#WhiteSox on the board first thanks to a 440-foot blast to right by Munetaka Murakami with 1 out in the top of the 4th. Via @RuiterWrongFAN on X
What happened: The drive came with one out in the top of the fourth after three scoreless innings. Chicago broke through immediately after Cleveland loaded the bases in the previous half-inning and came away empty.
Why it matters: An early breakthrough carries extra weight in a postseason opener after Cleveland missed its cleanest chance to score in the third. It also extends the power run from Murakami's two-homer night on Sept. 26 into October.
By the numbers: Wire Report previously tracked Murakami's 33rd homer on Sept. 23 and a two-homer game on Sept. 26 before this series.
What to watch: Cleveland's response through the middle innings will decide whether that missed third-inning chance lingers. Murakami's next plate appearance will show whether the Guardians change how they attack him.