Going into the 2011 season, Ian Kennedy was penciled in as the ace of the Arizona Diamondbacks. While many fans were hesitant that he could deliver on such a bold promise, Kennedy showed up in a big way on Tuesday night in San Francisco.
Kennedy dueled Giants ace Tim Lincecum for eight innings, and both pitchers shut down the opposition, giving up four hits apiece. The two pitchers combined for 17 strikeouts and only five walks.
Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez gave up the game-winning run in the ninth inning, surrendering a single to Cody Ross that scored Darren Ford, who was pinch running for Buster Posey.
Kennedy did not factor into the decision, and as of tonight has an impressive 3.23 ERA and a 3-1 record. Long considered the "ace of the future" in the New York Yankees organization, Kennedy has lived up to the billing over the last two seasons for Arizona.
With the tough loss, the Diamondbacks fall to 15-19 on the season. Arizona is only 5-10 on the road in 2011, and will need to turn around this trend if they are to play meaningful baseball in the latter months of summer.