Murakami's 2-run homer puts White Sox ahead in ALDS opener

The drive was the hardest-hit ball of this postseason.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 29m1 min read

WHO ELSE BUT MUNETAKA MURAKAMI ☄️ His 2-run homer to give the White Sox the lead is the hardest-hit ball so far this po Via @YahooSports on X

What happened: Murakami flipped Chicago in front with a two-run homer in the White Sox's ALDS opener. The blast was later measured at 112.2 mph and 440 feet, giving it the top exit velocity of the postseason so far.

Why it matters: Chicago opened Division Series play Saturday, so the swing immediately changed the leverage of Game 1. It also followed Murakami's 35th home run of the season on Sept. 25, carrying his late power surge into October.

By the numbers: 112.2 mph exit velocity, 440-foot distance, and a two-run swing that put Chicago in front; reaction around the play also labeled it Murakami's first postseason home run.

What to watch: What matters now is whether Chicago can turn that swing into a Game 1 win. If this series stays tight, Murakami's bat is already back at the center of it.

Sources

@YahooSports 2026-10-03T18:18:54.432420+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

MLBBreakingChicago White SoxMunetaka Murakami

Follow MLB Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportMLB

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →