Preview: Padres Offense Looks To Continue Its Surge Saturday

Aug 1, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher

(right) talks to former Arizona Diamondbacks teammate Atlanta Braves left fielder

(8) before a game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching Matchups:

After missing his last scheduled start on Monday in Atlanta due to oblique injury, Padres Ian Kennedy (8-9. 3.66 ERA) will take the mound against the Braves. The 29-year old right-hander is making his 23rd start of the season and his first against the Braves this year.

In his last outing against the Cubs, Kennedy struggled a little bit with his control but still battled through numerous situations to pick up his eighth victory of season. He allowed three earned run, three hits, and striking out six but allowing a season five walks.

Kennedy has not lost since June 25 and has a 2-0 record against the Braves over the course of his career.

The Braves will counter with veteran Ervin Santana (10-6, 3.63 ERA)who looks to duplicate his performance against the Padres from last Monday when he went eight innings and striking out a career high eleven in the 2-0 victory. Santana’s had an up and down season so far, but he appears to have turned things around in his last two starts posting a 2-0 record allowing one earned run and striking out 21 batters in 21.1 innings.