• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Kendrick looking to continue impressive start

Jul 6, 2007 - 3:31 PM Philadelphia (43-42) at Colorado (42-43) 9:05 pm EDT

DENVER (Ticker) -- Rookie Kyle Kendrick will hope to continue the undefeated start to his career when the Philadelphia Phillies face the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

Kendrick (3-0, 4.38 ERA) has been solid in each of the first four starts of his career. He has received the win in his previous three starts and the Phillies are 4-0 when the 22-year-old righthander takes the mound.

The rookie had his longest career outing in his last start, pitching 6 2/3 innings and giving up two runs and six hits with three walks in a 5-3 triumph over the New York Mets on Sunday.

Philadelphia snapped a two-game losing streak behind seven strong innings from Cole Hamels in an 8-3 victory in Wednesday's contests against the Houston Astros.

The Rockies will counter with Jeff Francis (8-5, 3.56), who has won three straight decisions.

Francis pitched seven scoreless innings in a 5-0 win over the Astros on Sunday in his previous start. The 26-year-old lefthander yielded just three hits and four walks with four strikeouts.

The four-year veteran posted a 3-0 record with a 2.63 ERA in his last four starts.

Colorado has won four of its last five contests after losing eight straight.