Padres Come Home to Face Bucs

May 23, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (22) in the third inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Game 1 Thursday, 7:10pm

Ian Kennedy (2-4, 6.11 ERA) vs. A.J. Burnett (4-1, 1.37 ERA)

Kennedy is trying to lower that bloated ERA. He had a solid start last time out, going 6 innings and allowing 2 runs while striking out 6. His last home start did not go as well, allowing 6 runs and walking 4 against the Nationals. He is 3-3 with a 3.86 ERA against the Pirates in his career.

Burnett is having a revival season of sorts. It seems as if the 38 year-old has found the fountain of youth. He has the lowest ERA in the major leagues right now. Coming off of a season where he led the major leagues with 18 losses, he has rebounded nicely this year.

Justin Upton has good numbers against Burnett. He is 6 for 14 (.429) with two home runs. Upton was vital in the win on Wednesday night. He looks to keep rolling against the Pirates this weekend.

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