Feldman escapes by learning from mistakes

CHICAGO -- The second inning nearly got out of control on Wednesday for Scott Feldman, but he remembered what he did wrong in his previous start.

The White Sox's Jeff Keppinger battled Feldman in an 11-pitch at-bat in the second and hit a single. With runners at first and third and one out, Feldman gave up an RBI single to Tyler Flowers, but he retired the next two batters and escaped.

"I just had to remember what I did wrong in Cincinnati [in his previous start] when I gave up the crooked number there, and try to minimize the damage and have confidence that if I do give up one run, we'll come back," Feldman said. "[Dioner Navarro] came right back the next inning and hit another home run."

Navarro backed up his pitcher with his first career three-homer day, driving in six runs, in the Cubs' 9-3 victory over the White Sox. Feldman didn't get to see the third blast in person. He was already doing his shoulder exercises in the athletic trainer's room.

"I was jumping around on the trainer's table, I can tell you that," Feldman said.

The right-hander is now 4-1 with a 1.64 ERA in five starts at Wrigley Field, and 5-1 in his last seven starts after opening the season 0-3.

"He was able to get through it and manage innings and make big pitches when he had to," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "That's one thing that he seems to do is get in a little bit of trouble, and you see the wheels come off and, bam, here's the good stuff and the location in big situations."