Ian Kennedy went seven shutout innings to help the Arizona Diamondbacks split their home series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday evening. Kennedy’s performance continued a streak of impressive pitching by the top of the order. He picked up his eleventh win, while interim closer David Hernandez shut things down in the ninth to grab his eighth save in as many chances.
Kennedy did get himself into a couple of messes, included a bases-loaded fifth, but also struck out five.
Justin Upton, who has broken out of a recent 0-for-20 batting slump, only went 1-for-4 on Thursday, but his only hit was a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Miguel Montero added his own solo homer in the fourth, and Kelly Johnson nailed a two-run bomb in the eighth to provide all the offense necessary for the win.
The victory was a welcome bounce back after losing short stop Stephen Drew to a cringe-inducing right ankle injury the previous night, a game that also saw the D-backs unable to capitalize on an ideal situation: tied, bottom of the ninth, with a runner on third and no outs. Arizona ultimately dropped the game and, seemingly, their morale.
Prince Fielder, Arizona’s current arch-nemesis thanks to his decision to snub Upton from the All-Star Home Run Derby, once again struggled, going 0-4, including a three-pitch fan by leftie Joe Paterson in the eighth. Fielder went 1-for-16 in the series.
For more coverage, check out SB Nation’s D-backs blog, AZ Snake Pit.
Editor's update: Here's an official announcement from the team regarding Stephen Drew: "Stephen Drew underwent orthopedic surgery in Phoenix this afternoon to repair a severe right ankle injury he suffered yesterday. Dr. Peter Mitchell MD performed internal plating to the fibula bone and repair of the ligaments torn as his cleats caught the ground twisting the ankle awkwardly. All went as expected, and we are optimistic for a full recovery."