After a frustrating series against the Nationals at home, buffered by an off day and a flight to Philadelphia, our Padres embark on an eight-game road trip today hoping something or someone can turn things around for the team. And today's starting pitcher might just be the guy to do that.
Things have been bleak for the Padres this season, but not so much lately when Ian Kennedy has taken the mound. The right-hander is 4-0 in his last four starts, posting a 2.00 ERA and keeping opponents to a .177 average. He's pitched at least five innings in each of his 13 starts this season, and gone six or more frames in 11 of those outings. In five career starts against the Phillies, IPK is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA
Going for Philadelphia will be 23-year-old rookie pitcher Ken Giles, who was promoted from Lehigh Valley prior to the series. He'll be making his major league debut today after splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A this season. As a relief pitcher, he's collected 12 saves while going 28 2/3 innings through 24 appearances with a 1.88 ERA. But he hasn't made started a game since 2012.
Action will get underway at Citizens Bank Park at 4:05 PDT this afternoon.