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SF@ARI: Kennedy outduels Lincecum in D-backs' opener

The D-backs are no longer Major League Baseball's lone undefeated team. Now they'll look to try to stave off a losing streak.

On Thursday, Arizona tries to get back to its winning ways against the Padres behind right-hander Ian Kennedy (1-0, 4.05 ERA).

The D-backs have dominated San Diego of late, winning 11 of their last 16 games against the Padres. A big reason for that success -- aside from Wednesday night -- has been their late-inning offense, as the D-backs have outscored the Padres, 22-8, from the seventh inning on during that stretch.

If Kennedy keeps his usual form against San Diego, there should be no reason for late-game heroics. The right-hander went 3-0 with a 1.74 ERA in three starts against the Padres last season, striking out 27 of the 79 batters he faced.

Arizona will be facing young Padres right-hander Anthony Bass (0-1, 2.25 ERA), who makes his first start of the season filling in for Dustin Moseley, who is on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. Bass started three games for the Padres a year ago and has said, while he's willing to help the club in any capacity, he'd prefer to work as a starter.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to start," Bass said. "I want to run with it and show the organization what I can do."

Bass has a 1.72 ERA in 52 1/3 Major League innings, and Padres manager Bud Black said he's confident in sending out Bass to begin the game.

"His history as an amateur and a Minor League pitcher is of a starter," said Black, adding Bass can throw between 70-90 pitches. "There's no mental anxiety for him to be starting a game."

D-backs: Willie B streaking
• Infielder Willie Bloomquist has an 11-game hitting streak dating back to last season in which he's batting .306. Bloomquist's streak is one game shy of his career-best 12-gamer from July 3-25, 2005, while with Seattle.

• D-backs closer J.J. Putz has converted a team-record 27 straight saves dating back to July 27 of last season. The right-hander has a 1.14 ERA during that stretch.

• With 120 career home runs, outfielder Chris Young is one shy of Mark Reynolds for third on the D-backs' all-time list.

Padres: More on Moseley
• This much is known about Moseley: He has damage to his rotator cuff and some "changes in his labrum," Black said. What the Padres aren't sure of is the next step. Surgery could be an option, but the club is leaving that choice to the right-hander.

"He's just getting his emotions in order to make a decision," Black said. "There's no urgency to come to a decision right now."

• San Diego relievers Andrew Cashner (three innings), Huston Street (three), Luke Gregerson (1 2/3) and Joe Thatcher (2/3) each have started the season scoreless out of the bullpen.

Worth noting
• Padres batters have combined to hit .244 (252-for-1,032) against D-backs pitching in their careers.

• The next home run by Arizona's Geoff Blum will the 100th of his career.

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