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Diamondbacks in need of strong start from Johnson

Jul 12, 2008 - 10:06 AM Arizona (46-47) at Philadelphia (51-43) 3:55 p.m. EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks desperately need a strong start from Randy Johnson against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.

Johnson (5-7, 5.18 ERA) snapped a personal six-game losing streak in his last start, allowing one run and three hits in 6 1/3 innings while striking out 10. The 41-year-old not only earned the victory win in Sunday's 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres but also logged his 211th game with at least 10 strikeouts - four short of Nolan Ryan's major league record.

The Diamondbacks hope Johnson can put together another impressive outing against the Phillies in order to save a taxed bullpen, which has logged 8 1/3 frames over the last two games - both extra-inning affairs.

Johnson appears likely to give Arizona what it needs as he owns a stellar 10-3 record with a 2.61 ERA in 19 career starts against the Phillies.

Adam Eaton (3-7, 5.20) counters for the Philadelphia, which has won three straight after dropping four in a row.

Eaton looks to bounce back from his worst start of the season after he tied a career-high by surrendering eight runs - six earned - and 10 hits in just 2 2/3. The 30-year-old righthander walked one and struck out one, suffering his fourth loss in his last five outings during Sunday's 10-9 setback to the New York Mets.