ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Grit Index: Kennedy a hard-luck loser as D-backs’ bats fall silent

Jul 20, 2013, 5:10 AM | Updated: 5:10 am

The Arizona Diamondbacks began the final 67-game portion of their schedule Friday night much the same way they went into the All-Star break five days earlier.

A rough first inning by right-hander Ian Kennedy, a lack of run support from the offense and ultimately a loss.

The scripts could have been identical, well almost.

Kennedy, who allowed five runs on nine hits in Sunday’s 5-1 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers, was roughed up yet again in the first frame (two runs, three hits and a walk), but settled down nicely over his final five innings for a quality start.

Still, it didn’t seem to matter much at AT&T Park.

San Francisco Giants right-hander Chad Gaudin continued his mastery against the D-backs — gave up two runs in a 6-2 win at Chase Field June 9 — throwing seven innings of shutout baseball to go along with eight strikeouts, as the defending World Champions won with ease 2-0.

In defeat, the D-backs failed to get a single runner into scoring position until an eighth inning bunt by Adam Eaton moved A.J. Pollock to second.

The Good:

Although Kennedy lost his third straight decision, the 28-year-old retired 11 of the last 12 batters he faced, and gave the D-backs every opportunity to win the ball game.

Friday marked just his second quality start since June 16.

The Bad:

With the loss and a Dodgers’ win in Washington D.C., the D-backs hold just a 1.5-game lead in the National League West.

The D-backs have scored one run or less in four of their last five losses.

Noted:

-The D-backs have lost six straight second-half openers following the All-Star break.

-Ian Kennedy suffered his first loss in San Francisco since Sept. 29, 2010.

-All-Star Paul Goldschmidt went 0-for-4 at the plate, including an inning-ending groundout with the bases loaded in the eighth.

-Will Harris came on to deliver a scoreless inning of relief in the seventh. He has allowed just one run over his last 16 relief appearances.

Up Next:

The D-backs and Giants continue their three-game series Saturday night at AT&T Park. Kirk Gibson and Co. will send left-hander Wade Miley (6-7, 4.01 ERA) to the mound. He’ll be opposed by San Francisco right-hander Matt Cain (5-6, 5.06 ERA). Cain is 0-1 with a 3.79 ERA against the D-backs in 2013. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. on Arizona Sports 620.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar, D-backs...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, GM Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

12 hours ago

General shot of Chase Field...

Bailey Leasure

What’s new at Chase Field for the 2024 D-backs season?

The Arizona Diamondbacks 2024 season will see the team debut new food items, enhancements to the ballpark and giveaways.

18 hours ago

Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws a pitch during the second inning in the game ag...

Vincent DeAngelis

Bryce Jarvis starting season in long reliever role for Diamondbacks

Twenty-six-year-old Bryce Jarvis will start the 2024 season in a long relief role for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

18 hours ago

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Reports: Diamondbacks, LHP Jordan Montgomery agree to terms on contract

The Diamondbacks and big-ticket free agent pitcher Jordan Montgomery agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. 

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Zac Gallen says Diamondbacks are ready for opponents’ best daily

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the excitement surrounding his second straight Opening Day start for the Snakes, and the overall excitement the team has for the coming season.

1 day ago

Kevin Ginkel...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Kevin Ginkel has no problem if asked to close in Paul Sewald’s absence

Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel has not been told whether he will step into the closer role with Paul Sewald on the injured list.

1 day ago

Grit Index: Kennedy a hard-luck loser as D-backs’ bats fall silent