White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami knows jobs not finished despite Tigers heroics

The Chicago White Sox regained a share of the NL Central lead on Thursday with a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers. One swing of Munetaka Murakami’s bat made all the difference for Chicago.

The first baseman hit a three-run, 423-foot blast in the first inning. Detroit was never able to respond to the home run, as the White Sox maintained that lead the rest of the way. Alongside his long ball, Murakami hit the first triple of his MLB career.

With the win, the White Sox are now in a 78-75 deadlock with the Cleveland Guardians atop the NL Central. Chicago does hold the tiebreaker after winning the season series. But every game will be extremely crucial down the stretch.

Murakami fully understands the role he must fill for the White Sox. Like everyone in the organization, the first baseman is solely focused on clinching a playoff berth.

White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami wants more

Chicago White Sox, Munetaka Murakami — Jul 10, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) during batting practice before the teams game against the Athletics at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

On the year, Murakami is hitting .205 with 32 home runs and 68 RBIs. However, September has been a particularly hard month for the first baseman. Even with Thursday’s performance, Murakami is still hitting .125 with three home runs and nine RBIs. He has struck out 33 times compared to seven walks.

Murakami isn’t taking games like Thursday’s for granted. But he is aware what the White Sox are paying him for. Every time he is in the box, the first baseman must be prepared to make an impact, via Scott Merkin of MLB.com.

“I have responsibilities to be that player. I’m being paid by the team and to be accountable for what I do, even if I strike out, or I hit. It doesn’t really matter,” said Murakami through interpreter Kenzo Yagi. “I’m responsible for who I am, to be a baseball player and go out every single day to get the best results to help the team win.

“Winning is all that matters at the moment right now. Giving 100 percent every single day is what I need to do.”

The White Sox will continue to rely on Murakami to bring the thump with his bat. It’s up to the first baseman to be a consistent dominant force.

The post White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami knows jobs not finished despite Tigers heroics appeared first on ChiCitySports.