Japanese superstar Munetaka Murakami’s explosive power was on full display in the series finale against the Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago on Sunday. The All-Star lefty slugger crushed two home runs and drove in six runs as the White Sox routed Houston 12-3, avoiding a home sweep.
Murakami’s offensive fireworks came on a special day as the organization celebrated his bobblehead day. The moment was further highlighted when Munetaka’s parents were invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the series finale. Murakami’s mother threw a perfect strike, and the crowd applauded the happy family moments on the field.
Watch the video here:
Fans shared their reactions to Murakami’s parents throwing the ceremonial first pitch, with many noting that the 26-year-old inherited baseball genes from his mother.
“He got his baseball gene from his mom,” one fan commented.
Murakami is batting .239 with 22 home runs, 48 RBIs, and a .921 OPS. Based on current trends, he is projected to hit 34 home runs and register 75 RBIs this season.
Munetaka Murakami’s Impressive Showing Has The White Sox Vibing This Season
The 2021 Japan Series champion with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Murakami, made the switch to the big leagues in Dec 2025, signing a two-year, $34 million deal with the White Sox. It’s safe to say Chicago might have made the biggest acquisition of the offseason, and it’s paying off in gold in 2026.
The White Sox had been struggling to reach the postseason over the past four years, finishing either last or second-to-last in the AL Central standings. However, this season the tide has turned in their favor, largely because of their offseason acquisitions, especially Murakami.
Despite the series loss to the Astros, the White Sox sit atop the AL Central with an impressive 55-49 record, 2.5 games ahead of second-place Cleveland Guardians. The ballclub holds the third-best overall record in the American League and looks favorable to make it to the playoffs this year.
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