Desert delight: D-Backs try to extend home streak vs. Padres

The Arizona Diamondbacks take aim at their 14th straight game series with the San Diego Padres at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks extended their franchise-best run in Thursday's opener, as Ian Kennedy pitched into the eighth inning for his National League-leading 19th win, helping Arizona to a 4-1 win.

Kennedy (19-4) gave up just one run on seven hits with a season-high 11 strikeouts to win for the 11th time in his past 12 starts. He lowered his earned run average to 2.90.

"He just has such good control of his pitches," said Arizona manager Kirk Gibson. "He means so much to this organization and much of our success we owe to him."

Since giving up seven runs on July 3 to Oakland, he hasn't allowed more than three in a start and has lost just once, on August 18 at Philadelphia.

Justin Upton and Paul Goldschmidt both hit solo home runs for the Diamondbacks, who have won 14 of their last 16 overall and moved to 7 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco for top spot in the NL West.

Will Venable drove in the lone run for the Padres, who have lost 12 of their last 14. Cory Luebke (5-9) dropped his third straight start as he was touched for two runs on three hits with four walks and nine strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings.

Tonight, the Diamondbacks turn to another impressive righty in Daniel Hudson, who has won his last three starts. Hudson was terrific in beating the Giants on Sunday, as he held them to a run and three hits in seven innings, as he improved to 15-9 on the year to go along with a 3.53 ERA.

"He's good. There's a reason why he's got however many wins he's got -- and he's got a lot," Giants outfielder Cody Ross said after the game. "He pitches well. He pitches away from contact. He'll come in when he needs to. He's good."

Hudson lost to the Padres the last time he faced them, but is 3-1 in four starts against them with a 1.95 ERA.

San Diego, meanwhile, will counter with righty Mat Latos, who is 7-13 with a 3.77 ERA. Latos won for the first time in five starts on Sunday against Colorado, as he allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings.

He is 1-0 in three starts versus the Diamondbacks with a 2.08 ERA.

Arizona has won eight of its l2 meetings with the Padres this season.