Braves @ D-Backs Preview

After the Arizona Diamondbacks dropped their first game of this series without scoring a run (they lost 3-0)  they will be welcoming the Atlanta Braves into their stadium with the hope of evening up this three-game series.

Both these teams are among the best clubs in the National League.  Both are currently sitting atop their respected divisions and both have hit a bit of a rough patch recently as the Braves are 4-6 on their last ten and the D-Backs are 5-5.

Arizona may have a bit more of an incentive to win this one as they currently have the San Diego Padres breathing down their necks, just 2.5 games from over taking the top spot in the division.  The Braves sit a more comfortable six games ahead of the Washington Nationals.

The D-Backs will be starting Ian Kennedy who is returning after being suspended for 10 games when he hit Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke with a pitch that caused both teams dugouts to empty out and a brawl erupted on the field.  Kennedy shouldn’t be to rusty upon his return as he threw in multiple bullpen sessions and threw a 35 pitch simulated game during his suspension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93AGflnEWws

Before his suspension Kennedy was pitching some solid games.  During the infamous Dodgers game he  allowed just two runs in 6 1/3 innings.  While he was appealing the suspension he pitched a game against the Padres where he held them to just one run in six innings.  That was way back on June 16.  Kennedy has beaten the Braves once this season already, however.  On May 15, he held Atlanta to three runs over five innings.

The Braves will be starting Tim Hudson, who was also the pitcher during the May 15 game, where he surrendered five runs on eight hits over five innings.

In his last start, the 37-year-old veteran took a loss but mostly due to bad luck.  He gave up just two runs in six innings  giving up just two runs in six innings but the Braves were not able to score against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The game starts today at 4 p.m.