Ian Kennedy, Padres Look For Home Sweep Of Rockies In Finale

How frustrating is it for San Diego Padres’ fans to think about what this season could’ve been? The Padres, who are playing some of the best ball in all of the big leagues, dug themselves such a deep hole in the first half, that the team’s resurgence during the second half, has raised some eyebrows all around baseball. The Friars might be 11 1/2 games back of first place Los Angeles in the NL West, they are only 6 games out with 39 games left to be played. While they’ll obviously need help along the way, the team is going what they need to on their end to get back into contention. With a win in tonight’s series finale against the visiting Colorado Rockies, they’ll not only sweep, but go 9-1 over their last ten games, including winning five in a row.

Taking the mound for the Padres, has been their hard luck loser, Ian Kennedy. Kennedy, who is 8-10, has a 3.51 ERA and was the center of several trade rumors leading up to the July 31st non-waiver trading deadline. He nor newly appointed closer Joaquin Benoit, could still be put on waivers and dealt, but it’s a hard sell to a fan base that has continued to back one of the most disappointing teams in the NL this season. In his last outing, Kennedy tossed 6 innings, allowing only 1 earned run, as the Padres’ first half bats reappeared, and Kennedy took the lone loss in the Pirates’ series. Kennedy will hope that the bats continue to hit–at least for him tonight, as he looks to inch closer to evening his record.

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For the Rockies, rookie Tyler Matzek will look to improve on a poor road campaign in 2014. In six road starts this year away from Coors Field, Matzek has an ERA of 6, and is still looking for his first big league road win. Matsek needs an injury-depleted Rockies offense to pick up some of the slack, as he’s tossed three quality starts on the road–all of which have gone to waste due to an anemic Rockies’ lineup in each of those outings. The Rockies will be without either of their stars, as Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are scheduled to see specialists today for their assortment of injuries.

The Padres’ lineup will be shuffled somewhat, as first baseman Yonder Alonso is out with a strained forearm. It was reported earlier that he is going for an MRI at some point today. Tommy Medica will remain in left field, as catcher Yasmani Grandal will slide over to first from behind the dish, and and Rene Rivera will call today’s game. Rookie Rymer Liriano will remain in right field, as he is getting an extended audition in the Padres’ outfield. Here’s the rest of today’s starting lineup for the Padres!

Today’s Padres’ lineup-Mandatory Credit: padres.mlblogs.com

Keep the Faith.