28 Year Old Utility Player Becomes First Position Player To Pitch Four Innings Since 1988

Guardians' Fry Pitches Four Innings in Rare Relief Outing

28-Year-Old Utility Player Becomes First Position Player to Pitch Four Innings Since 1988

Utility infielder David Fry made history on the mound as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the San Diego Padres 5-3 on Sunday.

Fry, who was pressed into service after the Guardians' bullpen was depleted, pitched four innings of one-hit relief, allowing no runs and striking out four batters.

The 28-year-old became the first position player to throw at least four shutout innings since Bob Forsch did so for the Cardinals in 1988. Fry also became the first Guardians player to pitch at least four innings since Len Barker in 1986.

"I was just trying to throw strikes and keep the ball down," Fry said. "I didn't want to give up any runs and put our team in a bad spot."

Fry's outing was a major turning point in the game, as the Padres had scored three runs off Guardians starter Triston McKenzie in the first inning. Fry's four innings of scoreless relief gave the Guardians' bullpen a chance to rest and allowed the team to rally for the victory.

"We needed that from Fry today," said Guardians manager Terry Francona. "It was a huge outing for us. He came in and threw strikes and gave us a chance to get back in the game."

Fry's heroics capped a memorable weekend for the Guardians, who took two of three games from the Padres in San Diego. The Guardians will now return home to face the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.