Ian Kennedy Goes Six Strong, Padres beat Pirates with One Hit!

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

A one-hitter winner!

It is no secret the Padres struggle offensively, so beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 with only one hit is a feel good win.

The Padres jumped out to a two-run lead in the first inning. Chris Denorfia led off the game with a walk. He then stole second, and went to third on Everth Cabrera’s bunt single. Carlos Quentin hit a sacrifice fly to second that scored Denorfia for the first run. After Chase Headley was hit by a pitch, Cabrera scored on a throwing error by the second baseman to make it a 2-0 ball game.

In the fourth inning, reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen homered to left field, but the Padres retained their two-run lead in the bottom of the fourth when Pirates starter Francisco Liriano walked Denorfia with the bases loaded. At the end of four, it was 3-1 Padres.

The final run of the game was scored in the fifth inning when Josh Harrison doubled to deep center scoring Jordy Mercer. Padres starter Ian Kennedy managed one more inning, and then handed the 3-2 ball game to the magnificent bullpen.

Nick Vincent pitched a one-two-three seventh, and Joaquin Benoit gave up a lead-off double in the eighth, and pitched out of the jam.

Our ever reliable closer, Huston Street, gave up a one out single to Pedro Alvarez, but successfully closed the game for his NL leading 18^th save.

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