The Diamondbacks are mired in their longest losing streak since a six-game slide in August of last season; and their five-game home losing streak is the longest since 2010.

Meanwhile, the Braves have tied a club record with six straight wins against the Diamondbacks.

Ian Kennedy will try to change all that this afternoon.

"He's been our number-one starter," said manager Kirk Gibson. "It'd be nice if he went and shut 'em out. We're not expecting him to do that. We know we need to play a good game."

Last season, Kennedy stopped losing streaks of three or more games five times.

The Diamondbacks are looking to avoid their ninth four-game sweep in club history (fourth at Chase Field). The last time they were swept in a four-game series was September 15-18, 2008 against the Giants.

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some good news:
Diamondbacks game notes point out that the last four World Series Champions and 12 of the last 13 have had at least one losing streak of five or more games

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Gibson said he hadn't yet talked to Justin Upton but has his rightfielder hitting 3rd this afternoon. Upton went 1-4 with a double in his return from a thumb injury yesterday.

Willie Bloomquist, Ryan Roberts are being given the day off
Bloomquist is 1-10 over his last three games
Roberts is 0-12 over his last our games

Cody Ransom gets his first start since being promoted from Triple-A Reno

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Gibson said they are "still discussing" whom to start Monday. Wade Miley is "certainly one of the guys we're considering" if he doesn't pitch today.