A pair of runs in the fourth inning and two insurance runs in the eighth is all Erick Fedde and the Chicago White Sox needed to complete a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. The White Sox wasted no time erasing an early 1-0 deficit with timely hitting in support of a fantastic outing by Fedde. The veteran righty cruised through Sunday's series finale and earned his second win of the year.
The South Siders doubled their win total from three to six in 72 hours with three straight wins against the Rays. Andrew Benintendi played the hero Saturday night and again came through with a crucial hit in the eighth inning of Sunday's contest. After a couple of wins led by the offense, Fedde stepped up with the Sox' most dominant starting pitching performance of the season.
Setting The Tone
Fedde allowed a solo homer to Isaac Paredes in the fourth inning, and Austin Shenton doubled two at-bats later but was stranded. The White Sox ace retired the next 15 hitters he faced until Paredes singled with one out in the ninth. Harold Ramirez doubled home Paredes, which ended Fedde's day.
Fedde came within two outs of a complete game in a sterling performance, allowing two runs and seven hits with no free passes and nine strikeouts.
Playing F.A.S.T. with Insurance
The White Sox' power surge took a break in the series finale but got the job done with good situational hitting.
With two on and two out in the fourth, Robbie Grossman singled off the glove of second baseman Curtis Mead allowing Gavin Sheets to score and tie the game at one.
In the next at-bat, a base hit by Danny Mendick plated Eloy Jimenez. Fedde did his part and held the 2-1 lead until Benintendi delivered two key insurance runs with a bases-loaded single.
The left fielder's knock was the fourth consecutive base hit to start the inning. Sheets sandwiched a single to center between Tommy Pham and Eloy Jimenez's infield hits, setting the stage for the clutch moment.
Jordan Leasure retired the two hitters he faced to earn the first save of his career.
News and Notes
The White Sox made a series of roster moves before the game. Chicago purchased the contract of pitcher Brad Keller, called up reliever Prelander Berroa, and sent down rookie Jonathan Cannon. The club also designated Deivi Garcia for assignment.
The sweep is the first for the Sox since their three-game sweep against Detroit on the weekend of June 2-4, 2023.
With the Miami Marlins' loss on Sunday, the 6-22 White Sox no longer hold the worst record in baseball.
What’s On Tap Next?
The Pale Hose open a three-game series against the rival Minnesota Twins on Monday night. The Twins swept the White Sox in four games in the Twin Cities last week. Garrett Crochet will toe the rubber for the Sox against Twins' righty Joe Ryan. First pitch is at 6:40 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
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