Padres Head to Seattle For Vedder Cup

May 6, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (22) pitches during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1 Tuesday, 7:10pm

Ian Kennedy (2-1, 5.03 ERA) vs. James Paxton (0-2, 5.08 ERA)

Kennedy has performed well since being blasted by the Dodgers last month. He is coming off of his best start of 2015 against the San Francisco Giants, when he went seven innings while only allowing one run and five strikeouts. He was really in tune with new catcher Austin Hedges in his last start.

Kennedy will have to tread carefully against his old teammate Seth Smith, who is hitting .300 with a home run in 23 plate appearances.

Paxton is coming off of a nice performance against the Los Angeles Angels, going seven innings and only allowing two runs. He has never faced the Padres, but is 1-1 with a 3.31 career ERA in interleague games. He has a 2.89 ERA in 10 career starts at Safeco Field.

Derek Norris has the most experience against Paxton with six plate appearances; he is 1-for-5.

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