Arizona Takes the Lead in NLCS

In spite of his fabulous career achievements in the major league such as three-time Cy Young winner and career 200-win (101 losses) record, `gigantic` Randy Johnson (38, Arizona Diamondbacks) has always spent the tormenting October when `the legend of fall` begins.

Johnson recorded a seven consecutive loss in the postseason from the American League Championship Series game six with the Cleveland Indians in 1995 when he played for the Seattle Mariners, to the Division Series game two with the St. Louis Cardinals this year. This is the worst record in the Major League history.

But there was a reason behind his worst record. For his seven postseason starts, his teammates earned only 8 runs in total.

Johnson needed only a few runs to break off the shackle of 7 straight losses in the National League Championship Series game one with the Atlanta Braves at Bank One Ballpark yesterday.

Johnson shut out 20 hitters in a row until he allowed a base-on-balls to Bernard Gilkey after Chipper Jones singled off in the first inning. One-time Samsung Lions Julio Franco and Chipper Jones singled, but with runners on the corners, Johnson struck out Brian Jordan and ended the game. His career postseason record is 3 wins and 7 losses.

Boosted up by Johnson`s invincible start, the Arizona defeated 2-0 the Atlanta Braves with the RBI singles of Reggie Sanders and Gonzalez, scoring Craig Counsell both times, who hit the come-from-behind three run homer in the Division Series game three.

On the other hand, Kim Byung-Hyun began to throw a ball in the bullpen from the eighth inning, but he could not grab a chance to take the mound as Johnson completed the game.

Miguel Batista (Arizona) and Tom Glavine (Atlanta) start in game two at 9:20 am on 18th (Korean Time). The Seattle Mariners (Aaron Sele) and the New York Yankees (Andy Pettitte) will play the ALCS game one at 5:20 am.

Zang Hwan-Soo zangpabo@donga.com