Ian Kennedy shines as Arizona Diamondbacks defeat Philadelphia Phillies 4-0 – MLB Update
Ian Kennedy put in a good performance as Arizona Diamondbacks defeated Philadelphia Phillies 4-0 at Chase Field, Phoenix on Monday, April 25.
The Phillies just came from a four game sweep against the San Diego Padres. Many expected them to continue their winning streak against the Diamondbacks as well but it didn’t work out as planned for them, as Arizona dominated the game.
For Ian Kennedy it has been an undeniably marvellous week which he would probably remember for the rest of his life. He along with his wife Allison welcomed their daughter Nora Rose into the world on Sunday and soon after he managed to out-pitch the greatness
of Cliff Lee on Monday night. He pitched his first complete game in Major League Baseball and had a three hitter.
Kennedy was successful in striking-out ten during the game. He finished off the game by striking-out Jimmy Rollins and walked none. Even Cliff Lee who is one of the best pitchers in baseball had to admit that Kennedy’s performance was beyond impressive.
"To shut our lineup down like that, he was definitely doing something right," Lee said. "I wouldn't expect him to go nine innings without giving up a run. That's impressive."
Lee who is never the one to give up a single run wasn’t at his very best as he allowed home-runs to Chris Young and Gerardo Parra. After that, he was back to delivering strong pitches which didn’t let the Diamondbacks score again. "They ambushed a couple
of first pitches and hit homers," Lee said. "Considering how Kennedy pitched, that was the game."
In total Lee gave up four runs along with five hits in seven innings which is average for a pitcher but is a far cry from Lee’s previous meticulous performances. He once again matched his season high by striking-out 12, one more and it would have made it
to his career high list. He only allowed one walk.
Placido Polanco managed to double and then later single for the Phillies. Rollins ground ball was the only other hit from Philadelphia’s side.
Once again, the outcome points towards the blatantly obvious problem in the Phillies’ line-up where their pitching is the only aspect worth mentioning. Charlie Manuel, the manager for Philadelphia needs to realise that he may have the best pitching rotation
in almost all of Major League Baseball history, but that will only get you so far in a game where belting out runs is just as critical as pitching well.
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