Johnson, D-Backs blank Cubbies 2-0
Randy Johnson came into Monday’s game against the Chicago Cubs with a career record of 12-0 vs. the Northsiders. Factoring in that the 44-year old Johnson has been shaky at times over the last couple of months, and that the Cubs are the National League’s best offense, one might expect a ‘1′ to appear in the loss column for the Big Unit. Johnson thought otherwise, shutting down the Cubs for 7 innings on the way to a 2-0 series-opening victory at Chase Field.
Johnson and Rich Harden, making his 2nd start for the Cubs since being acquired from Oakland, were both brilliant. Harden’s only blemish on the night was a 6th inning solo homer off the bat of Alex Romero, his first major league round-tripper. That was the only hit Harden allowed on the evening. The Diamondbacks pushed across an insurance run when Stephen Drew tripled in Chris Snyder in the 8th.
The Arizona bullpen, which has been spotty lately, sported a new game-closing combo, but got the job done. Micah Owings, who was Tuesday’s scheduled starter, worked the 8th and closed out the inning by inducing Darryle Ward into a beautiful 3-6-1 double play. Chad Qualls worked the 9th, and pitched out of a mini-jam when Derrek Lee grounded into a double play. Qualls then got Aramis Ramirez to ground out to second for the final out, giving him his 2nd save of the year.
Johnson earned his 291st career victory as he evened his record at 7-7 on the season. It was also Johnson’s 3rd straight win, after dropping 6 consecutive decisions previously.
The win, coupled with the Dodgers pasting of Colorado, keeps both teams even atop the NL West at 49-50.
Here’s what others are saying about the Diamondbacks’ shutout win over the Cubs…
The series continues tomorrow with Jason Marquis of the Cubs facing Arizona’s Yusmeiro Petit. First pitch is at 6:40 from Chase Field.
Join the discussion at The Locker Room Forum. Arizona Sports 24/7.
Posted by Vince Marotta
Vince has been part of the Phoenix Sports scene in a few different capacities. First as a fan, Vince has been yelling at his tv during Suns and ASU games since the late 1970's. Vince also saw the media side of things as a radio talk show host from 1996 to 2002, and then again in 2007.
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