Game Preview: Padres Look To Earn Series Sweep

Jun 15, 2014; New York, NY, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (22) throws during the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres enter today’s game trying to earn their first sweep of the season. Even better is that it would come against the rival Giants who currently sit in first-place in the division. Ian Kennedy (5-8, 3.90 ERA) will be tasked with bringing home the victory. Kennedy has had pretty good results against players on the current Giants’ roster; however, Buster Posey has owned Kennedy. Posey is 11-for-30 against Kennedy with a .367/.441/.467 in his career. Kennedy will need to keep the bases clear every time Posey comes to bat.

The Giants counter with Tim Lincecum (5-5, 4.90 ERA). Lincecum is nowhere the pitcher he was when he won 2 CY Young Awards, but pitches much better at home than on the road. Lincecum owns a 3.75 home ERA. The Padres will need to be patient and wait for their pitch to hit.

Friar Facts

–          Padres pitchers have not surrendered a home run in their last 56 innings pitched. That is  the longest current active streak in the majors.

–          On the season, the Padres pitchers have only allowed 61 home runs, the sixth-fewest in the Major Leagues.

–          Tomorrow, the Padres will hold a free, public memorial tribute to Tony Gwynn at 7:19 pm at Petco Park. If you live close to the stadium it is not something you will want to miss.

Keep the Faith.