Munetaka Murakami gave the Chicago White Sox an early lead in the American League Division Series, then earned some high praise from a Cleveland veteran after the game.
Murakami launched a two-run homer in the fourth inning Saturday, sending a 440-foot shot into the right-field stands at Progressive Field. The home run was his first in the postseason and helped the White Sox beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-0 in Game 1.
The result gave Chicago a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. The White Sox finished the regular season 84-78, while Cleveland won the AL Central with an 85-77 record and entered the division series after a first-round bye.
Austin Hedges, Cleveland’s veteran catcher, had a simple assessment of the White Sox first baseman after seeing his power up close. According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Hedges said, “He’s just a stud. He can hit a home run in every pitch in every spot, so you’ve got to keep him off-balance as best as you can. Man, he’s fun to watch hit, just not when he’s playing against us.”
The home run was another highlight in Murakami’s first MLB season. He finished the regular season with a .207 batting average, .347 on-base percentage, .478 slugging percentage, 35 home runs and 77 RBIs in 127 games.
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Murakami’s power was especially important Saturday because Chicago’s pitching staff handled the Guardians’ lineup throughout the afternoon. Five White Sox pitchers combined on a three-hit shutout, while Grant Taylor recorded a four-inning save with six strikeouts.
For Cleveland, the loss puts the AL Central champions in an early hole. The Guardians will have a chance to even the series in Game 2 on Monday, while the White Sox can move within one victory of the AL Championship Series with another win.
