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Ian Kennedy watches daughter’s birth on FaceTime, then pitches in Padres’ win

San Diego Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy delivers a pitch during a game Friday against the Miami Marlins.

San Diego Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy delivers a pitch during a game Friday against the Miami Marlins.

(Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)
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Ian Kennedy watching the birth of his daughter through FaceTime from the other side of the country probably wasn’t in the couple’s birth plan. It’s also safe to say pitching the same day wasn’t either.

The San Diego Padres pitcher was in Miami on Friday before a scheduled start when he learned his wife had gone into labor in California. Kennedy booked a flight home, but of course there were delays.

“It was just a really crazy day,” Kennedy said according to the Associated Press.

Thanks to modern technology, though, that didn’t mean he had to miss the birth. Kennedy’s daughter, Evelyn Nicole, was born at 5:03 p.m., and the Padres starter was able to be there for his wife, Allison, via FaceTime.

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It’s just an emotional moment when I think about it now,” Kennedy said. “I’m just proud of her and Alli because it was so cool to see.”

Two hours later, Kennedy took the mound at Marlins Park.

Kennedy gave up a first inning, two-run home run to Marlins left-fielder Christian Yelich. After getting that out of the way, Kennedy held Miami scoreless for the next six innings. He also scored the Padres’ first run after hitting a double in his first at-bat.

“After I was done, all of the emotions just came out, and I started crying on the bench because I get to go home to see her, and I just want to hold her,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy (6-9) didn’t get a decision in the outing, but San Diego beat Miami, 8-3, with a five-run 11th-inning burst.

“I think that victory was for someone else, too,” said Padres interim manager Pat Murphy. “It’s pretty neat. I know he didn’t get the win, but he pitched seven great innings.”

Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme

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