For Kyle Kendrick, September is meaningful
Kyle Kendrick pitched seven scoreless innings in a 4-0 win. "That was his best game, by far," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said.
ATLANTA — The Braves took batting practice in a rainstorm Tuesday afternoon, a sight that prompted two Phillies players to dash up the dugout tunnel for verification. This was an unusual event, perhaps Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez's idea of punishment after being no-hit Monday.
"Obviously, with yesterday, we had a good idea on these guys," Kyle Kendrick said. "I was able to get in a groove and it was a nice win."
Kendrick pitched seven scoreless innings in a 4-0 win. He escaped yet another first-inning jam and improved as his outing deepened. He lowered his ERA to 4.77, and for one night, rose above his season's disappointment.
"That was his best game, by far," Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said.
Kendrick loaded the bases in the first inning with a double, walk and hit batter. But he struck out Evan Gattis and Chris Johnson to wiggle free.
Kendrick's motivation is free agency. He has made every start in his career with the exception of the final three weeks of last season when shoulder soreness sidelined him. He just turned 30. That durability could entice another team.
"The season's not over," Kendrick said. "I have four starts to finish strong. Shoot, finish on a good note and put myself in a good position. I want to finish healthy, that's the main thing."
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