May 25, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (22) throws during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight, the Padres will begin a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field for the first time since 2003. Ian Kennedy (3-6, 3.59) will start the game for the Friars. Kennedy is coming of a great start which he earned his 3rd win of the season, pitching 6 innings, allowing only 1 run, on 2 hits, and 2 walks, while striking out 6. Kennedy has pitched better than his 3-6 record indicates, receiving only 2.79 run-support average per nine innings, ranking 98th out of 101 qualified pitchers. Kennedy will be facing many White Sox’ players for the first time tonight. Only 4 players on the White Sox roster have faced Kennedy before tonight with Adam Dunn having the most success. Dunn is 3-for-5 with 2 home runs, 1 double, and 3 RBI against Kennedy. Kennedy will aim to have the bases empty each time Dunn comes to the plate.
The White Sox will counter with John Danks (3-4, 4.90 ERA). Danks pitched a gem in his last outing against the Yankees. He took a tough no-decision after pitching 8 shutout innings, allowing only 3 hits, while striking out 4. Regardless of Chicago’s offense, Danks will be looking to earn his 4th quality start in his last 5 outings. Only two Padres have previously faced Danks. Both Chris Denorfia and Seth Smith have logged three previous at-bats. Smith, not in tonight’s lineup, is hitless with 2 strikeouts while Denorfia is 1-for-3.
Tommy Medica will start for Smith in leftfield tonight. Medica is swinging a hot bat, going 7-for-10 in his last three games. Medica was a single shy of the cycle on Wednesday against Arizona, marking the third time this season a Padre has flirted with a cycle.
This will be the first meeting between the White Sox and the Padres since 2005. The White Sox took two out of three games in San Diego.
First Pitch is 5:10 pm PDT.
Keep the Faith.