Johnson Applies the Finishing Touch

As if Brian Johnson hadn’t already done enough to the Dodgers, now he’s applying additional pressure even when they’re not around.

The San Francisco catcher’s latest shot at the Dodgers came against the Colorado Rockies--a towering solo home run in the ninth inning Wednesday at Coors Field that provided the difference in the Giants’ 4-3 come-from-behind victory. The Dodgers’ 4-1 loss to the Padres later Wednesday reduced the the Giants’ magic number to two to win the National League West.

Johnson’s homer wasn’t the same as his 12th-inning shot that defeated the Dodgers, 6-5, last Thursday at 3Com Park. But in one way, Johnson said, they couldn’t have been more alike.

“It gives [the Dodgers] more to think about, or I sure hope so,” Johnson said. “We all have a lot of respect for the Dodgers, so we’re staying focused and trying to do everything we can to take care of business.

“Obviously, I don’t want them to do well. I’m doing what I can to help.”

Of course, Johnson’s 11th homer had a negative impact on the Rockies as well. The loss eliminated Colorado from postseason contention, ruining the afternoon for many in the crowd of 48,035. The Rockies had won 20 of their previous 25 games to climb back in the race, but the Giants again showed why they’re on top.

“People talk about teams of destiny,” said Giant first baseman J.T. Snow, the former Angel who hit his 28th homer Wednesday and has driven in 101 runs.

“Well, I don’t know if we’re a team of destiny, but I do know we’re a team of guys who have fought all year no matter the circumstances. Just look at what B.J. did and you understand us.”

Facing Colorado reliever Steve Reed (4-6) with one out in the ninth, Johnson initially appeared befuddled against the right-hander’s sidearm delivery. The count was 0-and-2 after Reed threw two sliders and Giant Manager Dusty Baker was thinking about what to do after Johnson struck out.

“Looked pretty bad on those first two, didn’t he?” Baker said. “He must have missed them by about 10 feet.”

But on a 1-and-2 pitch, Johnson got a fastball and a fan behind the left-field seats had a souvenir. The ball landed on a walkway, traveling an estimated 429 feet.

Johnson was greeted with a hero’s welcome on returning to the dugout, being engulfed in hugs and high-fives. He had lived the scene before, but he’s still not used to the role.

“I imagine this in my dreams every night when I go to bed, but that’s the easy part,” Johnson said. “The hard part is turning it into reality. This is still strange for me.”

Behind the solid pitching of starter Roger Bailey, Colorado held a 3-2 lead after seven innings. Bailey shut down the Giants after giving up a run-scoring single to Jeff Kent in the first and a solo homer to Snow in the fourth.

But the Rocky bullpen faltered again, which isn’t all that surprising for a group with a 4.81 earned-run average. The Giants didn’t have those problems. Reliever Roberto Hernandez (5-2) pitched two scoreless innings to earn the victory.

With two out in the eighth, Mike DeJean gave up a run-scoring triple to Snow to tie the score, 3-3. That set the stage for Johnson’s drama.

After splitting the two-game series, the Giants returned home Wednesday and have an off-day today. They end the regular season with a three-game series against the San Diego Padres beginning Friday at home, knowing the Dodgers, 2 1/2 games back, are at least on the ropes if not out of the fight.

“We know what the Dodgers are capable of, so we’re not sitting back and expecting the next few days to be easy,” Johnson said. “But everyone on this team believes in each other and we know we can’t waste opportunities.”

The Giants rarely do, having won 23 games in their final at-bat.

“We’re all obviously disappointed about being eliminated, but the Giants really have my respect,” Colorado shortstop Walt Weiss said. “You have to admire that team for the way they just keep coming right back at you. They really are something.”

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NEXT SERIES FOR DODGERS

WHO: Colorado Rockies

WHERE: at Colorado

WHEN: Tonight: 6 p.m.; Friday: 6 p.m.; Saturday: 1 p.m.; Sunday: Noon.