Murakami First to Homer in Initial Three MLB Games

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami became the first player in major league history to homer in each of his initial three games, capping a strong start to his MLB career during a weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.

The 26-year-old Japanese slugger, making his big league debut on Thursday, March 26, 2026, launched a solo home run in the ninth inning off a 1-1 pitch from Brewers reliever Jake Woodford. The 384-foot drive with a 103 mph exit velocity cleared the right-field wall, providing a bright spot in the White Sox's 14-2 season-opening loss. Murakami went 1-for-2 with two walks and no strikeouts that day, drawing praise for his plate discipline amid Chicago's 20 strikeouts, a franchise record for a nine-inning game.

On Saturday, March 28, Murakami added another homer in the fourth inning off starter Chad Patrick, helping the White Sox in a matchup that highlighted his power potential. The streak continued Sunday when he sent a 3-2 pitch from Mets prospect Brandon Sproat—on assignment with Milwaukee—over the right-center wall and into Chicago's bullpen during the second inning.