Ian Kennedy to join exclusive Diamondbacks club
Apr 5, 2012, 9:31 PM | Updated: 10:34 pm
Randy Johnson did it six times. Brandon Webb four times.
Ian Kennedy is about to do for a second time.
The Diamondbacks right-hander will become only the third
pitcher in franchise history to make multiple Opening Day
starts. That happens when he steps up on the mound Friday
and delivers the baseball to officially start the 2012
season.
“I think every first start — for each pitcher, every
season — is always going to be a little more adrenaline
just because it’s not spring training,” he said.
Kennedy started Opening Day last year, working six innings
and earning a no decision against the the Rockies.
However, he pitched at Coors Field. Now, he’ll pitch in
the more familiar surroundings of Chase Field.
“I feel like this year — since it’s against the Giants,
at home, it’s going to be a little bit more intense for
our players,” Kennedy explained. “For myself, I’m going to
try to keep it to a minimum, that adrenaline level.”
The Diamondbacks are the defending NL West champions,
having ousted a Giants team that claimed the crown in
2010.
“It adds a little bit to it,” Kennedy said of having the
last two division winners on the same field. “I know
they’re going to be excited just like we are.
“The target is on our back. It’s going to be a lot of
fun.”
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