Dual threat! Murakami reaches 20-HR mark, swipes 1st bag

CHICAGO -- Munetaka Murakami launching a home run, as he did in the seventh inning of a 15-2 thumping of the Twins Wednesday at Rate Field, is always big news delivered from the White Sox first baseman.

But it’s not exactly unexpected news, as he has homered in three straight games and sits tied with Houston’s Yordan Alvarez for the American League top spot at 20. Murakami also joined Jim Thome (20 in 2006) and Frank Thomas (21 in 1994) as the only White Sox players to hit 20 before June.

Now, Murakami picking up his first career stolen base, as he did in the sixth inning on Wednesday? Well that’s a breaking story. Murakami did so standing up at second base.

“He got a good jump,” said White Sox manager Will Venable with a wry smile of Murakami’s stolen base.

“The steals are a bit different in Japan than here in the Majors,” said Murakami through interpreter Kenzo Yagi. “I didn’t think the catcher was going to throw it to second, so I ran through it. But I got to keep learning and adjusting to the Major League kind of style. Next time I’ll try to slide.”

Most home runs in team’s first 55 games, White Sox history
1994 Frank Thomas: 21
2026 Munetaka Murakami: 20
2006 Jim Thome: 20

That long drive in the seventh, traveling 432 feet, according to Statcast, followed Chase Meidroth, who launched his first career grand slam in the previous at-bat. To see Murakami’s name mentioned with Hall of Famers such as Thome and Thomas is no surprise to anyone around the rookie slugger.

It’s also a testament to the meticulous preparatory process he goes through on a daily basis.

“I’m going into every single day in the same routine and having good preparation each day,” Murakami said. “So, I’m really glad that the continuation of that preparation is coming alive and really happy the results are coming as well.”

“He’s just been consistently doing a lot of damage, obviously,” Venable said. “Every day you see quality at-bats. If it’s not homers, he took it the other way today. Drawing walks. Just continues to stay in good spots and stacking really productive days.”

Wednesday’s home run for Murakami also tied Ken Williams on the White Sox all-time list, although Williams is probably better known as the architect of the 2005 World Series champions. With the stolen base, Murakami has done everything but physically sell tickets for the White Sox and take the mound to pitch.

Noah Schultz was caught on camera recently showing Murakami his changeup. So, don’t rule anything out.

“Whatever he wants to do,” said a smiling Venable. “If he can do it well, we’ll make it happen for sure.”

“Ha, that was awesome,” said Meidroth of Murakami’s stolen base. “That just goes back to the process and everything we do throughout the day to get ready for a game like that. When you’re put in that position and the opportunity is there, results like that happen.”