The White Sox returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over the Twins, powered by home runs from Munetaka Murakami and Drew Romo.
The White Sox had relied heavily on home runs this season, with 48.1% of their runs coming via the long ball, ranking second in the Majors. However, during their six-game West Coast road trip, they only managed four solo home runs.
Murakami’s Home Run Ties the Game
Murakami’s AL-leading 18th home run tied the game in the bottom of the first. It followed Brooks Lee giving Minnesota the lead in the top of the frame. The ball travelled a Statcast-projected 375 feet.
The home run was a welcome sight for White Sox fans, as Murakami had gone seven games without one. His previous home runs came against the Cubs on May 16.
White Sox manager Will Venable said that Murakami continues to take really good swings and make good swing decisions. He added that he had no concerns about Murakami.
Romo’s Two-Run Shot Secures the Lead
Drew Romo hit his fifth home run of the season in the next inning. This gave the White Sox a lead they would not relinquish.
Romo said that the hitters and coaches had a great meeting and preparation going into the game, with a great plan of attack. He added that he was ready for the first pitch and executed.
“I mean, personally, I haven’t been on a team .500 or above for a few years,” Romo said. “I haven’t been on a team this good in a long time. So seeing how talented we are, seeing us perform day in and day out, winning ballgames, that fires me up.
Japanese Players Make History
Murakami also made history with his teammate, Rikuu Nishida. The White Sox became the third team in MLB history to have two Japanese-born position players in the same starting lineup. They joined the Phillies (2008) and Mariners (2012).
Nishida, making his MLB debut, collected his first Major League hit in the fourth on a single to center field.
The win moved the White Sox over .500 (27-26) and into a Wild Card spot nearly a third of the way into the season.
Romo said he feels super confident in their team and their guys, that they can beat anybody. He added that it has been a lot of fun.