The Arizona Diamondbacks Ian Kennedy has emerged as a Cy Young hopeful in the National League with his outstanding season thus far. The San Francisco Giants' Tim Lincecum has already won the award, twice. Needless to say we might have a pitcher's duel on our hands at AT&T Park Saturday night, though the Giants offense would like to say otherwise.
Lincecum (12-11 2.58 ERA) got a bit roughed up by the Cubs in his last outing, allowing four earned runs on six hits, three of which were home runs, the most he ever allowed in a single game. He also walked four and fanned four along the way, a but of kilter to say the least, but is 6-2 with a 2.81 ERA in his last 12 starts against Arizona, along with a complete game under his belt as well.
As for Ian Kennedy (17-4 3.03 ERA), he earned his NL leading 17th win on Sunday, pitching seven strong innings of one run ball, along with six hits, seven strikeouts and no walks against the Padres. Kennedy has pitched seven innings or more in seven of his last nine starts, as well as winning nine of his last 10 starts.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm PT this evening with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.