Johnson’s Effort Wasted in 3-2 Loss

Randy Johnson walked off the field with his cap high in the air and his team in position to win.

It didn’t turn out to be a happy ending.

Johnson struck out 14 in eight innings Sunday in what might turn out to be his last start for the Diamondbacks, but the Colorado Rockies rallied against the bullpen in the ninth for a 3-2 victory that extended Arizona’s team-record losing streak to 14 games.

Arizona has had preliminary talks about possible trades for Johnson, who is making $16 million this year and is due $16 million in 2005. The Angels and the New York Yankees are thought to be the top candidates to land the five-time Cy Young Award winner. The non-waiver trade deadline is Saturday.

Johnson, co-MVP of Arizona’s 2001 World Series win, tipped his cap while receiving a standing ovation after the top of the eighth. “I’ve always appreciated the fans and acknowledged them,” Johnson said.

“They’re aware of that,” he said of the trade rumors, “and I wanted to acknowledge what they’ve always done for me.”

Johnson gave up six hits and walked none, leaving with a 1-0 lead. He lowered his ERA to 2.68 and raised his major league-leading strikeout total to 174. Johnson has 198 games with 10 or more strikeouts, 17 shy of Nolan Ryan’s record.

Arizona went 0-11 on a homestand against the Dodgers, San Francisco, Houston and Colorado and dropped to 4-30 since June 18. The Diamondbacks haven’t won since defeating San Francisco on July 8.

Arizona reliever Mike Fetters walked Vinny Castilla leading off the ninth, pinch-hitter Jeromy Burnitz doubled off Randy Choate (1-2) and Todd Greene followed with a run-scoring grounder that tied the score.

Larry Walker pinch-hit and grounded out, and Kit Pellow was intentionally walked.

Mark Sweeney followed with a double off the wall in deep center field for a 3-1 lead.