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Arizona LHP Johnson looks to avenge loss to Padres

Apr 25, 2008 - 2:47 PM Arizona (16-6) at San Diego (9-14) 10:05 pm EDT

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) - Randy Johnson was rocked by the light-hitting San Diego Padres his last start.

Johnson will look to get revenge on Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the slumping Padres in the opener of a three-game series.

Johnson, who will make his third start since returning from back surgery, was rocked for six runs - four earned - and six hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 9-4 loss on Sunday.

"The Big Unit," will try and take advantage of the Padres team that has been struggling to score runs. San Diego wasted a solid performance by Chris Young on Thursday, as Rich Aurilia homered to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 1-0 victory.

The Padres have lost eight of their last nine games, and have scored the second fewest runs in the National League (74).

"It goes back to, we're not getting that key hit at an opportune time," Padres manager Bud Black said. "We're struggling to get that key hit, but that's going to come. It will come."

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have won seven of nine after Thursday's 6-4 victory over Los Angeles. Arizona seeks to continue its franchise best start against Randy Wolf (2-0, 2.49). Wolf has won two straight starts, allowing just four runs in his last 13 1/3 innings.