Preview: Dodgers Look To Stay Perfect Vs Ian Kennedy In 2015
In what became a wild game in the later innings, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres, 4-3. Adrian Gonzalez was ejected, the Dodgers missed a pop fly in the infield, Yimi Garcia blew the lead and the Dodgers retook the lead, but just barely after a play that A.J. Ellis’ lack of speed ended up helping the team.
The Dodgers have won seven of 10 games against the Padres this season, including three of the last four. On the mound for the NL West leaders is right-hander Zack Greinke, who is 1-0 in three starts against the Padres this season. He’s thrown a combined 20.2 innings, allowing just two earned runs (0.87 ERA) with 16 strikeouts.
For San Diego, right-hander Ian Kennedy will attempt to beat the Dodgers for the first time in 2015. He’s 0-2 in two starts, although he went six innings and allowed just two runs in his previous start in a 2-0 loss. On the year, he’s 3-5 with a 6.48 ERA in 10 starts.
With the return of Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers now have a somewhat consistent lineup with Puig slotting in the second spot. Andre Ethier and Justin Turner start in left and at third, respectively, and both own Kennedy at the plate. Turner is 7-for-14 against the veteran right-hander, while Ethier is 14-for-39 with three home runs. Gonzalez is struggling a bit, hitting just .211 in his last 11 games (10 starts).
Against Greinke, the biggest threats based on past matchups are Justin Upton and Derek Norris. Both are hitting over .300 against the Dodger right-hander with Upton being the only Padre on the roster with a home run against Greinke.
Dodgers lineup
CF Joc Pederson
RF Yasiel Puig
1B Adrian Gonzalez
2B Howie Kendrick
3B Justin Turner
LF Andre Ethier
C Yasmani Grandal
SS Jimmy Rollins
P Zack Greinke
Padres lineup
1B Wil Myers
CF Will Venable
LF Justin Upton
RF Matt Kemp
3B Yonder Alonso
C Derek Norris
2B Cory Spangenberg
SS Alexei Amarista
P Ian Kennedy
Adrian Gonzalez Discusses Ejection Vs Padres
