Ian Kennedy fails to impress for the second time in NLDS – MLB Update
Ian Kennedy failed to capitalise on his second start in the National League Division Series against Yovani Gallardo as the Arizona Diamondbacks lost 2-3 to Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 on Friday, October 7 at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to crash out
of the playoffs.
Kennedy gave away two runs amid five hits in his spell of six innings to earn a no-decision in the low-scoring encounter. He failed to impress in Game 1 of the Division Series as well, losing to Gallardo after a lacklustre spell of 6.2 innings.
Justin Upton gave Kennedy a one-run lead in the third inning, but the starter could not hold on to it and allowed two quick runs to see the advantage tilt towards the home-team. Gerardo Parra helped the visitors draw level in the ninth inning, but an immaculate
spell by John Axford in the depth followed by J.J. Putz inability to hold the Brewers sent the D-backs reeling out of the pennant race.
Gallardo came out victorious in Game 1, but earned a no decision in this game. However, he allowed just one run in his spell of six innings to keep advantage in the all-important game. Gallardo finished the NLDS impressively with an ERA of 1.29 in two starts
and will now be upbeat for a similar performance in the Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Milwaukee’s starter had cited this game to be the most important of his career and did well enough to live up to it. Prior to the game, he said, "I just try to stay as relaxed as I can. I'm the same person no matter what. So it's going to be a little bit
tougher, but I just have to stay out there, relax, and just pitch my game and see what happens."
Kennedy, after failing in Game 1, was eager to start again and make-up for his loss. However, his performance did not reap any positive result for the visitors but his manager, Kirk Gibson, came out in support of his starter and termed this as unfortunate.
Gibson articulated that the team played well to push the game into the tenth inning but lacked finishing.
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