"I feel like he's always been one of those players who can change a game or change the outcome of a game with one swing," said Kennedy, who was a teammate of Upton's for three seasons in Arizona (2010-2012).
Such was the case in the opening game of a three-game series, as Upton drilled a two-run home run to center field in the fourth inning.
For Upton, it was home run No. 20 this season and No. 15 at Petco Park, which, even though it has undergone some fence modifications in recent seasons so it would play fairer, is still regarded as pitcher-friendly.