Padres Win Series Opener On the South Side

Maybin, Alonso Hit Home Runs To Back Kennedy

Even before their game against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago started, the Padres had reason to feel like they'd won. Starting pitcher Andrew Cashner tested his sore elbow in the bullpen and reported no setbacks.

Cashner told Corey Brock of MLB.com he felt crisp after tossing 45 pitches. Padres manager Bud Black said Cashner will throw a simulated game on Monday at Petco Park.

When the game got underway, Ian Kennedy did an awfully good Cashner impersonation. Or, more accurately, he looked like the 2011 version of himself.

Kennedy threw six innings, giving up one run and striking out nine to get his second straight win. Interestingly, the last one came Sunday in the East Village when the beat the other team from Chicago, also giving up one run in six innings.

It's no coincidence, Kennedy's last two starts are the only two this season he's worked with catcher Rene Rivera, who is cementing his spot as one of the best defensive catchers in the Major Leagues.

The only run Ian gave up came in the 4th inning, and could have been avoided. With runners at first and second and one out, Kennedy got Alexi Ramirez to fly out to Cameron Maybin in centerfield. Maybin, thinking it was the third out, put his head down and started trotting to the dugout.

Conor Gillaspie alertly tagged up and advanced to third base, then scored on a wild pitch by Kennedy.

Maybin apologized in the dugout after the inning. Cam was able to make up for his mental lapse with a mammoth solo home run, his first of the season.

First baseman Yonder Alonso also hit a 2-run shot, his fourth of the year, in the 8th inning to give the Padres their 4-1 cushion. Alonso had three hits and has raised his batting average 28 points in the last seven games.

Huston Street worked the 9th inning and only needed 10 pitches to get his 16th straight save of the season.

For White Sox All-Star Carlos Quentin got to be the DH in the American League park. He had two hits, including his first double of the season. The MLB trade deadline is still two months away, but don't think a whole lot of AL teams are keeping a close eye on this series to see how Quentin swings the bat in that role.

The Padres send Tyson Ross to the mound on Saturday against Andre Rienzo.

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