Erick Fedde pitches 6 strong innings, Martin Maldonado has 3 RBI and White Sox rout Guardians 8-2
CLEVELAND — Erick Fedde allowed one run in six innings, Martin Maldonado homered and had three RBI, and the White Sox routed the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians 8-2 on Wednesday night.
Fedde (6-3) retired the final 12 batters he faced, giving up three hits while striking out three. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 3.13, increasing his potential value in advance of the July 30 trade deadline.
"It's something that's talked about constantly, so you can't avoid it," said Fedde, who pitched in Korea last season. "If you start pitching bad, these (rumors) go away, which is not what you want. I love it here and I'm happy, but whatever happens, happens."
Lenyn Sosa matched his career high with three hits and Andrew Benintendi had a 2-run double in the 4-run fourth for Chicago. The White Sox have the worst record in the majors at 25-63 but are 5-4 against Cleveland.
Guardians starter Gavin Williams (0-1) went four innings and 74 pitches in his season debut after missing three months with right elbow inflammation. He gave up five runs and seven hits in his first major-league appearance since Sept. 17 against Texas.
"It might take Gavin a couple times out to get back to executing, but he showed some signs," Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. "You've got to give Chicago credit. But we saw a lot more good than bad from him tonight."
Williams' return should boost the Guardians' inconsistent rotation, which has a 4.42 ERA. Former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery and righty Triston McKenzie was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
Brayan Rocchio hit a solo homer for Cleveland, which had won six straight at Progressive Field and still has the best home record in the majors 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, who entered the game with an .083 average and five RBI, doubled in a run in the fourth and had a 2-run homer in the eighth off Tim Herrin.
Cleveland third baseman José Ramírez and left fielder Steven Kwan were named All-Star starters. Kwan went 1 for 4 and is hitting .360, but is one plate appearance shy of qualifying for the league leaders.
"My whole career, I've kind of watched how José goes about his business on and off the field, and I'm going to lean on him again," Kwan said.
The season-high attendance of 37,151 was Cleveland's seventh sellout of the year.
Jared Shuster (1-0, 3.15 ERA) will start a bullpen game in the series finale. Rookie Drew Thorpe has been pushed back to Friday at Miami.