White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami sends grand slam into outerspace

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White Sox’s Munetaka Murakami sends grand slam into outerspace

Originally posted on MLB on ClutchPoints
By Abdullah Imran, ClutchPoints | Last updated Apr 18, 2026 9:08 AM ET

In front of a sellout crowd of 12,027 at Sutter Health Park, the Chicago White Sox smoked the Athletics 9-2 on Friday night to open their three-game series. Chicago racked up a season-high 15 hits to put an end to its three-game losing streak.

The offensive breakthrough took off thanks to Munetaka Murakami, who went 3-for-5 and hit his first career grand slam in the seventh inning. The 431-foot blast off reliever Elvis Alvarado cleared the batter’s eye in center field and was his sixth home run in 20 games this season. He also singled in both the third and fourth innings and scored twice in the contest. Across the season, the 26-year-old is slashing .200/.361/.477 with 6 home runs, 13 RBIs, 14 runs scored, and a 17:28 BB:K over 83 plate appearances.

MUNETAKA MURAKAMI UNLEASHES THIS BALL FOR A GRAND SLAM pic.twitter.com/DMgrBmQgr7

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The White Sox lineup produced contributions throughout. Andrew Benintendi also went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored, and one RBI. Colson Montgomery contributed two hits and two RBIs, including an RBI double in the first inning. Edgar Quero, Luisangel Acuna, and Chase Meidroth each collected two hits, with Quero and Acuna driving in runs. Chicago produced 11 hits off Athletics starter Aaron Civale, who allowed a career-high 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings, surrendering five earned runs over 103 pitches.

On the mound, Davis Martin improved to 3-1 after throwing seven innings of one-run baseball. He allowed just three hits, struck out four, and walked two while retiring the first 10 batters he faced. Martin also worked into his second straight seven-inning outing. The White Sox defense supported him with multiple double plays and held the Athletics to only two runners past first base.

Nick Kurtz and Andy Ibanez provided the Athletics’ only RBIs in the game, but it wasn’t enough as they lost their second straight game.

The series continues Saturday with Erick Fedde (0-3, 3.38 ERA) starting for Chicago opposite Luis Severino (0-2, 5.59 ERA).

This article first appeared on MLB on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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