight of his career.

Johnson was tagged for 7 runs and 8 hits in just 3 and 2/3 innings, and the Arizona Diamondbacks fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6 at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. It was Johnson’s shortest outing of the season, his 5th consecutive loss, and his ERA has risen from 3.83 on May 29 to 5.46.

J.J. Hardy had a huge night for Milwaukee, going 2 for 4 with 2 home runs, 3 runs scored and 3 runs batted in. Hardy’s first home run was a 2-run shot in the top of the first off of Johnson, and it set the tone for what was to be a rough outing for the future Hall of Famer. Joe Dillon added a 2-run shot in the second, and Hardy went deep again one batter later. Dillon and Mike Rivera, spelling Prince Fielder at first base, each had 2 RBIs.

Connor Robertson, acquired from Oakland in the Dan Haren trade last December, made his Diamondbacks’ debut. Robertson relieved Johnson in the 4th, and gave up only 2 hits and 1 run in 3 innings of work.

MLB.com : Recap | Boxscore

Here’s what others are saying about the Brewers’ win over the Diamondbacks…

D-Backs rally falls short [Azcentral.com]

Woes continue for D-Backs, Johnson in 8-6 loss [East Valley Tribune]

Brewers 8, Diamondbacks 6 [Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel]

The D-Backs loss, coupled with the Dodgers’ win over Houston shrinks the Diamondbacks lead to just 2.5 games in the National League West.

The 4-game series continues tomorrow with Milwaukee’s Seth McClung taking the mound against Arizona right-hander Micah Owings, if Owings is healthy enough to make the start. He suffered a strained gluteus muscle in his last start against Florida. Yusmeiro Petit could be waiting in the wings if Owings is unable to go. First pitch is at 6:40 PM.

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