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Johnson, Diamondbacks look to bounce back vs. Astros

Apr 30, 2008 - 12:20 PM Houston (13-15) at Arizona (19-8) 3:40 pm EDT

PHOENIX (Ticker) - The Arizona Diamondbacks suffered a rare loss on Tuesday. They will try to get back in the win column when they host the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks dropped a 6-4 decision Tuesday as Geoff Blum drove in three runs and Miguel Tejada scored a pair for the Astros.

But the story of the game may have been the major league debut of Arizona prospect Max Scherzer, who came out of the bullpen to toss 4 1/3 perfect innings while striking out seven.

The Diamondbacks are the only team in the majors with more than 16 wins and lead the National League in both runs scored and fewest runs allowed.

Randy Johnson (1-1, 2.70 ERA) will make his fourth start of the season Wednesday, hoping to match the success of his last outing. The 44-year-old lefthander allowed one run and three hits over six innings at San Diego on Friday, striking out seven and issuing two walks.

Johnson has never lost against the Astros, owning a 4-0 career record with a 2.50 ERA in five starts - tied for his fewest number of starts against any team in baseball.

Houston will counter with Shawn Chacon (0-0, 2.45). The righthander has yet to earn a decision in five starts this season despite holding opponents under four runs in each outing. The Astros have score a total of 17 runs in Chacon's starts.