Ian Kennedy Tosses Gem As Padres Take Windy City Opener

May 30, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (22) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Padres’ starter Ian Kennedy tossed six innings of 1-run ball, striking out 9 Chicago Whites in leading the Padres to a much-needed, series-opening, interleague victory in Chicago Friday night. Nick Vincent, Joaquin Benoit, and Huston Street slammed the doors, preserving the victory for Kennedy, who moves to 4-6 on the season.

White Sox’ starter John Danks pitched well enough to win as well, tossing seven innings, and allowing 2 earned runs, before giving way to Javy Guerra, who allowed a pair of runs himself in a single frame of work. The Padres were led by a pair of home runs from Cameron Maybin in the third inning, and Yonder Alonso in the eighth, which was the dagger for the White Sox.

Carlos Quentin went 2-for-5 in his return to U.S. Cellular as an opposing player, and Chris Denorfia also had a pair of hits in the victory. Alonso led the Padres, tallying three hits, and driving in a pair of runs.

Kennedy allowed his one run in the bottom half of the fourth, as Conor Gillespie scored on a wild pitch. An inning later, Rene Rivera scored on a wild pitch by Danks, a pair of scoring rarities indeed.

The Padres send Tyson Ross (5-4, 2.97) to the hill to take on Andre Rienzo (4-1, 3.95) in an early game for west coast viewers. First pitch is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. PDT.

Keep The Faith.