Headley, Kennedy carry Padres over Rockies
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Denver, CO (SportsNetwork.com) - Chase Headley had four hits and Ian Kennedy struck out nine over seven innings as the San Diego Padres took the opener of a three-game set, 6-1, from the Colorado Rockies on Monday.
Kennedy (7-9) needed just 96 pitches and yielded four hits, a run and two walks to end his personal drought against the Rockies. The 29-year-old had been 0-3 in his last five starts versus Colorado.
"He was good from pitch one until his last," Padres manager Bud Black said. "He threw the fastball with conviction, really turned it loose."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Headley finished 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Four other Padres drove in one run apiece.
Colorado rookie starter Tyler Matzek (1-3) was roughed up for five runs on eight hits and four walks in his sixth major league start. He won his major league debut against Atlanta on June 11 but Colorado has lost in each of his next five starts.
"I just kept falling behind guys," Matzek said. "That was the biggest thing, I was trying to pick corners and be a little too fine."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}San Diego hit three doubles in the top of the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie. Tommy Medica started the flurry with a one-out double to left and scored when Rene Rivera followed with a two-bagger to left. Brooks Conrad struck out for the second out of the inning, but Cameron Maybin cranked a ground-rule double to score another run.
Matzek walked Kennedy to open the seventh and Chris Denorfia singled as the young starter's outing came to an end. Matt Belisle came on and allowed both inherited runners to score on Headley's triple to right. Carlos Quentin's sac fly made it 6-1.
Earlier, both teams pushed a run across in the fourth inning. Conrad's sacrifice fly plated Headley and Drew Stubbs led off the bottom half with a homer.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Game Notes
The game was delayed for 56 minutes in the seventh inning due to rain ... Colorado fell to 3-18 over its last 21 games ... The Rockies have allowed at least six runs in four straight games ... The Padres outhit the Rockies, 11-6 ... San Diego shortstop Alexi Amarista had two steals.