Game Preview: Chad Bettis vs. Ian Kennedy

Rookie Chad Bettis (0-3 5.45 ERA) makes his eighth start in a Rockies uniform as he searches for his first major league win. Bettis has pitched well enough to win a few times, but consistency has evaded him. His last start was no exception as the Dodgers tagged him for five runs in 4.2 innings.

In order for Bettis to be a winner, the Rockies will need to get to Padres starter Ian Kennedy (6-9 4.96). Kennedy, once an ace, fell out of favor in Arizona and he is looking to rebound in San Diego. Kennedy has pitched well in his career against the Rockies going 3-3 with a 2.96 ERA. In six starts with San Diego, Kennedy has pitched well in four of them, including his last start in which he pitched six innings allowing just one run in a 4-1 win against San Francisco. In two starts this year against Colorado, he has lost both, giving up three runs in six innings each start.

If the Rockies want to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Padres, it will take a little offense. The Rockies have mustered just 11 hits in two games and gone 3-for-15 with RISP, yet they have had ample chances to win both games.

9/8 @Padres lineup vs @Rockies Venable RF Amarista LF Gyorko 2B Headley 3B Blanks 1B Cedeno SS Fuentes CF Rivera C Kennedy P

— MLBLineups (@mlblineups) September 8, 2013

#Rockies 9/8 vs. #Padres: Dickerson 7, Rutledge 4, Tulowitzki 6, Cuddyer 9, Helton 3, Arenado 5, Blackmon 8, Pacheco 2, Bettis 1

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) September 8, 2013