Erick Fedde pitched six innings, allowing just one run, while Martin Maldonado homered and drove in three RBIs to lead the Chicago White Sox to an 8-2 victory over the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday night.
Fedde, who retired the last 12 batters he faced, surrendered three hits and struck out three. His strong performance, with a lowered ERA of 3.13, adds to his value ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.
“It’s something that’s constantly talked about, so you can’t avoid it,” said Fedde, who played in Korea last year. “If you start pitching poorly, these rumors go away, which is not what you want. I love it here and I’m happy, but whatever happens, happens.”
Lenyn Sosa tied his career-high with three hits, and Andrew Benintendi contributed a two-run double during Chicago’s four-run fourth inning. Despite having the worst record in MLB at 25-63, the White Sox have managed a 5-4 record against Cleveland.
Guardians starter Gavin Williams returned to action after missing three months with right elbow inflammation. In his season debut, he lasted four innings, yielding five runs and seven hits. It was his first major league appearance since September 17 against Texas.
“It might take Gavin a couple times out to get back to executing, but he showed some signs,” said Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt. “You’ve got to give Chicago credit. But we saw a lot more good than bad from him tonight.”
Williams’ comeback provides a potential boost to Cleveland’s inconsistent rotation, which holds a 4.42 ERA. The team has faced challenges, with former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber undergoing Tommy John surgery and right-hander Triston McKenzie being sent down to Triple-A Columbus.
Brayan Rocchio added a solo home run for Cleveland, which had won six consecutive games at Progressive Field and continues to boast the best home record in MLB at 27-10.
“Fedde gives us a chance to win every time and he went six innings against a great team tonight,” Maldonado said. Maldonado, entering the game with an .083 batting average and five RBIs, doubled in a run in the fourth inning and hit a two-run homer in the eighth off Tim Herrin.
