Munetaka Murakami ended a 13-game home run drought in spectacular fashion, hitting two home runs and driving in six runs to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 12-3 victory over the Houston Astros at Rate Field on Sunday.
Murakami's first home run came in his first at-bat, a two-run shot to left field on a 3-2 slider, scoring Sam Antonacci.
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The ball traveled 385 feet.
It was Murakami's 21st home run of the season and his first since returning from a right hamstring strain that sidelined him for six weeks.
Key Contributions
Murakami added an RBI groundout in the third inning and a two-run single in the seventh.
He capped his performance with a solo home run in the eighth inning.
The White Sox avoided being swept by the Astros with the win, according to mlb. com and chicago.
suntimes. com.
Sunday also featured a Murakami bobblehead giveaway, commemorating his first Major League home run.
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The first 15,000 fans received the bobblehead, which included the phrase "I have power" and a plaque referencing TOTO Washlets, the bidet brand Murakami requested for the White Sox clubhouse when signing his two-year, $34 million contract.
Murakami's parents participated in the ceremonial first pitch. His father threw to Murakami, and his mother threw to interpreter Kenzo Yagi.
Brooks Boyer, White Sox executive vice president, commented on the Muneshot Sushi push pops sold at the ballpark during the weekend.
"I don't eat sushi, so I have not tried it," Boyer said. Nearly 1,500 were sold by Sunday, as reported by mlb.
com.
Murakami was tied for the major league lead with 20 home runs before his injury on May 29.
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He has become a rising star and fan favorite, with his bobblehead and related promotions drawing significant attention.
