The Chicago White Sox pulled out a 2-1 win on Wednesday afternoon to split their doubleheader with the Kansas City Royals. The victory snapped the South Siders' six-game losing streak overall and their six-game winless skid against the Royals.
Dominic Fletcher and Gavin Sheets delivered the offense for the Pale Hose, while Erick Fedde put together his best start of the season.
Fedde allowed only three hits, two of which were infield singles, in his 5.2 innings and earned his first win since joining the White Sox. He issued three walks and fanned five, throwing 55 strikes out of 94 pitches. Tanner Banks relieved him and recorded the final out of the sixth, stranding two runners on base.
Run-Scoring Magic
The White Sox' scuffling first baseman Andrew Vaughn led off the fourth inning with a double against Michael Wacha. After Eloy Jimenez's one-out walk, Dominic Fletcher delivered a single to right to score Vaughn and break the scoreless tie.
The fourth-inning run put Fedde in line for the win, and after Banks escaped the sixth-inning jam, Gavin Sheets belted a solo homer off the right-field foul pole to give the Pale Hose a 2-0 lead. Sheets' homer proved to be the difference in the game and a crucial insurance run.
Late Drama
In the seventh, Banks' wild pickoff attempt of Nick Loftin with one out allowed him to reach third base and score on Hunter Renfroe's groundout. Deivi Garcia took Chicago through the last two innings to seal the victory, allowing only a two-out walk in the eighth and a two-out single in the ninth.
Salvador Perez, who homered in the first game, nearly tied it with a deep flyout to center to lead off the ninth. Garcia earned his second career save.
News and Notes
The White Sox returned Jared Shuster to Triple-A Charlotte following the game. Chicago appointed Shuster as their 27th man for the twin bill.
Shortstop Paul DeJong went 5-for-6 with a walk, a double, and a homer in the doubleheader.
What's On Tap Next?
The White Sox open a three-game series on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Garrett Crochet will get the nod for the South Siders against Phillies' righty Spencer Turnbull. First pitch is at 5:40 PM CT and the game will air on NBC Sports Chicago.
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