Series Preview: Padres Back Home to Face Rival Dodgers

Apr 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (22) pitches during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Game 2, Saturday 5:40pm

Ian Kennedy (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Brandon McCarthy (2-0, 4.50 ERA)

Ian Kennedy is coming off the disabled list to make his second start of the year. In his first start, he strained his hamstring after 2 1/3 innings. He will make the start in the Game 2 against the Dodgers. He is trying to build off of a very successful 2014 season when he had a 200 IP/200K season. He was among the top in the National League for strikeouts.

Kennedy has a 4.08 ERA in 17 career starts against the Dodgers. He also boasts a 3.26 ERA at Petco Park.

McCarthy earned his first win of the season against the Padres a few weeks ago. He threw 5 innings and allowed 4 runs but his offense picked him up. He has 7 career starts against the Padres with a 5-1 record and a 2.96 ERA.

The Padre with the most experience against McCarthy is Alexi Amarista. In 18 at-bats he is hitting .278 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI. Yonder Alonso is 5 for 15 off of him with a home run.

Next: Game 3 Preview