Johnson Has Proven Worth

Randy Johnson could gloat, but that would require energy he would rather focus on finishing off the New York Yankees.

Johnson has silenced critics who questioned his postseason mettle, continuing one of the best playoff performances in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 15-2 rout of the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series before a sellout crowd of 49,707 at Bank One Ballpark on Saturday night.

The Diamondbacks provided the 6-foot-10 left-hander with much more support than he needed to help stave off elimination and even the best-of-seven series, 3-3.

Johnson had a workmanlike outing for him, pitching seven innings and giving up six hits and two runs with seven strikeouts. He also had a run-scoring single and scored twice as Arizona established a series record with 22 hits.

The three-time Cy Young award winner improved to 4-1 in five postseason starts this year, including 2-0 in the World Series, with a 1.58 earned-run average in 40 innings. And his work might not be finished.

Curt Schilling is scheduled to start for the Diamondbacks against Roger Clemens in Game 7 tonight, and Johnson said he’s ready to help his right-handed counterpart if needed.

With the series title on the line, Johnson won’t rest now.

“Nothing is out of the question,” said Johnson, who threw 105 pitches. “This is the World Series, and it would be Game 7. I have four months to rest.

“This has been everybody’s dream in the clubhouse, and it’s obviously been mine. If I can help in any way, I’ll be available.”

Johnson’s grateful teammates are not surprised.

“If we need him out of the bullpen, I definitely see him out there supporting us and giving us whatever we need in the situation,” right fielder Reggie Sanders said. “Everyone in here knows we can count on Randy.”

Johnson has repeatedly proven himself throughout a show-stopping postseason run that he might cap tonight with the most valuable player award.

After pitching a three-hit, 11-strikeout shutout in Game 2, Johnson set the tone in the third inning of Game 6. Leading, 4-0, he struck out Jorge Posada to escape a bases-loaded jam, and the Diamondbacks scored eight runs in their half of the inning to break the game open, 12-0.

“This game was made easy for me after about the third or fourth inning, simply because we had about 12 runs at that point,” Johnson said. “I suppose it is difficult for a pitcher to go out there and stay focused when you have that many runs, but it’s not difficult to stay focused when you are in a World Series and you are playing the New York Yankees.

“I was frustrated that I gave up the two runs. I was disappointed that I gave up the two runs, because had it been a closer game, I’m sure I probably would have been a little more focused. You know, it’s every pitcher’s dream to go out there in a World Series and have enough runs to where you can actually enjoy your outing.”

The Yankees have not enjoyed facing Johnson, who has won four consecutive playoff starts. The thought of Johnson working in relief tonight is unsettling for the three-time defending champions.

“We can’t worry about who we may face,” shortstop Derek Jeter said. “Schilling’s starting, so you have to go out there and prepare for him.”

Regardless of the outcome of Game 7, the Diamondbacks believe Johnson has proven he’s a playoff warrior.

“He’s gone out there and done everything you could ask him to do and more,” Sanders said. “That’s what Randy does.”