D'backs Bite Rockies 8-4

Backed by Stephen Drew's three-run homer, Randy Johnson went five shaky innings for his 287th career victory and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat Colorado 8-4 on Tuesday night. The Big Unit (3-1) gave up four runs and nine hits, striking out four and walking none. Chris Young had three hits as the Diamondbacks hammered Colorado starter Jeff Francis (0-4), a 17-game winner for the NL champions a year ago.

Francis went 4 2-3 innings, his shortest start, and gave up eight runs on 13 hits, both season highs. Garrett Atkins hit his seventh homer and Ryan Spilborghs doubled twice for the Rockies, who fell nine games behind the NL West leaders. The Diamondbacks were relieved to be back in the feeble NL West, where they are 18-5. Arizona is 6-10 against everyone else. (More baseball stories.)