Munetaka Murakami, the 26-year-old slugger for the Chicago White Sox, powers through an exceptional early-season surge.
Monster Shot Seals Dramatic Moment
In the matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix on April 22 (KST), Murakami launched his ninth home run of the season in the ninth inning. Trailing 4-0 after two innings, he connected on a 2-1 pitch from Keller, sending a towering 426-foot (129.8 meters) drive deep into the stands.
This blast tied the White Sox franchise record for the most home runs in a player’s first 23 games, with nine long balls. League records confirm Murakami leads all rookies in this category.
Outpacing Ohtani’s Pace
Murakami now surpasses Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who hit six home runs over his first 23 games. White Sox officials noted, “Even compared to Ohtani’s previous lead with six homers, Murakami has hammered three more.”
Should Murakami connect for another on April 23, he would set a new White Sox benchmark. Only six players in franchise history—A.J. Pierzynski (2012), Paul Konerko (2011), Carlos Lee (2003), Frank Thomas (1994, twice), Ron Kittle (1983), and Greg Luzinski (1983)—have hit five home runs in their first five games.
Bargain Contract Proves Its Worth
Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the White Sox, a figure once debated as undervalued. His explosive output reaffirms its value, especially as he chases the single-season franchise high of 56 homers set by Mark McGwire.
Teammates joined the power display: Miguel Vargas and Colton Montgomery also went deep after Murakami’s shot, boosting the team’s season home run total.
Manager Highlights Historic Pace
White Sox manager praised the performance: “Murakami notched nine homers after four straight games with long balls. This time, Keller surrendered big hits in the first two innings to the Sikago White Sox switch-hitter, amplifying the fireworks.”
Keller, previously with the SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers) from 2015-2019, struggled. In a prior top outing, he pitched 5 1/3 innings with two runs allowed for a win. Here, he lasted just 4 1/3 innings, surrendering 10 hits—including three homers—for eight runs and the loss.
