On May 10, 2025, Eric Fedde, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, made history by achieving his first career complete game in Major League Baseball (MLB) during an impressive outing against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington D.C. Fedde's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he pitched a full nine innings, allowing only six hits, striking out eight batters, and finishing the game with a remarkable 0 ERA. This dominant display helped lead the Cardinals to a resounding 10-0 victory over his former team, marking his third win of the season.
Fedde's complete game is particularly significant as it represents the first time he has accomplished this feat in both MLB and the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where he previously played for the NC Dinos. The left-hander's journey to this moment has been a rollercoaster, filled with challenges and triumphs, making this achievement a memorable milestone in his career.
During the game, Fedde showcased his pitching arsenal effectively, throwing a total of 109 pitches, which included 46 sinkers, 26 sweepers, 23 cutters, and 14 changeups. Despite allowing a lead-off double to CJ Abrams in the first inning, Fedde quickly regained control and retired eight consecutive batters, demonstrating his ability to recover from early-game challenges.
In the third inning, he faced Abrams again, who managed to reach base with a single, but Fedde responded by striking out James Wood with a high-speed sinker to end the inning without further damage. The Nationals struggled to find their rhythm against Fedde, who effectively mixed his pitches, keeping hitters off balance throughout the game.
As the game progressed, Fedde continued to dominate. He faced another challenge in the sixth inning when Abrams managed to get on base again, this time with a bunt hit. However, Fedde quickly induced a double play, showcasing his ability to navigate pressure situations. In the ninth inning, although Wood reached base with an infield hit, Fedde sealed the game by getting Keibert Ruiz to pop out to shortstop Mason Win, completing his shutout.
The Cardinals' offense provided ample support for Fedde, scoring early and often. In the first inning, Lars Nootbaar and Win both walked, setting up a two-RBI single by Willson Contreras, which eased the pressure on Fedde. As the game unfolded, the Cardinals added more runs, including a two-run single from Ivan Herrera and a sacrifice fly from Jordan Walker, contributing to their commanding lead.
With this victory, the Cardinals extended their winning streak to six games, improving their record to 20 wins and 19 losses, and solidifying their position in second place in the National League Central division, just 2.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs.
Fedde's journey to this moment has been a remarkable one. After being drafted by the Washington Nationals in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut in 2017. His early career was marked by struggles, as he recorded a total of 21 wins and 33 losses with a 5.41 ERA across 102 games prior to his stint in the KBO.
In 2023, Fedde found new life in the KBO, where he played for the NC Dinos, posting an impressive record of 20 wins and 6 losses with a 2.00 ERA, earning the KBO MVP award. This performance not only helped him regain his confidence but also paved the way for his return to the MLB, where he signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Chicago White Sox before being traded to the Cardinals.
After a rocky start to the 2025 season, where he struggled with a 5.40 ERA in April, Fedde's complete game against the Nationals represents a critical turning point in his season. With this victory, he has now improved his overall record to 3 wins and 3 losses with a 3.86 ERA in eight games. His ability to maintain composure and execute his pitches effectively was crucial in achieving this milestone.
After the game, Fedde expressed his excitement and gratitude in an interview with MLB.com, reflecting on the significance of pitching at Nationals Park, a place where he began his career. He stated, "I was really excited to pitch at Nationals Park. I have no hard feelings towards Washington. They were the team that gave me every opportunity. They drafted me and made me a major leaguer. It’s always special to show that I can improve, but I owe a lot to them."
As Fedde continues to build on this performance, he remains focused on contributing to the Cardinals' success this season. With his first complete game now under his belt, he looks forward to the challenges ahead, hoping to maintain his momentum and further establish himself as a key player for the Cardinals in their pursuit of success in the 2025 MLB season.
In conclusion, Eric Fedde's complete game against the Washington Nationals is a testament to his resilience and skill as a pitcher. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also highlights the potential for continued success as he navigates the rest of the season with the St. Louis Cardinals.
