Shields sharp as White Sox edge Indians, 2-1

James Shields prefers not to dwell on a disastrous recent past, so the Chicago White Sox's 34-year-old veteran right-hander is focused on ending the season on a high note and starting over fresh in 2017.

With that in mind, Thursday was a good day for Shields, and the Sox, in a 2-1 matinee home win over Cleveland Indians.

Coming in with an 0-5 record and 10.75 ERA in his last 8 starts, Shields pitched 6 innings against the first-place Indians and allowed 1 run on 3 hits.

"I think his curveball was the best I've seen it since he's been here," manager Robin Ventura said. "It had something to it. There was some depth to it. It was sharp, and he was able to use it a couple times to get out of some binds."

Shields had 8 strikeouts, the highest total since May 7 when he was pitching for the San Diego Padres.

"I felt pretty good with my curveball today," Shields said. "I was able to locate it. Bounced a few more than I wanted to but other than that, it was a good day."

Shields still has two years left on his contract, so it's important that he shakes off the worst season in his career if he intends to help the White Sox in 2017.

"We're all hoping for that right now," Shields said. "It's been a rough year but I've dealt with a lot of adversity in my career. This isn't something that's going to get me down. Hopefully, I can finish strong and do a lot with these last few starts here.

"The bottom line is we've got to put it together throughout the whole season and it all starts with the starting pitching. If we outpitch the others guys we're going to win a whole lot of ballgames."

Sanchez comes through:

Carlos Sanchez is better known for his versatile infield defense than his bat, but he came through with the big hit for the Sox in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Indians.

With one out in the ninth inning, Sanchez decided the outcome when he flared a single to right field that scored pinch-runner Leury Garcia from second base.

"It's really fun when you help your team win games," Sanchez said. "I enjoyed that moment a lot. I was looking for a fastball away but it was really hard to see. I just tried to hit that ball, and I know Leury can run."