OGDEN — For the first time in nearly a month the Pioneer League strikeout leader tasted victory, and he can thank a newcomer.
Ogden righthander Steven Johnson, who entered the game fourth in the league in punch-outs, allowed just one run on three hits while striking out six to bring his total to a league-leading 46 in leading the Raptors to the 6-2 victory over the Casper Rockies. Johnson threw in six innings as the Raptors completed the first half of the season with a two-game winning streak.
It was Johnson's first victory since July 2.
"He's been pretty steady the whole year," Ogden manager Lance Parrish said. "He's a competitor, and I like how he goes about his job."
Carlos Santana, in his first start since being sent down from High-A Vero Beach, went 2-for-4 with a double, triple and three RBIs in Ogden's 10-hit attack.
"Carlos is somebody that should really help us in the second half," Parrish said. "He comes here highly touted as an offensive player. If he can get over the fact that he's back here instead of staying in Vero ... he can be a force on this ball club."
The win couldn't have come at a better time for Johnson, who is finally over the effects of surgery two weeks ago to remove an ingrown nail in his big toe.
"I've been pitching well, and the win is just a little extra thing to have," said Johnson, who improved to 2-3 while dropping his ERA from 3.60 to 3.07.
In three of his last four outings Johnson has gone at least six innings. In his last start against Missoula on July 23 he allowed just two runs on four hits while striking out four in taking the loss.
Despite giving up a hit, Johnson retired the first six batters he faced before he walked Helder Valasquez to lead off the third. He would later score the Rockies' only run of the game on a ground out by Pedro Perez.
After the run, Johnson retired seven of the next eight Casper hitters. He walked a hitter and gave up a double in the sixth, but was able to work out of the mini-jam without giving up a run.
The Raptors (18-20) gave Johnson all the run support he would need in the fourth when Rick Taloa singled and Santana doubled to start the inning. Josh Bell, who also finished with two hits and three RBIs, followed with a two-run double and after going to third on a passed ball, scored on a sacrifice fly by Jesus Soto.
Santana drove in a pair of insurance runs with a two-run triple. At Vero Beach, Santana hit .268 with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homers and 18 RBIs.
Reliever Garrett White twirled hitless innings before giving up a run on two hits in the ninth in earning his fourth save of the year.
Ogden's DJ Jackson also had two hits and drove in his first run since driving in three on June 26 — Ogden's fifth game of the year.
The final game of the three-game set is tonight at 7 at Lindquist Field.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com