May 28 2009
Big Unit picks up 299th career victory against the Braves…
Randy Johnson a.k.a the Big Unit was dominant against the Atlanta Braves in picking up career victory number 299. That leaves him one shy of the big 300 for the 21-year big leaguer’s career.
Johnson , at 45, was his old Cy Young self as he nitpicked the Braves hitters and cruised through six innings, giving up only three hits, allowing just one run and adding 5 strikeouts to no walks in his outing. Johnson also can thank his offense for the run support as the Giants scored 6 runs and pounded 14 hits in the 6-3 victory, to complete the sweep against the Braves.
The bullpen nearly threw the game away in the three-run lead it inherited, but relievers Merkin Valdez and Brian Wilson restored order. San Francisco’s suddenly productive offense also helped, pushing Johnson to the brink of a historic achievement. Next time Johnson takes the mound, he will be going for 300 against the Washington Nationals on the road.
“His next start is going to be exciting,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He’s about to do something that’s remarkable. … I’m sure he’s been waiting for this moment all year.”
A crowd of 27,744 watched Wednesday night’s win, but the home crowd might not witness Johnson become the 24th pitcher in major-league history to reach 300. His next two starts are scheduled for the team’s upcoming road trip, Wednesday against the Nationals in Washington and June 8 against the Marlins in Miami.
If Johnson doesn’t win either of those starts, he would try again June 13 at home against the A’s, which would be fitting for a local Bay Area guy, born in Walnut Creek and raised in Livermore. Then again, the Expos-turned-Nationals also offer symmetry, because Montreal drafted Johnson in the second round in 1985, long before the franchise moved to Washington and long before Johnson started racking up 299 wins in the big leagues.
Johnson acknowledged “anxiety and a little nervousness” as he peers toward his first crack at No. 300.
“I’d love to do it here in San Francisco, that would make it a little easier for my family and friends,” he said. “But I’m grateful to be in this position. It took a lot of work.”
Hey…Love the articles man. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading more blogs. Go Giants!