The Chicago White Sox opened their division series with a win over the Cleveland Guardians, according to NHKニュース. Munetaka Murakami provided the early offense, hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning at Cleveland.
The home run was Murakami's first in postseason play, Japanese outlets including 西日本新聞 and 朝日新聞 reported. His fourth-inning drive gave the White Sox the first lead of the game and stood as the decisive hit in the victory.
Murakami drew heavy media attention after the game. At his postgame press conference, reporters from both Japanese and American outlets focused their questions on him, スポニチアネックス reported. Asked about his approach, Murakami said he does what he does in order to lift and inspire his team.
The result puts Chicago ahead in the series. 時事ドットコム had reported that Murakami and his teammates were working through their preparations for the division series before the opener.
The White Sox will look to build on the win when the series continues in Cleveland.
