Johnson back in the mix at Augusta

Posted: Sat Apr 12 5:10 PM

Augusta, GA (Sports Network) - Defending champion Zach Johnson posted a four- under 68 on Saturday to get back into contention during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National.

Johnson completed 54 holes at two-under 214 and is six shots back of current leader Brandt Snedeker.

Johnson rattled off back-to-back birdies from the second, then birdied the par-three sixth, a hole he bogeyed on Friday. The reigning champion picked up another stroke at nine, but lost that immediately thanks to a bogey at the par-four 10th.

During his march to a green jacket last year, Johnson never went for one of the par-fives in two. He played them at 11-under par and on Saturday, he birdied the par-five 13th for the third consecutive round.

At the last, Johnson holed a clutch, 12-footer to save par.

"My approach today was to get off to a good start and certainly put myself back into contention," said Johnson, who could become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002 to successfully defend his title. "You make the weekend, you always have a chance."