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Kennedy goes for Arizona against Chicago

Apr 30, 2011 - 2:49 PM (Sports Network) - Ian Kennedy tries to follow up a brilliant effort his last time out when the Arizona Diamondbacks play the third test of their four-game series with the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field.

Kennedy was terrific on Monday against Philadelphia, as he scattered three hits and struck out 10 to record his first-ever shutout, a day after the birth of his daughter.

"It's been surreal," said Kennedy, who is 3-1 with a 4.02 ERA. "Not expecting her to come when my Allie went into labor, then flying in from New York, which is just about the farthest place I could be, then watching that life-changing experience. It was just the cherry on top to do that (complete game). I get emotional just thinking about it. The day after she was born -- my little Easter baby."

Kennedy is 1-1 in two starts versus the Cubs, but has allowed 12 runs (11 earned) in those two outings.

Chicago, meanwhile, will pin its hopes on right-hander Matt Garza, who takes another crack at his first win as a Cub. Garza fell to 0-3 on Monday against Colorado, as he allowed five runs - one of which was earned - and three hits in six innings. He also struck out seven and is tied for second in the NL with 41 punchouts on the year.

This will be his first-ever appearance against the Diamondbacks.

After getting routed in the series-opener, the Cubs bounced back on Friday, as Alfonso Soriano belted a pair of solo homers, including the go-ahead blast in the seventh inning, lifting Chicago to a 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks. Geovany Soto also went deep for the Cubs, who snapped a four-game losing streak after getting shellacked, 11-2, on Thursday.

Carlos Zambrano (3-1) continued his amazing success on the road, winning his ninth consecutive such start. The big right-hander allowed four hits and two runs in six innings.

Justin Upton hit a two-run homer in the first inning for the Diamondbacks, who had won three of their previous four games.

Armando Galarraga (3-2) yielded six hits over seven innings. His first pitch of the seventh inning, though, was deposited over the right field wall by Soriano.

"I'm coming everyday to the ballpark happy," Soriano said. "As long as I'm in the lineup, I'm fine."

Chicago took two of three from the D'Backs earlier this season and has won four of its last five in Arizona.